Head of Democratic & Electoral Services, Cotswold District Council

Salary: £65,313 – £68,729 per annum (+ 5% allowance as Deputy Monitoring Officer £68,579 – £73,143 pa)
Contract: Fixed Term
Contracted hours: 37 per week

We are seeking an exceptional and inspiring leader to head our Democratic & Electoral Services Team, guiding and shaping the democratic governance and electoral integrity of the Council.

As Head of Democratic & Electoral Services, you will lead the delivery of high quality, customer focused services across the Council’s decision making structures, including Council, Cabinet, committees, democratic and electoral functions. Acting as Deputy Monitoring Officer, you will provide expert governance advice to councillors, Chief Executive Officer and senior officers —ensuring compliance, transparency, and best practice in all democratic processes.

You will oversee the Democratic and Electoral Services Team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and performance. Working closely with elected members and senior leadership, you’ll help maintain an up to date Constitution, support effective scrutiny arrangements, and enhance the Council’s reputation through effective governance and stakeholder engagement.

This role is hybrid, with a base in Cirencester and flexibility to work remotely as appropriate. The role is advertised as full time on a fixed contract up to two years. We also welcome applications from those seeking flexible working arrangements or part time hours.

• Extensive experience in governance, democratic services, and electoral management within local government.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and governance frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and influence at a senior level.
• Excellent political awareness, communication, and interpersonal skills.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to strengthen local democracy and deliver meaningful impact through effective governance, we would love to hear from you.

• Be educated to Degree level in a public administration discipline, or able to demonstrate extensive relevant experience & membership of appropriate professional organisation (eg ADSO, AEA), to reflect the professional nature of the post.
• Have extensive demonstrable knowledge and experience of current operational knowledge of governance, law, and practice of Local Authority meetings.
• Have extensive demonstrable knowledge and experience of managing Election/ Electoral Registration Services.
• Have significant experience of managing services and teams during periods of organisational change.
• Have experience of working in and sensitive to the political environment which the role will operate in.

• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
• BPSS.
• This post is designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.
• There may be a requirement to work at other locations to meet the needs of the business.
• You will be expected to work reasonable out of core working hours in line with the needs of the service.

For more information, including the job description, please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below.

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working.
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role).
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service.
• An extra two volunteering days per year to support a charity of your choice.
• A health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care.
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars.
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements.

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