Head of Democratic Services

Interim Head of Democratic Services & Scrutiny
Home Counties
Initial 6-12 month interim contract
£650 per day umbrella
Inside IR35
Hybrid Working

CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place within the week!

Are you an experienced governance, scrutiny or democratic services leader looking for a high‑impact interim opportunity within a transforming local authority?

My client is seeking an experienced leader who can hit the ground running, take ownership of a live service restructure, and immediately lead a team of 12–15 through a critical period. You’ll also play a central role in preparing the organisation for an upcoming Budget Council meeting and a Full Council meeting, ensuring robust processes, strong governance and effective political management.

If you want a role where your leadership directly strengthens democratic decision‑making, transparency and organisational improvement—this is it.

Your Role as Interim Head of Democratic Services & Scrutiny:

• Lead and manage Democratic Services, ensuring high‑quality committee management, member support and scrutiny functions aligned to the Council’s recovery, improvement and strategic objectives
• Provide authoritative constitutional, governance and democratic‑process advice to councillors, senior leaders and officers including preparing the organisation for key democratic events, including Budget Council and Full Council meetings
• Oversee and strengthen all democratic decision‑making processes, ensuring effective planning, conduct, transparency and regulatory compliance
• Develop and embed a strong, outcomes‑focused scrutiny function as the Council’s statutory Scrutiny Officer
• Drive digital improvements, service innovation, performance uplift and organisational change
• Ensure the effective delivery of all statutory governance responsibilities during a time of significant change

 
Your experience as Interim Head of Democratic Services & Scrutiny:

• Significant senior experience within Democratic Services, governance, scrutiny or constitutional advisory functions at a Head of Service level in a Local Authority setting
• Ability to step in quickly, deliver at pace and take immediate ownership of high‑priority projects
• Strong track record of preparing and managing major Council meetings, including Budget Council and Full Council
• Experience leading and restructuring teams of 12–15 people
• Expertise in governance legislation, constitutional frameworks and local authority decision‑making including providing high‑level advice to elected members, directors and senior stakeholders
• Experienced in service improvement, innovation and digital governance tools
• Relevant management qualification (degree + postgraduate e.g., ILM7/MBA) or equivalent

 
If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity further or know someone who may be a great fit, please contact Leah Overend or apply today.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation.)

Our clients are committed to building and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruitment decisions are based solely on skills and experience. Any reasonable adjustments required during the application or onboarding process will always be supported.

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