Senior Democratic Services Officer

Rugby, United Kingdom | Posted on 08/07/2026

• This is a 3-month contract role with a local authority, aimed at leading and coordinating the delivery of Democratic Services. The position ensures the effective administration of the Council’s democratic decision-making processes. The role involves supervising the Democratic Services team, supporting elected Members and committees, leading scrutiny functions, and providing high-quality governance support to ensure the Council operates efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with statutory requirements.

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Democratic Services team, ensuring workloads are effectively planned and allocated.
• Supervise and support Democratic Services staff, fostering a high-performance and customer-focused culture.
• Organize and service Council, Cabinet, Committee, Scrutiny, Working Group, and Task and Finish Group meetings.
• Prepare and oversee the production of agendas, reports, minutes, and associated meeting documentation.
• Act as Lead Scrutiny Officer, supporting the delivery of a comprehensive Overview and Scrutiny function.
• Work with elected Members to identify and develop scrutiny topics and annual work programmes.
• Undertake research and analysis to support scrutiny reviews, investigations, reports, findings, and recommendations.

Essential Experience Required

• Significant experience working within Democratic Services, Committee Services, Governance, or a related local government function.
• Experience servicing formal meetings and supporting democratic decision-making processes.
• Experience preparing agendas, reports, minutes, and meeting documentation.
• Experience supervising, coordinating, or managing staff within an administrative or governance environment.

Essential Qualifications Required

• Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) Diploma, or
• Equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience gained through a senior role within Democratic Services or a similar governance environment.

• Working hours:
  
  37 hours per week.
• Attendance at scrutiny meetings every couple of months from 6pm – 8pm is required.