Deputy Democratic Services Manager

Full time | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom

Posted On 09/03/2026

Legal / Security / Law

City Lambeth

Province Lambeth

Postal Code SE1

Job Purpose

To support the Democratic Services Manager in leading and managing the Democratic Services team to ensure the effective delivery of the Council’s governance and decision-making processes. The role ensures that all democratic processes, including committees, scrutiny, and member development, operate efficiently and in compliance with statutory and constitutional requirements.

The postholder will provide professional advice and guidance to councillors, officers, and stakeholders on governance and decision-making procedures, while also overseeing operational delivery, supporting service improvements, and deputising for the Democratic Services Manager when required.

• Support the delivery of the Council’s decision‑making processes, including committees, scrutiny functions and other governance bodies.
• Ensure council governance arrangements comply with statutory requirements, the Council’s Constitution, and relevant legislation.
• Provide professional advice and guidance to councillors, officers and the public on democratic processes and governance procedures.
• Assist in maintaining key governance documentation, including the Forward Plan, councillor registers of interests, agendas, minutes and decision records.
• Oversee the effective administration of council meetings, ensuring agendas, reports and minutes are prepared and published within required timescales.
• Ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for meetings, including coordination with relevant internal teams for logistics and security.
• Support the Executive, scrutiny committees, panels and boards to ensure decision‑making processes operate effectively and transparently.
• Assist in managing the Democratic Services team, including allocating work, setting priorities and monitoring performance.
• Motivate and support staff to deliver a high‑quality, efficient and value‑for‑money service.
• Provide guidance and operational support to colleagues across the team.
• Deputise for the Democratic Services Manager when required.
• Lead on arrangements for Member Development, including induction programmes for newly elected councillors and ongoing training.
• Work closely with councillors to ensure they are supported in performing their governance and scrutiny roles effectively.
• Oversee the administration of independent appeal panels, including education admission and exclusion appeals, ensuring compliance with legislation and national codes of practice.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of democratic services by reviewing procedures and adopting best practice.
• Support the implementation of legislative changes affecting democratic services and advise members and officers on their implications.
• Maintain effective relationships with councillors, officers, partners and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with Data Protection, Equality and Health & Safety legislation.
• Promote equality, diversity and good community relations.
• Undertake project work or additional duties as required by the Democratic Services Manager.

• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.
• Advanced knowledge of governance processes and local government decision‑making frameworks.
• Strong understanding of democratic engagement and participation in local government.
• Experience working in a Democratic Services or governance‑related role within local government.
• Experience managing or supervising staff.
• Experience advising councillors and officers on governance and decision‑making processes.
• Experience working within a political environment and demonstrating political awareness and sensitivity.
• Experience implementing service improvements.
• Operational knowledge of local authority constitutions and governance procedures.
• Experience using Modern.
  
  Gov or similar committee management systems to manage agendas, minutes, forward plans and councillor information.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with councillors, senior officers and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to analyse governance issues and provide clear professional advice.