Head of Democratic Services

Job Introduction

Job Title: Head of Democratic Services
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week
Salary: G15: £71,709-£77,536
Location: Lincolnshire County Council
Closing Date: 29th March 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 13th April 2026

Are you an experienced local government professional with the leadership, political awareness and governance expertise to operate at the heart of a large and complex authority?

Lincolnshire County Council is looking for a Head of Democratic Services to lead our Democratic Services function and play a central role in supporting effective decision-making, strong governance and high-quality member support across the Council. The role also carries responsibility as the Council’s Statutory Scrutiny Officer, supporting and developing effective overview and scrutiny arrangements.

In this high-profile role, you will lead, develop and manage Democratic Services  to ensure the Council’s decision-making and governance arrangements are carried out in accordance with the Constitution and relevant legislation. You will help ensure councillors are fully supported to fulfil their roles effectively, and that the services and processes around them are efficient, responsive and fit for purpose.

Working closely with councillors , senior officers and key partners, you will act as the Council’s principal adviser on matters relating to democratic services . You will support the Monitoring Officer, oversee formal  meeting processes, help maintain a strong “no surprises” culture, and ensure the Council’s constitutional arrangements remain effective and under review.

You will also lead and develop teams across democratic services ensuring excellent service delivery while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and value for money. The role requires a confident and credible leader who can build strong relationships at all levels, influence effectively, and translate complex local government law and constitutional requirements into practical, workable solutions.

We are looking for someone who brings:

• significant leadership and management experience
• a high level of knowledge and understanding of governance processes
• strong communication and interpersonal skills
• political astuteness and sound judgement
• experience of managing change and leading improvement
• the ability to build credible, positive relationships with elected members, senior leaders and external partners
• confidence working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with competing priorities and sensitive issues.

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a visible and influential leadership role, helping to shape how democratic governance is delivered across Lincolnshire County Council.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact; Will Bell, Chief Legal Officer via email will.bell@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 29th March 2026

Selection Process: Week commencing 13th April 2026

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

A relocation package may be considered for the successful candidate. More details relating to our Relocation Policy can be found here.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty 

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Politically Restricted Position

Under The Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, this post has been identified as 'politically restricted'. Further information on the Council’s Politically Restricted Posts Policy can be viewed here.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.