Senior Democratic Services Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Rugby; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Democratic Services lead for a 3-month contract with a local authority in Rugby. The role concentrates on delivering effective governance, coordinating the Democratic Services team and supporting elected Members and committees.

You will lead scrutiny functions, develop annual work programmes and ensure meetings are well organised, documented and compliant with statutory requirements.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Democratic Services or governance.
• Experience servicing formal meetings and supporting decision-making processes.
• Ability to prepare agendas, reports and minutes with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operation of the Democratic Services team and allocate workloads.
• Supervise staff and foster a high-performance, customer-focused culture.
• Organise and service Council, Cabinet, Committee, Scrutiny and other meetings.
• Prepare agendas, reports, minutes and meeting documentation.
• Lead scrutiny function and support elected Members with work programmes.
• Undertake research and analysis to support reviews and recommendations.

Skills

Democratic Services

Governance

Local Government

Committee Services

Education

ADSO Diploma

Job description

Rugby, United Kingdom | Posted on 08/07/2026

Job Description

3-month contract role with a local authority

Summary

• This is a 3-month contract role with a local authority, aimed at leading and coordinating the delivery of Democratic Services. The position ensures the effective administration of the Council’s democratic decision-making processes. The role involves supervising the Democratic Services team, supporting elected Members and committees, leading scrutiny functions, and providing high-quality governance support to ensure the Council operates efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Democratic Services team, ensuring workloads are effectively planned and allocated.


• Supervise and support Democratic Services staff, fostering a high-performance and customer-focused culture.


• Organize and service Council, Cabinet, Committee, Scrutiny, Working Group, and Task and Finish Group meetings.


• Prepare and oversee the production of agendas, reports, minutes, and associated meeting documentation.


• Act as Lead Scrutiny Officer, supporting the delivery of a comprehensive Overview and Scrutiny function.


• Work with elected Members to identify and develop scrutiny topics and annual work programmes.


• Undertake research and analysis to support scrutiny reviews, investigations, reports, findings, and recommendations.

Requirements

Essential Experience Required

• Significant experience working within Democratic Services, Committee Services, Governance, or a related local government function.


• Experience servicing formal meetings and supporting democratic decision-making processes.


• Experience preparing agendas, reports, minutes, and meeting documentation.


• Experience supervising, coordinating, or managing staff within an administrative or governance environment.

Essential Qualifications Required

• Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) Diploma, or


• Equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience gained through a senior role within Democratic Services or a similar governance environment.

Additional Information

• Working hours: 37 hours per week.


• Attendance at scrutiny meetings every couple of months from 6pm – 8pm is required.