Senior Democratic Services & Governance Officer - Council and Regulatory
London Borough of Croydon · United Kingdom · £54,927–£57,150 (stated in the posting)
Salary range: Grade 14 £54,927- £57,150 p.a. plus fantastic benefits
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Croydon
Senior Democratic Services & Governance Officer – Council & Regulatory
We are looking to appoint a Senior Democratic Services and Governance Officer (DSGO) – focused on supporting Council and Regulatory Committees to join our high-performing Democratic Services and Scrutiny Team at the London Borough of Croydon.
This important senior role sits within a small and dynamic team responsible for delivering an efficient, high-quality Democratic Services function. You will take a lead role in supporting the Council’s Regulatory Committees and Full Council meetings, ensuring they operate smoothly, effectively, and in compliance with statutory and procedural requirements, while supporting the wider strategic objectives of the organisation.
As a senior officer, you will also provide leadership within the team, including line management responsibilities, and play a key role in maintaining strong relationships with Councillors, senior officers and external stakeholders.
We are looking for someone with:
- A strong understanding of democratic processes and the legal framework within local government.
- Proven experience of servicing and managing complex committee meetings in a political or public sector environment.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- The confidence and experience to advise senior Councillors, including Committee Chairs, on procedural and regulatory matters.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels.
- Experience of supervising or managing staff, supporting development and performance.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading on the delivery and management of Regulatory Committees and Full Council meetings, ensuring they are properly constituted, well-run and compliant with legislation and Council procedures.
- Managing committee work programmes, scheduling meetings, and ensuring all statutory deadlines are met.
- Preparing, reviewing and overseeing the publication of agendas, reports and minutes to a high standard and in line with legal requirements.
- Attending meetings as a Democratic Services representative and providing authoritative procedural advice to Chairs, Councillors, Executive Mayor and Cabinet Members and Senior Officers.
- Monitoring and recording formal decisions to ensure they are lawful, transparent and correctly implemented.
- Leading and developing a small team, including line management of two officers and trainee, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.
- Building strong working relationships with Councillors, senior leadership and external partners, providing guidance on governance and decision-making processes.
- Contributing to service development, including improvements to democratic processes, governance frameworks and efficiency initiatives.
- Facilitating the webcasting of meetings and supporting wider democratic engagement and transparency.
There is also a shared responsibility across the team to support each other and contribute to the wider success of the Democratic Services function.
This role requires flexibility, including attendance at evening meetings, and is politically restricted.
If you share our values and have the leadership, expertise and drive to help shape and deliver high-quality democratic governance, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact simon.trevaskis@croydon.gov.uk.
Apply early
This vacancy may close without notice if a sufficient number of applications are received. Early application is therefore encouraged.
Please note: This is a re-advertisement, recent applicants need not re-apply.
Croydon Council’s priorities
The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services
- Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
- Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses
- Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
- Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
- Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities
- Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
- Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
- Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home
- People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
- Croydon Council’s new ways of working
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.
Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.