Senior Democratic Services Officer, Havant Borough Council

Association Of Democratic Services Officers; Warblington; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Warblington seeks a Senior Democratic Services Officer to manage democratic services, lead a team, and provide advice to election officials. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, a local government understanding, and A-level education. This full-time role offers a competitive salary from £38,220 to £41,771 per annum along with a comprehensive benefits packet.

Benefits

Support for continuous professional development

Generous Leave Allowance

Free Parking

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working/Hybrid working

Family Friendly Packages

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Experience as a line manager, flexible and adaptable.
• Minute taking experience required.
• Thorough understanding of local government decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Democratic Services team and provide expert advice.
• Service formal and informal member and officer level meetings.
• Deputise for the Service Manager as needed.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communications skills

Attention to detail

Research and data analysis

Ability to foster productive relationships

Education

A-level standard education

Recognised qualification in Democratic Services

Job description

Salary: Grade G – £38,220 to £41,771 per annum
Contract type: Permanent, Full-time
Contracted hours: 37 hours per week

The Role

As our Senior Democratic Services Officer, you will join our motivated and hardworking Democratic & Electoral Services Team which provides support to elected members within the Council’s decision‑making process and also has responsibility for elections and electoral registration.

This role works on the democratic services side of the Team and you will be responsible for servicing formal and informal member and officer level meetings across the Council, with your main responsibilities leading the Democratic Services team and provide expert advice and guidance to senior officers and elected members. Deputising from time to time for the Service Manager you will work closely with the operational lead over service delivery.

To succeed you will need to be a seasoned line manager who is flexible and adaptable, with excellent written and oral communications skills. The ability to work to a high standard and to tight deadlines with attention to detail is essential, as is a thorough understanding of local government decision‑making with the associated technical knowledge of appropriate legislation. You will also possess excellent research, data analysis and report writing skills.

Attendance at evening meetings held at the civic offices will be required as part of this role. Education to at least A level standard and a recognised qualification is Democratic Services is required, along with minute taking experience and the ability to foster productive working relationships with members and officers at all levels within the authorities.

What we offer

• A competitive salary
• Support for your continuous professional development
• Generous Leave Allowance
• Free Parking
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working/Hybrid working to support your work‑life balance
• Family Friendly Packages
• A comprehensive benefits package, find out more on our website www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Jenni Harding, Democratic & Electoral Services Manager on 02392 446234.

To Apply

Please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below to apply and complete the short application process (3-4 minutes). Please ensure you attach your CV and a supporting statement, when completing your application on our recruitment platform Hireful – www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-us-apply-now. We will not be able to progress your application further unless you provide a supporting statement detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the role profile.

Due to the current employment climate, we are receiving a high number of applicants for each post and as such may not be able to acknowledge receipt of your application. You will however be notified as to whether you made the shortlist soon after the closing date.

We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities, therefore, we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences: www.havant.gov.uk/our-organisation/equality-and-diversity

The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.

Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.

Closing date for receipt of applications: Midnight, Thursday 27 November 2025

Interviews will be held on 2 December 2025

For full details and to apply, please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below.