The Role

Are you looking for your next career move? If you have a track record in governance and want the responsibility of leading a small team, we want to hear from you. To be a Democratic Services Manager here, you will have knowledge of local authority constitutions and decision-making processes, along with experience of supporting and advising various committees.

You will be working alongside politicians and senior officers across all departments, as well as providing advice and information to members of the public. You will be based mainly in Wandsworth, but you will be expected to work flexibly across both boroughs, as necessary.

We offer challenging opportunities for you to work with your team on a range of Executive, Scrutiny and Regulatory Committees. We are looking for someone with the right skills, abilities and talent to support our Councillors in their work.

You will need to demonstrate political sensitivity, the ability to interpret and apply legislation, effective prioritisation skills and an ability to manage a team. You will need to have strong verbal and written communication skills, have the ability to explain complex guidance and be confident in providing advice to Councillors and Officers in a range of meeting situations. We are also looking for someone with great analytical skills who can help the service develop new and efficient ways of working on democratic services for Richmond and Wandsworth.

So, if you are looking to progress your career in a local authority governance team, we want to hear from you. This is a career graded post and we will support your development.

In addition, the London Boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth present a unique opportunity to be part of a team who work together in a ground-breaking shared staffing structure across both boroughs.

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

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance.  These include 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.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date:  Monday 4th November 2019

Shortlisting Date: 5-7 November

Interview Date: 19 or 20 November

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

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.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils