Head of Democratic Services and Internal Governance

West of England Mayoral Combined Authority; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 84,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Volunteer leave

LG Pension Scheme

Hybrid working

Bus fare reduction

Job summary

West of England Combined Authority seeks a Head of Democratic Services and Internal Governance to lead its democratic services, scrutiny and governance functions. You will advise the Mayor, Combined Authority Members and senior officers to ensure decisions are lawful, transparent and well‑governed.

The role requires political awareness, exceptional organisational and advisory capabilities, and the ability to build trusted relationships across WECA, its constituent councils and regional partners.

Qualifications

• Senior democratic services or governance professional with strategic leadership experience.
• Experience advising elected Members and senior officers on governance issues.
• Strong understanding of democratic principles, scrutiny and internal governance.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across democratic services, scrutiny and internal governance.
• Advise the Mayor, Combined Authority Members and senior officers to ensure lawful and transparent decision‑making.
• Oversee democratic processes including Mayoral Decision Notices, Forward Plan, access to information, Constitution and Scheme of Delegation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Political awareness

Judgement

Organisational skills

Stakeholder engagement

Advisory services

Job description

We're looking for an outstanding Head of Democratic Services and Internal Governance to provide strategic leadership across democratic services, scrutiny and internal governance at the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). Reporting to the Director of Law and Governance, you'll be a trusted adviser to the Mayor, Combined Authority Members and senior officers, ensuring that decision‑making is lawful, transparent, effective and rooted in strong democratic principles. You'll lead an ambitious Democratic Services function supporting the Combined Authority Board, Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Audit Committee and a range of advisory and partnership boards. You'll oversee key democratic processes including Mayoral Decision Notices, the Forward Plan, access to information, the Constitution and Scheme of Delegation, while helping to continually strengthen WECA's governance arrangements.,

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at [e-mail]. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

This is a role for someone who can combine strategic leadership, political awareness, sound judgement and exceptional organisational skills. You'll need the confidence and diplomacy to advise Members from different political groups, navigate complex and sensitive issues, and build trusted relationships across WECA, its constituent councils and regional partners. In return, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the governance of a region with ambitious priorities across transport, housing, economic growth, skills and the environment. If you're a senior democratic services or governance professional who wants to influence how major regional decisions are made-and help build excellent, modern public‑sector governance-we'd like to hear from you.

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England, The salary for this role is £84,497 to £92,366. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.