Democratic Services Officer

Lancashire County Council; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancashire County Council is recruiting a Democratic Services Officer to support governance and decision-making across the authority. The role focuses on organising and administering council and committee meetings, advising elected members on procedures, and ensuring minutes and reports are produced to tight schedules.

We’re seeking an organised, confident and politically aware professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can work with councillors, senior officers and partners.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting committees or formal meetings is desirable.
• Willingness to learn how local government operates in a political environment.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Organise and administer high-profile council and committee meetings.
• Provide expert governance advice to elected members and senior officers.
• Prepare agendas, manage reports, and produce minutes to tight deadlines.
• Guide colleagues and stakeholders through complex governance processes.
• Support governance for council-owned companies.
• Attend evening meetings and events as needed.

Skills

Organised

Detail-focused

Public speaking

Politically astute

Strong communicator

Adaptable

Tech-savvy

Tools

Modern.gov

Job description

Job Description

Salary £33,119 - £37,563 per annum | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Preston

Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

Help shape the decisions that shape Lancashire.

We’re looking for an organised, confident and politically aware professional to join our Democratic Services Team at Lancashire County Council. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working at the heart of decision-making, and want to make a real impact on local communities – this role is for you.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Democratic Services Officer, you’ll sit right at the centre of the Council’s governance and decision-making processes.

You will:

• Run the show behind the scenes – organising and administering high-profile council and committee meetings
• Support elected members and senior officers – providing expert advice on procedures, governance, and the Council’s Constitution
• Keep decisions on track – preparing agendas, managing reports, and producing accurate minutes to tight deadlines
• Be a trusted advisor – guiding colleagues and stakeholders through complex and often sensitive processes
• Support council-owned companies – helping oversee governance arrangements, meetings and statutory requirements
• Work flexibly – occasionally attending evening meetings and events outside County Hall

Your work will directly support transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making across Lancashire. Please note that this is a politically restricted post.

What We’re Looking For

We want someone who is:

• Organised and detail-focused – able to manage multiple deadlines without missing a beat
• Confident and professional – comfortable working with councillors, senior leaders and external partners
• Politically astute – understanding (or willing to learn) how local government operates in a political environment
• A strong communicator – able to explain complex processes clearly and confidently, even in public meetings
• Proactive and adaptable – ready to take ownership and respond to changing priorities
• Tech-savvy – confident using Microsoft Office (knowledge of Modern.gov is a bonus)

Experience supporting committees or formal meetings is desirable, but we’re equally interested in motivated individuals with the right skills and mindset.

Why join us?

At Lancashire County Council, you’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values professionalism, innovation and respect.

You’ll play a vital role in helping us deliver our vision of making Lancashire the best place to live, work, visit and prosper.

Contact And Additional Information

For an informal discussion about the role or for more information, please contact Holly Tween, Senior Democratic Services Officer on 01772 537955 or at [e-mail].

Closing Date:

29/11/2026

Interview Date:

07/12/2026

Local Government Reorganisation

The Government has confirmed that local government across Lancashire will be reorganised, with the current 15 councils being replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire from April 2028.

If you are successful in your application, you will initially join Lancashire County Council. However, as part of the planned transition, your employment will transfer to one of the new unitary councils from April 2028, subject to the implementation of the reorganisation and relevant employment legislation.

Throughout this period, our focus remains on delivering excellent services to our communities. By joining us now, you'll play an important role in shaping the future of local government and helping to build a strong new organisation that will serve residents for years to come.