Democratic Services & Elections Manager

Start date:
Early January 2027 Are you an experienced democratic and electoral services professional with the leadership skills and expertise to support effective governance and democratic decision making?

Maternity Cover - up to 12 months
Start date:
Early January 2027 Are you an experienced democratic and electoral services professional with the leadership skills and expertise to support effective governance and democratic decision making? We are looking for a motivated and capable Democratic Services and Elections Manager to join Stroud District Council on a maternity cover basis for up to 12 months, starting in early January 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a busy and varied service at the heart of local democracy, ensuring that the Council's decision making processes are effective, transparent and legally compliant.

You will lead the Democratic Services and Elections function, overseeing the delivery of a comprehensive range of services that support councillors, committees, the Councils democratic processes and its Strategic Leadership Team. Alongside responsibility for Democratic Services and Elections, you will manage the Council's Executive Support function, which provides dedicated support to the Chief Executive and Strategic Leadership Team. This includes leading the Executive Support team, ensuring the effective coordination of support and the smooth running of strategic leadership arrangements.

• Leading and managing the Democratic Services, Elections and Executive Support functions, ensuring high standards of service delivery and effective use of resources.
• Overseeing the organisation and administration of Full Council, Committees and other formal meetings.
• Supporting member development and providing advice and guidance to councillors and officers on constitutional matters, procedures and democratic processes.
• Leading on electoral services, including the planning and delivery of local elections and electoral registration.
• Overseeing the provision of dedicated executive support to the Chief Executive and Strategic Leadership Team, ensuring effective coordination, organisation and administrative support.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to maintain high standards of governance and service delivery.

You will be an experienced democratic services and elections professional with a strong understanding of local government, political governance and the legislative framework within which local authorities operate.

• Significant experience of working in democratic services and electoral services.
• A sound understanding of local authority governance, committee processes and constitutional arrangements.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate a team and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent organisational, communication and relationship building skills.
• The ability to work calmly and effectively in a busy environment, exercising sound judgement and maintaining attention to detail.

In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits.

A local government reorganisation is planned for Gloucestershire, which may result in changes to structures and services. A timeline for potential change is currently unknown. We are committed to supporting all employees through this transition and ensuring continuity of employment wherever possible. Joining us now means you'll be part of shaping an exciting new chapter for local government.

It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from…