Senior Democratic Services Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Slough; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a Senior Democratic Services Officer for a 6-month contract in Slough. The role requires leading committees, ensuring statutory governance, and guiding councillors and officers.

The position offers a hybrid pattern with three days in the office and two days remote working. The successful candidate will oversee democratic support, meeting administration, and governance compliance, with strong experience in local government procedures and excellent

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Democratic Services within a Local Authority.
• Lead officer for committees and formal council meetings.
• Strong knowledge of Local Government legislation and governance procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in politically sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead officer for committees, panels, and working groups.
• Prepare and publish agendas, reports, minutes, and notices.
• Ensure deadlines are met in line with statutory requirements.
• Provide procedural and constitutional advice during meetings.
• Record decisions and maintain governance documentation.
• Support elections-related activities and emergency planning.
• Mentor and develop junior colleagues.

Skills

Democratic Services

Committee Services

Governance

Scrutiny Services

Communication skills

Education

GCSE English

ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge (Desirable)

Tools

Modern.Gov

Job description

Slough, United Kingdom | Posted on 28/07/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation.  That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Senior Democratic Services Officer – 6 Month Contract

Location: Slough

Contract: 6 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote

Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Democratic Services Officer to join our dynamic Local Authority Democratic Services team. This role is pivotal in providing high-quality governance, committee, and democratic support across various council functions. As the lead officer for allocated committees and panels, you will ensure meetings are efficiently administered in line with statutory and constitutional requirements. Your expertise will guide councillors, officers, and the public, supporting democratic decision-making processes. This is an excellent opportunity for a governance professional seeking a challenging and rewarding contract within Local Government.

Responsibilities

• Committee & Governance Support:
  • Lead officer for committees, panels, and working groups.
  • Prepare and publish agendas, reports, minutes, action logs, and statutory notices.
  • Ensure compliance with legislative and constitutional deadlines.
  • Provide professional support throughout decision-making processes.
• Meeting Management:
  • Attend and manage formal meetings, including evening sessions.
  • Offer procedural and constitutional advice during meetings.
  • Accurately record decisions, actions, and outcomes.
• Democratic Services Advice:
  • Provide procedural advice to councillors, senior officers, and the public.
  • Support compliance with constitutional procedures and governance frameworks.
• Research & Report Writing:
  • Conduct research on governance and policy matters.
  • Draft reports, briefing papers, and policy documents.
  • Present information and recommendations as needed.
• Decision-Making Processes:
  • Coordinate non-committee decision-making procedures.
  • Maintain governance records and documentation.
• Member Support & Development:
  • Support elected Members in their roles.
  • Assist in delivering Member training and induction programmes.
• Complaints & Information Governance:
  • Support complaints investigations and governance-related enquiries.
  • Assist with Freedom of Information Requests and other governance requirements.
• Mentor and support junior colleagues.
• Deputise for senior managers when required.
• Elections & Emergency Planning:
  • Support elections-related activities and emergency response arrangements.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in Democratic Services, Committee Services, Governance, or Scrutiny Services within a Local Authority.
• Experience as a lead officer for committees and formal council meetings.
• Strong knowledge of Local Government legislation and governance procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in politically sensitive environments and manage multiple deadlines.

Highly Desirable

• Experience with Modern.Gov committee management software.
• ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge.
• Experience supporting scrutiny functions and member development programmes.

Person Specification

Experience

• Significant experience in Democratic Services, Governance, or Committee Services.
• Experience servicing formal council meetings and providing procedural advice.
• Experience managing complex workloads and statutory deadlines.

Knowledge

• Detailed understanding of Local Government governance and decision-making processes.
• Knowledge of committee procedures and constitutional requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Qualifications

• GCSE English (Grade C/4 or equivalent).
• ADSO Certificate in Democratic Services Knowledge (Desirable).
• Location: Slough
• Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote
• Attendance at committee meetings and governance activities required.
• Some evening meetings may be required.

What's on Offer?

• 6 Month Contract
• Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote
• Opportunity to work within a busy Local Authority Democratic Services Team
• Bi-weekly Pay

Applications are particularly welcomed from candidates with experience as a Senior Democratic Services Officer, Committee Services Officer, Governance Officer, Scrutiny Officer, Civic Officer, Democratic Services Manager, Local Democracy Officer, or Committee Clerk.