Interim Head of Democratic Services

Location: Sussex
Job type: Locum
Salary: £60.00 Umbrella per hour
Discipline: Local Government & Public Sector Legal Recruitment Specialist
Reference: J98494

Interim Head of Democratic Services – Full Time – 37 Hours – Sussex based Local Authority

Venn Group’s specialist Public Sector Legal & Governance team are currently recruiting for an experienced Locum Head of Democratic Services to join a Local Authority on an interim basis.
This is a senior leadership opportunity with responsibility for Democratic Services, Overview & Scrutiny and Civic functions, working closely with elected Members, senior officers and political leadership to ensure effective, transparent and legally compliant governance.

Role Details:
Position: Interim Head of Democratic Services
Working Arrangement: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Duration: Initial interim contract, with potential for extension
Rate:  £60.00 Umbrella per hour
Duties may include:

• Leading and managing Democratic Services, Overview & Scrutiny and Civic Office functions
• Providing expert advice on constitutional matters, political governance and decision-making processes
• Overseeing Council, Cabinet and committee meetings, including timetabling and political balance
• Leading the development and review of the authority’s Constitution and wider democratic arrangements
• Supporting effective scrutiny, policy development and political accountability
• Advising elected Members, senior officers and political leadership on complex governance matters
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with senior Members, Committee Chairs and Group Leaders
• Overseeing Member support arrangements and allowances
• Supporting the effective delivery of civic functions
• Managing service resources and budgets
• Providing strategic leadership within a politically sensitive and high-profile environment

Candidate Requirements:

• Substantial experience within Local Government Democratic Services
• Strong knowledge of local government governance, constitutional procedures and decision-making
• Significant experience advising elected Members and senior officers
• Proven leadership and people management experience
• Strong understanding of Overview & Scrutiny arrangements
• Experience operating effectively within a politically sensitive environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing and relationship-building skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and provide confident advice on complex governance matters
• Experience managing budgets and service resources would be advantageous

Job Reference: J98494
For more information, please contact John Smith or Samuel Williams  on 07441916456, or email southeastlegal@venngroup.com.
Venn Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates.

Due to the high volume of applications, it is impossible to provide feedback for every applicant. If one of the team has not contacted you within 48 hours, then please assume your application has been unsuccessful in this instance.

Locum Head of Democratic Services – Full Time – 37 Hours – Sussex based Local Authority