Head of Policy and Governance

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is a high performing, innovative local authority located centrally between London and the South Coast and offers an attractive environment in which to live and work. The Council developed a Strategic Plan 2024-32 which includes a number of exciting projects that will attract growth and investment to secure the future of the borough. We have 39 elected members and the Council has an excellent reputation for engaging with our Parish and Town Councils, local communities and associations.

This is a high profile, challenging and exciting position that supports the Council in its community leadership role and preparation for Local Government Reorganisation. The Head of Policy and Governance is responsible for maintaining the Council’s reputation in relation to running smooth and well executed elections.

The position is responsible for ensuring that Councillors are supported in their decision-making within the Council’s governance arrangements, as well as supporting the provision of a member led Overview & Scrutiny function which focuses on positive outcomes for the borough.

For you to be successful in this role, you will need to establish effective and collaborative working relationships with Councillors and partner organisations. The successful candidate will ideally have experience of working within local or central government. You will need to be politically aware, have great management and organisational skills, able to motivate and lead others while at the same time manage your own workload including researching and producing reports to a very high standard.

Additional benefits include 32 days annual leave (increasing to 35 after 5 years Local Government service), membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, as well as valuable ongoing training opportunities for your own professional development.

For more information and to see a detailed list of responsibilities and person criteria please open the Job Description and Person Specification documents below. For an informal discussion about this post, you can contact Lee Colyer, Director of Finance, Policy and Development, on 01892 554 132.

This is a politically restricted post

What we offer:

• Financial: An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure
• Holiday Entitlement: 32 days annual leave (increasing to 35 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme: The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
• Free staff parking.
• Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%.
• Hybrid: The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office.
• Personal Development: Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Take a look here at all the additional benefits that we offer.

Equal Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.

For more information and to see a detailed list of responsibilities and person criteria please open the Job Description and Person Specification documents below. For an informal discussion about this post, you can contact Lee Colyer, Director of Finance, Policy and Development, on 01892 554 132.

Closing Date: 3 November 2025

Interview Date: 6 November 2025