Democratic Services Officer

North East Combined Authority; York and North Yorkshire, Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking a Democratic Services Officer to support committees, provide governance and procedural advice, and ensure decisions are transparent and compliant with constitutional requirements. You will work closely with the Mayor, elected Members and senior officers to shape governance within a growing organisation.

The role focuses on facilitating robust governance across York and North Yorkshire, contributing to economic growth and public services,

Qualifications

• Experience in democratic services, governance or committee administration.
• Strong understanding of governance and decision-making processes.
• Excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to provide clear and practical advice in a politically sensitive environment.
• Excellent political awareness, tact and diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Support high-profile committees, boards and formal meetings.
• Provide trusted governance and procedural advice to Members and officers.
• Work on issues that influence economic growth, housing, transport, skills and public services across the region.
• Prepare agendas, reports, minutes and decision notices.
• Ensure compliance with legislative and constitutional requirements.
• Work closely with the Mayor, senior officers and elected Members.
• Support transparent and accountable decision‑making.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Help shape governance arrangements within a growing organisation.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of a modern Mayoral Combined Authority.
• Play a key role in delivering excellent democratic services to the region.

Skills

Governance knowledge

Organisational skills

Communication

Relationship building

Job description

Democratic Services Officer

The Organisation

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.

The Opportunity

Devolution is transforming decision‑making across the region, creating a rare opportunity to help shape democracy within a new and ambitious Mayoral Combined Authority. As a Democratic Services Officer, you'll be at the centre of that journey, supporting the democratic processes that help deliver change for communities across York and North Yorkshire.

Working directly with elected Members, the Mayor and senior officers, you'll provide professional support to committees, boards and formal decision‑making meetings. Your work will help ensure decisions are transparent, robust and taken in accordance with legislative and constitutional requirements.

This is an opportunity to build your career in a modern organisation where governance and democratic accountability are central to achieving ambitious outcomes for residents, businesses and communities.

Key aspects of the role

• Support high-profile committees, boards and formal meetings.
• Provide trusted governance and procedural advice to Members and officers.
• Work on issues that influence economic growth, housing, transport, skills and public services across the region.
• Prepare agendas, reports, minutes and decision notices.
• Ensure compliance with legislative and constitutional requirements.
• Work closely with the Mayor, senior officers and elected Members.
• Support transparent and accountable decision‑making.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Help shape governance arrangements within a growing organisation.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of a modern Mayoral Combined Authority.
• Play a key role in delivering excellent democratic services to the region.

What you will bring

We are looking for an experienced democratic services, governance or committee professional who is energised by the opportunity to apply their skills within a modern Mayoral Combined Authority. You will bring strong governance knowledge, excellent organisational and communication skills, and the ability to build effective relationships with Members, senior officers and stakeholders.

What you will bring

• Experience in democratic services, governance, committee administration or political support.
• Strong understanding of governance and decision‑making processes.
• Excellent communication, organisational and relationship‑building skills.
• The ability to provide clear and practical advice in a politically sensitive environment.
• Excellent political awareness, tact and diplomacy.
• Confidence working independently and managing competing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards of public service.
• A proactive approach and enthusiasm for contributing to a growing and evolving organisation.

Above all, you will be someone who enjoys working in a fast‑paced environment, takes pride in delivering accurate and professional support, and is motivated by helping to ensure effective and accountable governance.

The benefits of working for us can be found here; Careers at York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority: Work for us

To find out more about our organisation please visit

https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk

Key Documents

Job Description.docx

Key Dates

• Closing date: Sunday 8 November 2026
• Interview date: w/c 16th November 2026