We are fortunate to have a fantastic city which provides a great place to live for many of our residents - our heritage is world renowned, our culture is unique and our economy is strong. We are proud of York’s status as one of the safest and best cities to live in the UK, protecting and engaging our 200,000 residents and 7 million visitors alike.

It is an exciting time to join us; the implementation of a devolution deal with increased funding, our ambitious climate change agenda and our resolute focus on recovery post COVID make our work all the more challenging, interesting and vital in equal measure.

We are looking for a Head of Democratic Governance to play a fundamental role in driving change in governance and ethical standards, influencing key stakeholders and delivering improvements that will raise City of York Council’s reputation.

York is an important, prestigious and historic city. You have the opportunity to be an ambassador of the city as you exercise the civic office duties of the role; supporting the Lord Mayor and civic dignitaries, strengthening our reputation regionally, nationally and internationally.

This crucial new role will support Councillors, Officers and Civic leaders to successfully deliver our priorities and ensure that they meet statutory requirements.

This role has been created to strengthen and improve the Council’s approach to governance, ensuring high standards of governance are maintained throughout the organisation.  With whole City elections in May 2023 and devolution deal investment this presents an exciting opportunity for the post holder to shape, strengthen, influence and further develop a strong ethical governance framework, working in conjunction with Members and Officers.

This is an excellent opportunity for a progressive leader to address the challenges of local government, a trusted adviser, influencing key stakeholders- this is an important strategic role here in City of York Council. This being a new role you have an opportunity to further develop the role and service whilst shaping and enhancing your career.

As a pivotal member of our governance leadership team and deputy monitoring officer, you will directly support the Director of Governance to actively contribute to the strategic leadership of the Council and ensure the success of our corporate aims and objectives.

You will work collaboratively with other partners in the wider city and regional governance systems; building strong external relationships to certify robust and transparent governance arrangements for the Council and to make the most of opportunities for residents and communities.

We are looking for an exceptional Governance professional with strong leadership, personal resilience, vision and integrity; to help define our future direction, influence key stakeholders and support service improvement. You will lead the governance framework and the Council’s decision-making processes to ensure effective and timely decisions are made in accordance with the law and Council Constitution.

You will work collaboratively with other partners in the wider city and regional governance systems; building strong external relationships to certify robust and transparent governance arrangements for the Council and to make the most of opportunities for residents and communities.

To be successful you will have significant experience of working within the public sector and in a political environment, were you have develop your astute ability to navigate the complexities and nuances of public sector leadership and democracy.

The role will be expected to develop a culture of accountability, transparency and empowerment enabling the team to deliver high quality, outcome focussed, risk based and pragmatic advice.

Through this role you will provide challenge and advice to Elected Members and Officers to ensure that council decisions and actions are made correctly and are constitutionally compliant, and that elections are delivered with integrity and transparency.

As the key contact for our Elected Members, you will support, facilitate and manage productive working relationships with all Elected Members and other internal and external key stakeholders.

The successful candidate must have experience of managing multi professional teams at a senior level, contributing constitutional advice and problem solving. You need to be educated to Degree level preferably in a public administration discipline, or able to demonstrate extensive relevant experience. 

Extensive knowledge and experience of managing Elections and Electoral Services, is required along with extensive knowledge of public service/local government arrangements and procedures, with extensive proven experience of administering / supporting formal committee/decision making processes at a senior level.

If appointed, you will join us at a time of great ambition and optimism. If you are determined to make a difference in a world-class city of historical importance, working in a challenging yet rewarding role.

If you are interested in joining our team and are inspired to lead the next phase of our journey, we look forward to your application. We encourage you to explore your interest with our recruitment partners at The Resourcing Solution to learn a little more.