Head of Democratic Services

Job introduction

Job title: Head of Democratic Services

The role: 

We are looking to recruit a Head of Democratic Services to join the team within our City Law and Governance Directorate on a full time and permanent basis.

This is an opportunity to work in an exciting and forward-thinking local authority during a time of significant change and improvement. The work will be fast paced and highly varied in nature. The post of Head of Democratic Services presents an attractive and challenging opportunity for a highly motivated individual to bring their enthusiasm to the team, build on their experience, and modernise the service.

As Head of Democratic Services, the successful candidate will lead the City Council’s Democratic Service and provide direct support to the Leader and Cabinet, members, and senior officers of the Council to deliver a high quality and effective service.

In depth knowledge of local authority best practice and law – including decision making and governance – is required. Professional development and training in democratic services is desirable, but not essential. 

Our offer to you:

• At least 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 32 after 5 years’ service (pro rata, if part time) – option to purchase further days
• Agile working (role dependent) – a “Flexibility First” approach to agile working, where flexibility is the norm rather than the exception
• Part of the Local Government Pension Scheme – option to join the AVC Scheme
• Progression – opportunities and training through a wide range of high quality learning
• Health and wellbeing – offer including Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes 
• Drive Time – a salary sacrifice car lease scheme
• Family friendly policies with enhanced leave  
• Discounted gym memberships 
• Employee Volunteering Scheme 
• Medicash 

A bit about us:

Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic, and engaged communities, people who take real ownership of their local area and are passionate about making our city a better place. We've got ambitious targets to meet and we need people who are driven, dynamic, and ready to deliver the very best for our communities. Public service is more important than ever, and this role represents a real opportunity to make a difference to our communities by transforming the way we work and placing our residents at the heart of everything we do. 

Working at Liverpool City Council provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

We are proud of our world-famous, thriving city with its rich culture, as well as affordable housing, good schools, beautiful green spaces – there’s really something for everyone!

Next steps: 

Closing date: midnight on Sunday 27 April 2025

Interviews will be held across two stages. Stage one, a technical interview, is provisionally scheduled for Thursday 8 May. Stage two is provisionally scheduled for Monday 19 May. 

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please complete an application as early as possible.

Please note: this vacancy is classified as politically restricted position.

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion, please contact Daniel Sharples via daniel.sharples@liverpool.gov.uk. 

Watch our recruitment video and see what life is like working at Liverpool City Council!

Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe in appointing candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities. To support this commitment, we guarantee an interview to candidates from under-represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.

If you require any reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010, such as an application form in a different format or additional time to complete your application, please contact us at recruitment@liverpool.gov.uk

Although we advertise on Jobs Go Public, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including spam/junk folder, after the closing dates for notifications. Please ensure you complete your full profile, work, and education history in Tribepad.