Senior Democratic Services Officer

• Senior-Democratic-Services-Officer-Accessible-JD-July-2025
• GUIDANCE_NOTES_FOR_JOB_APPLICANTS_-_June_21
• PRIVACY_NOTICE_FOR_JOB_APPLICANTS_EBC__24102023

Senior Democratic Services Officer

Directorate: Resources

Department: Electoral, Democratic & Civic Services

Salary: Grade E - £30,024 to £33,699 per year (pay award pending)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Ilkeston Town Hall, Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5RP

Hybrid working and flexible hours available - attendance in the office required 2-3 days a week

Senior Democratic Services Officer

Make a real impact in local democracy – full training provided

Looking for a new challenge where your skills can really make a difference? Join Erewash Borough Council and play a key role at the heart of local decision‑making and governance.

You don’t need a background in local government to succeed here. If you’re an experienced administrator, PA, or governance professional with strong organisational and communication skills, we’ll support you to learn the role and relevant legislation.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary and generous leave
• Flexitime and Local Government Pension Scheme
• Supportive, forward‑thinking workplace
• Clear commitment to training, development and inclusion
• Opportunity to influence how democratic services are delivered

About the team

You’ll join a small, friendly Democratic, Electoral and Civic Services Team that supports councillors, meetings and decision‑making across the council. Our work promotes transparency, good governance and community trust — including inspiring young people through schools and community engagement.

About the role

As a Senior Democratic Services Officer, you will:

• Support council and committee meetings and civic functions
• Help maintain strong governance and constitutional processes
• Provide high‑quality administrative and professional support
• Manage complex workloads and deadlines
• Lead improvement projects and help modernise ways of working
• Work collaboratively with councillors, senior officers and partner teams

Experience in democratic services or tools such as Modern.Gov is helpful but not essential. What matters most is your ability to organise, communicate clearly, apply judgement and learn quickly.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applicants with transferable skills, including:

• Senior‑level administrative, PA or governance experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong attention to detail and organisational ability
• Confidence managing competing priorities
• A proactive, improvement‑focused mindset
• Ability to advise and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders

Additional Information

• Politically Restricted Post: This is a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, which imposes limitations on the political activities of the post holder.
• Evening Meetings: You will be required to attend some evening meetings (from 6.30 pm).

Please note: This role is only open to applicants who already have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Benefits of Working for Us

In addition to a competitive salary, you will also have access to:

• Generous annual leave package – 29 days annual leave (rising to 33 days after 5 years’ continuous service) plus 8 bank holidays a year
• Flexi Time scheme
• Free workplace car parking within the Borough
• Opportunities for training, learning and continuous professional development
• Family friendly, flexible and hybrid working policies available
• Option to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) plus access to a salary sacrifice scheme for added voluntary pension contributions
• Discounted leisure membership with the Fit for Work scheme
• Access to the VIVUP employee benefits discount and salary sacrifice scheme

For an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity please contact Danielle Hughes, Head of Law and Governance on 0115 907 1136 or Hayley Brailsford, Electoral, Democratic and Civic Services Manager on 0115 907 1112.

The closing date for applications is 15 May 2026 at midnight.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply with a CV and a supporting statement*

*IMPORTANT: Your supporting statement is an opportunity to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the role. Please refer to the person specification when providing examples, as this will be a key source of information for shortlisting.

To submit a CV please click on the 'Apply Online' icon located at the foot of the page. You will be requested to provide some basic information before you upload your CV.

For further information about working for Erewash Borough Council and how to apply for this job please visit our website at https://www.erewash.gov.uk/jobs-section/jobs.html

Alternatively, an application form and job description are available from Human Resources, Erewash Borough Council, Town Hall, Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5RP, Telephone: 0115 931 6000 (24 hr. voicemail) or e-mail: jobs@erewash.gov.uk

If you are a current employee of Erewash Borough Council and you wish to apply for this vacancy, you must apply through your Employee Self Service account. If you do not have access to Employee Self Service, you must complete a paper or word version of Erewash Borough Council’s job application form.

The Council is positive about disabled people and those who meet the essential shortlisting requirements will be guaranteed an interview.

The Council also supports the Armed Forces Covenant and those who have previously worked in the armed forces and meet the essential shortlisting criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Please ensure that you make it clear on your application form that you wish to be considered under these criteria.