Interim Head of Democratic Services

Venn Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Venn Group is recruiting an Interim Head of Democratic Services for a South East England public authority. The role leads Democratic Services, Overview & Scrutiny and governance, providing senior advice to Members and officers in a complex political environment.

Hybrid working, initial interim contract with potential extension. Responsibilities include leading constitutional development, governance reviews, staff management, and ensuring robust governance and decision‑making processes across the

Qualifications

• Significant senior‑level experience in Democratic Services, Governance or Scrutiny.

Responsibilities

• Lead Democratic Services and Overview & Scrutiny functions.
• Provide constitutional and governance advice to Members and officers.
• Oversee call‑in and pre‑scrutiny processes.
• Support compliant and transparent decision‑making across the organisation.
• Lead on constitutional development and governance reviews.
• Manage and develop Democratic Services and Scrutiny staff.
• Oversee budgets and resources.

Skills

Senior governance leadership

Democratic Services

Governance advice

Overview & Scrutiny

Stakeholder engagement

People leadership

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification

Job description

Interim Head of Democratic Services

Location: South East England

Job type: Interim

Salary: Competitive rate, dependent on experience

Discipline: Local Government & Public Sector Legal Recruitment Specialist

Reference: J98128

Interim Head of Democratic Services – Senior Governance Leadership Role – Hybrid Working – South East based Public Authority – Competitive Rate

Venn Group's specialist Public Sector Legal & Governance team are currently recruiting for an experienced Interim Head of Democratic Services to join a public sector authority on an interim basis.

This is a senior leadership opportunity with responsibility for Democratic Services, Overview & Scrutiny and wider constitutional governance, supporting effective decision‑making across a complex political environment.

Role Details:

Position: Interim Head of Democratic Services
Working Arrangement: Hybrid working, with regular office attendance required
Duration: Initial interim contract, with potential for extension
Rate: Competitive, dependent on experience

Duties may include:

• Leading the authority's Democratic Services and Overview & Scrutiny functions
• Providing senior‑level constitutional and governance advice to Members and officers
• Overseeing statutory scrutiny arrangements, including call‑in and pre‑scrutiny processes
• Supporting compliant and transparent decision‑making across the organisation
• Leading on constitutional development, governance reviews and emerging governance arrangements
• Managing and developing Democratic Services and Scrutiny staff
• Overseeing service performance, resources and relevant budgets
• Advising on Members' allowances and supporting associated governance processes
• Building strong relationships with elected Members, senior officers and external partners
• Providing strategic advice on complex or politically sensitive governance matters
• Supporting organisational change and embedding effective governance and accountability arrangements
• Deputising for senior governance leadership where required

Candidate Requirements:

• Significant senior‑level experience within Democratic Services, Governance or Scrutiny
• Strong knowledge of Local Government legislation, constitutional arrangements and decision‑making processes
• Extensive experience advising elected Members and senior officers
• Strong understanding of Overview & Scrutiny and statutory governance requirements
• Previous people management and leadership experience
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders within a politically sensitive environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and operate autonomously on complex governance matters
• Relevant degree, professional qualification or substantial equivalent senior experience
• Experience managing budgets and resources would be advantageous
• Previous experience within a Combined Authority, upper‑tier authority or similarly complex governance environment would be beneficial

Please note that this role is politically restricted.

Job Reference: J98128

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates.

Due to the high volume of applications, it is impossible to provide feedback for every applicant. If one of the team has not contacted you within 48 hours, then please assume your application has been unsuccessful in this instance.

Interim Head of Democratic Services – Senior Governance Leadership Role – Hybrid Working – South East based Public Authority – Competitive Rate