Our client is looking for an experienced Democratic Service Team Leader.
The Democracy Team Leader is responsible for managing and leading the Democracy Team within the Governance and Democracy service. This role ensures the efficient delivery of democratic services and scrutiny tasks to support the effective functioning of the Council. The post-holder will manage a variety of democratic and scrutiny functions, ensuring that services are delivered to elected members, co-optees, council officers, the public, and external organisations in alignment with the Council’s objectives and priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Team Management and Leadership:
•Manage the Democracy and Scrutiny Team, ensuring high-quality service delivery for democratic functions, scrutiny tasks, and related support.
•Oversee the day-to-day operations of the team, including recruitment, training, development, performance appraisals, and staff reviews.
•Monitor team performance, handle sickness, complaints, and disciplinary matters, and ensure the smooth operation of all administrative functions.
•Lead initiatives to improve team services, efficiency, communication, and work processes.
•Manage staff work allocation and ensure proper staffing levels.
2. Democratic and Scrutiny Services:
•Ensure statutory services related to democratic functions, including meetings, agendas, minutes, and access to information, are provided to the public.
•Provide advice and support to elected members, including the Leader of the Council, the Cabinet, and Mayor/Deputy Mayor on constitutional matters, council meeting procedures, and civic duties.
•Support all Council meetings, including preparing agendas, liaising with committee chairs, managing report timetables, and ensuring statutory compliance.
•Coordinate member development and training programs.
•Keep members informed of changes in policies, procedures, and regulations.
3. Scrutiny and Research:
•Coordinate and manage scrutiny projects, providing support for formal and informal meetings of the Scrutiny Committees.
•Lead research and analysis for scrutiny topics, preparing reports, briefings, and presentations.
•Manage exemption requests and ensure that scrutiny processes align with statutory requirements.
4. Deputising and Support to Service Delivery Manager:
•Deputise for the Service Delivery Manager (SDM) when necessary and assist with the preparation of Service Plans and budget monitoring.
•Explore opportunities for income generation and contribute to the ongoing development of democratic and scrutiny services.
•Provide general support to other team leaders within the Governance and Democracy unit.
5. External Relations and Compliance:
•Liaise with external partners, MPs, other councils, Parish/Town Clerks, and members of the public.
•Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, local regulations, and internal policies.
6. Management and Supervision:
•Supervise all staff within the Democracy team, including temporary and casual staff, ensuring work is allocated effectively.
•Support the supervision of other teams in the absence of respective team leaders.
Key Skills and Experience:
•Leadership and Management
•Democratic Services Knowledge
•Scrutiny and Research Expertise
•Communication and Interpersonal Skills
•Problem Solving and Decision Making
•Time Management and Organisation
•Financial Management
•ICT Proficiency
Personal Attributes:
•Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
•High level of professionalism, with the ability to handle sensitive information and complex matters.
•Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage challenging situations.
•Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity within the workplace.
Working Environment:
•Primarily office-based with travel required for Council meetings across the Borough.
•Occasional evening or out-of-hours work may be required to attend Council meetings.
•May involve exposure to challenging situations, including verbal abuse or distressing subject matter.
PLEASE ONLY apply if you have the necessary skills, experience and expertise.
The first part of our recruitment process is to send your CV. Should you be short listed Colbern Limited will contact you within 5 days or we may contact you about other job opportunities. Colbern Limited along with our clients are an equal opportunities employer.