Democratic Services Manager (Committees), London Borough Tower Hamlets

Association Of Democratic Services Officers; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A public governance organization in the City of London seeks a Manager of Democratic Services to lead a high-performing team. You will ensure excellent governance support for Council meetings and drive innovation in democratic processes. Strong leadership and a background in local authority governance are essential. This full-time role offers competitive benefits, including hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to employee well-being.

Benefits

29 days’ annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Corporate gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in managing constitutional decision-making processes.
• Ability to work in a sensitive political environment.
• Experience in promoting transparent decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Democratic Services team.
• Provide governance support to Council and Committee meetings.
• Innovate best practices for Democratic and Governance support.

Skills

Leadership

Local Authority constitutional governance

Project management

Excellent communication

Job description

Salary: £58,551 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Contracted hours: 35 hours per week

Be a Leader in Local Democracy – Manager of Democratic Services

• Are you a committed governance officer ready to lead in a high‑profile, fast‑paced environment where excellence truly matters?
• Do you have the experience and knowledge of Local Authority constitutional governance and a track record in delivering first‑class democratic services?
• Can you demonstrate development and delivery of projects which brought about real change and improvement to the efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of governance arrangements?
• Do you thrive in high‑profile, ambitious local authorities who are always looking to be the best they can be?

The Role

We are looking for an exceptional individual to manage our Democratic Services team — a key role at the heart of our council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Democratic Services is a supportive, friendly and professional service with highly‑motivated and experienced officers who are passionate about delivering good governance for members, senior officers and, most importantly, our residents.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and strengthen democratic processes in a council that is under significant external scrutiny and determined to be the best in its field. Leading your skilled and dedicated team you will support elected members and work closely with senior officers to deliver outstanding committee and governance services.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Manage our high performing Democratic Services team.
• Ensure the provision of excellent governance support to all formal Council and Committee meetings.
• Work in a highly sensitive political environment in a non‑political and professional manner.
• Have day‑to‑day responsibility for managing constitutionally sound decision‑making processes.
• Innovate and develop best practice in the provision of Democratic and Governance support to Committees, Members and senior management.
• Clerk the Council’s Cabinet meetings and take personal responsibility for other high‑profile meetings and Committees.
• Promote open, efficient and transparent decision‑making encouraging engagement of Members and the public as appropriate.
• Maintain excellent networks of contacts at related local authorities, partners and sector organisations such as the Association of Democratic Services Officers with a particular aim of identifying best practice to support the development of our service.
• Deputise for the Head of Service as required both internally and externally.

What we offer

• At least 29 days’ annual leave (plus a week at Christmas, bank holidays etc) rising with long service.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee benefits such as cycle to work, discounts, corporate gym membership and similar.
• Hybrid working with a requirement for a minimum of 2 days in the office a week (plus attendance at regular evening meetings/events as required).
• Employee Assistance Programme and well‑being support.
• Work within a diverse and inclusive workforce with access to a range of staff networks and events.

Does the above role appeal to you? Can you bring strategic insight, passion and innovation? If so we want to hear from you.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact the Head of Service: [e-mail].

To apply please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below or visit: https://www.jobs.towerhamlets.gov.uk/apply/vacancies/76/democratic-services-manager-committees.html

Closing date: 11:59, Wednesday 3 December 2025

For full details and to apply, please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below.