Democratic Services Officer

Slough; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working model

Rail season loan ticket

Job summary

Slough Borough Council is seeking a Democratic Services Officer to support high-quality governance and decision-making. You will cler k, prepare agendas, reports and minutes, and advise councillors on constitutional matters to ensure lawful decisions.

Role requires flexibility to attend key meetings, including evenings, with strong organisational skills and calm, methodical work under deadlines. Experience in Democratic/Committee Services is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Highly organised and politically aware with a passion for open, transparent local democracy.
• Experience providing procedural advice, managing complex administration and using modern committee management systems.
• Experience in Democratic, Committee or Scrutiny Services is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality clerking, governance and procedural support to committees, panels and meetings.
• Prepare agendas, reports, minutes and statutory notices; advise councillors on constitutional matters.
• Offer timely clerking support at key evening meetings and provide procedural guidance to councillors, officers and the public.

Job description

• Directorate: Corporate Resources
• Pay Level: £37,711 - £42,307 (fully inclusive of local weighting allowance)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week
• Location: Observatory House, Slough / Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
• DBS requirement: Basic

The closing date for applications is midnight on 23rd October2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 2nd November 2026

What you’ll be doing:

Are you highly organised, politically aware and passionate about supporting open, transparent and effective local democracy?

Slough Borough Council is seeking a Democratic Services Officer to help deliver high-quality, well-governed decision-making. As a Democratic Services Officer, you will provide high-quality clerking, governance and procedural support to a range of committees, panels, scrutiny groups and formal meetings. From preparing agendas, reports, minutes and statutory notices to advising councillors and colleagues on constitutional and procedural matters, your work will help ensure decisions are made efficiently, lawfully and with confidence.

You’ll be present at key meetings often in the evening providing timely clerking support and clear procedural and constitutional advice to councillors, senior officers and the public.You will be a confident communicator with excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to work calmly and methodically in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.

Experience of providing procedural advice, managing complex administration and using modern committee management systems will be important, while experience in Democratic, Committee or Scrutiny Services would be a real advantage. Above all, you will bring professionalism, initiative and a genuine commitment to supporting good governance and public service.

If you are looking for a role where your judgement, organisation and communication skills will make a visible difference, this is an excellent time to join as we continue our improvement journey and strengthen good governance across the organisation.

Our Council:

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and our environment, and we would love you to join us in our mission! All of our employees, whatever their job, contribute to delivering services to local people - either directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and are continuously striving for our residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous, and healthy lives.

What we offer:

We offer a supportive place to grow and develop your career with a real opportunity for your input to be valued and heard. Ambition and innovation will be required now more than ever, and you will join a friendly and collaborative environment where you are encouraged to thrive.

We understand that everyone has different needs and circumstances. That's why we're committed to offering flexible and hybrid working arrangements that help you achieve the best work-life balance and accommodate different working patterns. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We select staff on merit and foster a workforce where people are valued and represent the local communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1st April each year, subject to six months service in the post, until the maximum spinal column point of the level has been reached. The payment of annual increments is not automatic and is subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by your director.

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide:

• 26 days annual leave (not including Bank holidays), rising to 30 days between 2 - 5 years' service and 33 days after 5 years' service.
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Ability to engage with wellbeing initiatives and the opportunity to be a member of our various employee networks, which are key to ensuring we celebrate and promote equality.
• Tax-free childcare and childcare services
• Season loan ticket - to help with the cost of your rail / bus journey to andfrom work.

Accessibility and Support:

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. We are keen to support you to feel comfortable throughout the application and interview process. Therefore, if yourequireany support throughout the application process or reasonable adjustments for the interview (e.g. questions being printed on the day or consideration for layout or lighting for the interview room), please contactour Recruitment Team who will be able to assist: [e-mail].

This information will be treated confidentially and used solely to ensure we provide appropriate support throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Slough Borough Council offers a variety of staff networks for you to be part of. Networks represent our diverse staff groups and come together to help the organisation be a place where our people can feel included and thrive.

Right to Work and Checks:

All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If appointed, all posts will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

How we recruit at Slough Borough Council

At Slough Borough Council, we're moving Forward Together. We believe in our people, our purpose, and our progress. We've created a unified set of core skills to help you understand what we value and will form part of your interview with us.

Join Slough Borough Council – Move Forward Together!