Principal Democratic Services Officer

Please apply online via the link provided.

POST TITLE: Principal Democratic Services Officer (MATERNITY COVER)

SECTION: Democratic & Electoral Services

SALARY: Grade 10 £39,391 to £43,044 pa

Location: Contract:

Maidstone, KentFull time/ Fixed Term 12 months

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic person with initiative, drive and a passion for good governance and scrutiny to lead our Democratic Services team. You will lead the team in supporting the democratic processes, civic and mayoral functions and the governance of the Council; ensuring that decisions are taken effectively and lawfully. This will involve co-ordinating the work of the team to ensure the Council’s Committees, meetings and Members receive high quality support. You will also be leading on civic support for the Mayoralty, working with the Democratic and Electoral Services Manager on Civic Events.

Key to the role will be working directly with Councillors and Senior Officers, giving advice, and responding to requests whilst providing direct support to the committees you will be responsible for. In particular, we are looking for someone with Overview and Scrutiny experience who can advise, support and develop the scrutiny function working with the team member who supports the committee. This is an opportunity to make your mark in a short period of time and embed good scrutiny practice into the team.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week, on a fixed term contract for 12 months to cover a period of maternity leave. You will also regularly be required to attend evening meetings.

About Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstone Borough Council is a confident and forward-thinking organisation, committed to delivering high-quality services to our residents and local businesses. We are ambitious in our goals to make the borough an attractive place to live, work, and invest, while supporting a thriving local economy.

We continue to build on our strengths—our assets, knowledge, expertise, and a strong track record of innovation and improvement—to ensure a financially sustainable future that supports our long-term vision.

Our success depends on the talent, dedication, and hard work of our people. We invite you to be part of our journey. In return, we offer support, training, and fair rewards, along with opportunities to develop your skills and contribute to a positive, forward-looking working environment. Your ideas for improvement will be valued, and we are committed to managing change effectively as we embrace new ways of working.

At Maidstone Borough Council, we recognise the importance of flexible working and the benefits it brings to both our staff and the organisation. By offering a range of flexible working options, we aim to enhance wellbeing, engagement, and productivity. Our highly flexible hybrid working model, alongside flexi-time and other flexible working policies, empowers staff to shape their working patterns and achieve a better work-life balance.

Our Offer:

A range of benefits including:

• Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
• 7am to 7pm flexi time to suit personal circumstances for most roles
• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.
• Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year.
• Free parking
• Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, part time.
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
• Annual flu vaccine
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
• A professional fee payment, if required for the role

About You:

Applicants for the post will need Democratic Services experience, particularly Overview and Scrutiny experience, political awareness and the ability and skills to communicate effectively at all levels. Interpersonal and organisational skills are essential, and you will need to be flexible as you will regularly be required to attend evening meetings, for which payment will be made.

Training and support for the successful applicant will be provided on the job.

The Council considers this to be a customer focused role and the ability to converse at ease with customers adapting communication style to suit differing audiences and provide advice in accurate spoken English is fundamental to the role.

Selection Process:

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect job specific interview assessment, followed by an interview.

Maidstone Borough 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 further information or to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please contact Ryan O’Connell on 01622 602503.

To apply for the position, please click on the apply link above and complete the online application form or apply by phone on 01622 602555.

Closing Date: Sunday 7 September 2025

Interview Date: Tuesday 16 September 2025