Head of Democratic Services

As the capital of Wales, Cardiff offers the experience of working in one of the fastest growing and most highly skilled cities in Britain but also offers easy access to the fabulous South Wales region’s coastline and countryside with worldwide standing.

As part of Governance and Legal Services Directorate based at County Hall, the Democratic Services Team support the Elected, Independent and Co-opted Members of the Council and contribute to the Council’s governance and decision-making processes.

The Services operate a hybrid working model which enables employees to work flexibly from home or from an office base, depending upon service requirements.

About the job

We are keen to recruit an outstanding individual with proven track record of providing high-quality democratic services in support of its Elected, Independent and Co-opted Members.  As a capital city, Cardiff is always striving to identify innovative solutions to deliver service excellence within its budgetary constraints.

You’ll lead a Democratic Services Team which includes directly managing Scrutiny Services to deliver ongoing service improvements across the authority, co-ordinating the delivery of robust governance arrangements by the Committee and Member Services Team, oversee the support to the Protocol Office for the activities of the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of the City and County of Cardiff, and the administration of the Electoral Services Team with four Parliamentary electoral divisions and two Senedd Constituencies.

This is a role for someone who can combine strategic and operational leadership, political awareness, sound judgement and exceptional organisational skills. You’ll need the confidence and diplomacy to advise senior officers and Members from different political groups, navigate complex and sensitive issues, and build trusted relationships across the Council including regional partners.  You will also be expected to support and maintain the governance and performance arrangements of the Council.

The postholder will be a member of the Directorate Management Team, supporting the Director of Governance and Legal Services and Monitoring Officer  and may deputise for the Director on occasions including on politically sensitive matters.

What We Are Looking For From You

We are seeking high calibre candidates who must have experience of local government democratic services with a meaningful knowledge of its legislation and guidance.  You will need the ability to motivate and manage staff and develop work systems and processes with the team partners and stakeholders.  The successful candidate will also be able to demonstrate drive and resilience and be able to deal with a varied and demanding workload.

We expect the individual appointed to take personal responsibility for delivering excellence, to work with others to achieve the best possible outcomes, to embrace change and new opportunities, to make the most of the resources available and to act in the best interests of the Council.

Additional information

The Council’s Flexi Time policy does not apply to this Post however, the post is open to individuals who wish to have flexible working patterns, subject to meeting the needs of our clients and having mutual regard to the working arrangements of existing Team members.

This vacancy is suitable for post share subject to there being another suitably qualified and experienced employee/candidate who wishes to post share.

This is a politically restricted post.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Debbie Marles, Director of Governance and Legal Services (and Monitoring Officer) via email debbie.marles@cardiff.gov.uk with any queries, giving your phone number and availability.

Those applicants successful at application form stage will be invited for an interview which will include a written test and presentation.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

Closing date: 15 December 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the ‘Enquire/Apply’ button.