Principal Democratic Services Officer Council Posted

Grade F to H scp 17 £ 31,022 to scp 31 £ 41,771 pay award pending

Contract:

permanent x2

Hours:

37 per week
Essential qualification:
Degree or equivalent qualification
Interview date: 10 August 2026
For further information about this role, contact:

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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Bolton Council is seeking to recruit two Principal Democratic Services Officers on a career grade ranging from Grade F to Grade H. We are looking to appoint one experienced Democratic Services professional at Grade H and one entry-level candidate who is keen to develop a career in local government governance and democratic services.

This is an excellent opportunity to work at the heart of local democracy, supporting the effective delivery of the Council's decision‑making processes and ensuring that all statutory and procedural requirements are met.

In this role, you will provide high‑quality administrative and advisory support to a wide range of council meetings, including Council, Cabinet, Committees, Panels and School Admission Appeals.

You will be responsible for preparing agendas and reports, attending meetings, recording decisions, producing accurate minutes and ensuring that follow‑up actions are completed in a timely manner. As your experience develops, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to advise elected members and officers on democratic processes, the Council's Constitution and relevant legislation.

We are looking for highly organised individuals with excellent written and verbal communication skills who can build effective working relationships with councillors, officers and members of the public. You will be able to manage competing priorities, work to tight deadlines and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

You will have strong ICT skills and the ability to learn new systems quickly, together with an understanding of local government and democratic processes or a willingness to develop this knowledge. You should be comfortable working independently and as part of a team and demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.

For the Grade H post, you will have significant experience of Democratic Services, committee administration and governance processes, together with experience of using committee management systems, particularly Modern.

Gov (Mod.Gov). You will be confident in providing procedural advice and managing meetings with minimal supervision.

The role requires flexibility, and you will be expected to attend evening and occasional weekend meetings as part of the service requirement. This post is politically restricted in accordance with legislation.

These posts are offered on a career grade from Grade F to Grade H, and successful candidates will be appointed at the grade that reflects their current skills, knowledge and experience. Candidates with substantial relevant experience, including Democratic Services and Mod.

Gov experience, may be appointed at Grade H, while those new to the profession will typically be appointed at Grade F and supported to progress through the career grade through training, development and the achievement of agreed competencies.

This is your opportunity to join us at an exciting time as we have strong ambitions for the borough.

Bolton is a great place to work. We are a welcoming organisation that wants to contribute to a place where people feel active, connected and prosperous. We are passionate about improving the outcomes and experience of Bolton people. We want Bolton to be a vibrant place built on strong cohesive communities, successful businesses and healthy, engaged residents.

As an employer we want to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment, by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits, including discounts and exclusive gym membership prices and salary sacrifice schemes. In addition, we offer a generous annual leave allowance, flexible work opportunities, access to a Pension Scheme, as well as a range of…