Head of Electoral Services

Islington Council; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in London is seeking an experienced Electoral Administrator to provide strategic leadership and manage electoral services. You will oversee the electoral process and lead a dedicated team, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering high-quality services. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and relevant qualifications in this field. Benefits include flexible working arrangements and generous leave policies.

Benefits

Up to 31 days leave per year

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive pay

Local government pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Gym membership discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading electoral processes or public services.
• Ability to manage a large team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Electoral Services.
• Manage recruitment and development of staff.
• Plan and deliver all elections efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with electoral legislation and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Electoral legislation knowledge

Team management

Communication

Education

Relevant management qualification

Job description

About The Role

Islington Council is looking for a dynamic Electoral Administrator experienced in leading on elections and voter registration. The candidate should be a dynamic leader, passionate about upholding the integrity of democracy and driving continuous improvement in public services. As the Head of Electoral Services, you will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the entire electoral process in Islington. This is a high-profile, front-facing post that sits at the heart of our commitment to transparent, efficient, and inclusive democratic participation.

You will lead a dedicated team of Electoral Services staff and coordinate more than 500 election staff. You will play a pivotal role as Deputy Returning Officer at all elections, ensuring the delivery of services to the highest legal and professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provide overall vision and direction for Electoral Services, ensuring compliance with electoral legislation and Electoral Commission standards. Act as Deputy Returning Officer at elections and referendums.
• Staff Management: Lead and develop colleagues, including recruiting, motivating, and supporting both permanent and temporary workforces. Ensure effective workforce planning, training programs, and performance management.
• Electoral Registration: Oversee all aspects of electoral registration.
• Election Management: Plan and deliver all elections, managing nomination processes, coordinating polling stations and count centres, and ensuring statutory milestones are achieved.
• Professional Advice: Provide authoritative advice on electoral services to Members, senior council officers, MPs, candidates, agents, political parties, and external partners.

Join us in ensuring every voice in Islington is heard. Help us deliver electoral services that are transparent, efficient, and inclusive for our borough’s residents. For further information or for an informal conversation about the post, please contact Kerry Wickens (Assistant Director of Elections and Corporate Support Services) at [e-mail].

Note to Recruitment Agencies: We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.

Working for the team, service and our organisation

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose is clear: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and, as one of the largest employers, we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

Everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what public service is all about.

Our offer to you

We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues. We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage. Advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace. Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The post is subject to a qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.