Democratic Services Officer

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead; Maidenhead; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in Maidenhead is seeking a part-time Democratic Services Officer for a maternity cover role. The successful candidate will support elected Councillors and senior officers, assisting in meeting arrangements and service development. Applicants must possess strong communication skills and an A level education. This role offers 32 days of annual leave and a flexible hybrid working arrangement, promoting a balanced work-life experience.

Benefits

32 days annual leave

Flexible working hours

Generous Local Government Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts with retailers

Qualifications

• Understanding of key issues facing local government.
• Knowledge of local authority workings and community needs.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and monitor progress.

Responsibilities

• Support elected Councillors and senior officers with meetings and documentation.
• Service statutory Education Admission Appeals.
• Assist in the development of services for Councillors.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Self-management skills

Organizational abilities

Political awareness

Education

Educated to at least A level standard

Job description

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Democratic Services Officer to join us!

Previous applicants need not reapply.

This is a part-time, fixed-term maternity cover role for up to 12 months, with hybrid working, and a salary of £28,193 - £32,104 per annum (£22,554 - £25,683 pro rata).

About us

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority – takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse. Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.

The Role

You will be supporting the Democratic Services function of the council in order to deliver high quality, resident focused and efficient services.

This will involve working closely with the other Democratic Services Officers and providing support to both the Governance & Democratic Services Manager and Principal Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer, when required.

Your role will involve:

• Providing support to the Council’s elected Councillors, senior officers and a number of external organisations, in arranging meetings, publishing agenda and producing minutes within statutory and local deadlines, to ensure the Council’s decision making processes operate effectively and efficiently in accordance with the statutory and local procedural requirements and timescales.
• Servicing statutory Education Admission Appeals, to include recruitment and training of Panel Members, providing advice and guidance to the Panel, recording proceedings and communicating decisions to appellants within statutory deadlines, to ensure that the appeal process functions effectively.
• Assisting with the provision and development of services for elected Councillors to ensure that they are able to undertake effectively their various roles and functions as Councillors and that their aspirations and needs are met.

What we are looking for:

• Educated to at least A level standard.
• An understanding of the key current and future issues facing local government.
• A comprehensive knowledge of the workings of a local authority and of the needs and aspirations of the communities that make up the Borough.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong self‑management skills, drive and determination coupled with good organisational abilities to be able to work to tight deadlines and monitor progress.
• To be able to demonstrate a high degree of political awareness and sensitivity.
• Flexibility in attitude to the hours that may be required to work and be able to attend evening meetings.

What we offer:

• 32 days annual leave.
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work‑life balance.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.

If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Interview dates: Thursday 15 January 2026

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Oran Norris‑Browne, Governance & Democratic Services Manager on Oran.Norris‑[e-mail] or 07717 801478