Democratic Services Officer

The Role

Looking to develop a career in local government and governance?  This is a great opportunity to support local democracy, work with elected Councillors, senior officers and advise members of the public.

Whether you are looking for your first job in this area or want to build on your experience, we are looking for a highly motivated person to join our democratic services team.

You will develop a solid knowledge of the constitutional and legislative framework for local authority decision making and provide detailed advice to elected members and senior officers. You will be able to analyse complex documents or discussions and extract and summarise the key points.  Able to demonstrate strong communication skills, you will need to show that you have political sensitivity, effective prioritisation skills and an ability to work well in a team.

This is a career graded post and we will support your development.  We also welcome applications for job-sharing.  

If you would like to find out more about the job, please contact Peter Sass, Head of Governance for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils (020 8871 6005) (Peter.Sass@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk) or Kathryn Thomas, Deputy Head of Governance, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils (020 8891 7860) (Kathryn.thomas@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk)

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance.  These include (delete as appropriate) Compressed hours, home working (dependent on service need), part-time working, annualised hours, term time only. and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays. 

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities are also offered.

Richmond and Wandsworth are currently reviewing our pay, reward and benefits framework, in partnership with Trade Union colleagues. We are developing different options that make sure we have a fair and transparent system in place.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:  Monday 27^th May 2019

Shortlisting Date: tbc

Interview Date: tbc

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment

Governance Democratic Graduate Committee