Senior Democratic Services Officer, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

Association Of Democratic Services Officers; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organisation in Sheffield is seeking a Senior Democratic Services Officer to oversee democratic functions, ensuring transparency and compliance. The role includes supervising the team, managing public engagement, and providing expert advice on governance. Ideal candidates should have experience in democratic services and excellent communication skills. This position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Enhanced Holiday Entitlement

Flexible Hours Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in democratic services within a political environment.
• Strong governance knowledge.
• Ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Democratic Services Officers team.
• Ensure timely production of agendas and minutes.
• Manage public engagement processes.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Webcasting systems

Mod.gov

Job description

Salary: £37,938 – £40,476 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Hours: 37 hours
Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

Overview

Openness and transparency is at the heart of decision-making at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. As part of the Governance team, you will be a key player in supporting the organisation in ensuring the SYMCA’s functions are carried out in a way that demonstrates accountability, transparency, effectiveness, integrity, and inclusivity.

As a senior member of the Democratic Services team, you’ll ensure transparency and compliance across our democratic functions. Supporting the Mayor, Board, and Committees, you’ll help deliver effective public engagement and governance with minimal risk. You’ll be active in monitoring the political and legal landscape to drive service improvements that support SYMCA’s regional ambitions.

About the role

The Senior Democratic Services Officer will play a vital role in deputising for the Democratic Services & Scrutiny Manager, supervising the day-to-day operations of the team and supporting the team of Democratic Services Officers.

You will be a champion of transparency and openness, ensuring SYMCA meets and exceeds all the requirements in national legislation, local policies and SYMCA procedures.

Your work will involve

• Day-to-day supervision, co-ordination and mentoring the Democratic Services Officers team to deliver high-quality governance and decision-making functions.
• Deputise for the Manager, providing strategic and operational leadership across Boards and Committees.
• Ensure timely and accurate production and publication of agendas, minutes, and statutory notices.
• Coordinating arrangements and ensuring the smooth delivery of meetings and democratic events, including logistics and live webcasting.
• Provide expert advice on governance and compliance in a politically sensitive environment.
• Manage public engagement processes, including questions and petitions facilitating fast and accurate responses.
• Supporting the Statutory Scrutiny Officer to fulfil the delivery of the MCA’s Scrutiny function, including agenda planning and accountability sessions.
• Monitor political and legislative developments to inform governance improvements.
• Drive innovation and service improvements to strengthen decision-making and support regional ambitions.

About you

You will bring proven experience in democratic services within a political environment, strong governance knowledge, excellent communication and analytical skills, and the ability to lead teams, manage complex workloads, and engage effectively with senior stakeholders.

We are looking for

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of governance, democratic services, and scrutiny in the public sector.
• Proven experience in political environments and committee/Board management.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, including working with elected members and senior staff.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and administrative skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex workstreams and meet deadlines independently.
• Experience leading teams and supporting collaborative working across departments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and remote meeting technologies.
• Experience with Mod.gov, webcasting systems (e.g. Public-i), and Connect Remote.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

• Local Government Pension Scheme – A comprehensive and attractive pension scheme with the ability to be flexible in the number of contributions you pay in along with peace of mind from immediate life cover and terminal illness cover after 2 years.
• Continuous Employment – If you are currently employed by a Local Government employer, or any other employer under the Redundancy Modification Scheme, and do not have a break in service, your length of service can be transferred upon starting. This will apply to entitlement calculations including annual leave, maternity leave and enhanced sick pay.
• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave
• Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
• Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.
• Rewarding You – Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
• Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications
• Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

How to apply

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please refer to the role profile, accessed by clicking on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below). Please note, all applications should be made directly via SYMCA’s careers portal.

Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.

Deadline for applications: Friday 3 October 2025

In-person interviews to take place at SYMCA’s Head Office (11 Broad Street West, Sheffield, S1 2BQ) on Wednesday 15 October

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