Overview
Openness and transparency is at the heart of decision-making at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. As part of the Governance team, you will be a key player in supporting the organisation in ensuring the SYMCA's functions are carried out in a way that demonstrates accountability, transparency, effectiveness, integrity, and inclusivity. As a senior member of the Democratic Services team, you'll ensure transparency and compliance across our democratic functions. Supporting the Mayor, Board, and Committees, you'll help deliver effective public engagement and governance with minimal risk. You'll be active in monitoring the political and legal landscape to drive service improvements that support SYMCA's regional ambitions.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.
The Senior Democratic Services Officer will play a vital role in deputising for the Democratic Services & Scrutiny Manager, supervising the day-to-day operations of the team and supporting the team of Democratic Services Officers. You will be a champion of transparency and openness, ensuring SYMCA meets and exceeds all the requirements in national legislation, local policies and SYMCA procedures. Your work will involve:
Responsibilities
* Day-to-day supervision, co-ordination and mentoring the Democratic Services Officers team to deliver high-quality governance and decision-making functions.
* Deputise for the Manager, providing strategic and operational leadership across Boards and Committees.
* Ensure timely and accurate production and publication of agendas, minutes, and statutory notices.
* Coordinating arrangements and ensuring the smooth delivery of meetings and democratic events, including logistics and live webcasting.
* Provide expert advice on governance and compliance in a politically sensitive environment.
* Manage public engagement processes, including questions and petitions facilitating fast and accurate responses.
* Supporting the Statutory Scrutiny Officer to fulfil the delivery of the MCA's Scrutiny function, including agenda planning and accountability sessions.
* Monitor political and legislative developments to inform governance improvements.
* Drive innovation and service improvements to strengthen decision-making and support regional ambitions.
Requirements
* Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
* Strong understanding of governance, democratic services, and scrutiny in the public sector.
* Proven experience in political environments and committee / Board management.
* Skilled in stakeholder engagement, including working with elected members and senior staff.
* Excellent communication, analytical, and administrative skills.
* Ability to manage multiple complex workstreams and meet deadlines independently.
* Experience leading teams and supporting collaborative working across departments.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and remote meeting technologies.
* Experience with Mod.gov, webcasting systems (e.g. Public-i), and Connect Remote.
About SYMCA and terms
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire. Recent funding rounds include Transforming Cities Fund, a devolution deal, and the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, contributing to a large and growing capital programme aligned with the Mayor’s 2040 transport vision.
All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and active travel facilities. We value work-life balance with family-friendly policies, flexibility, recognition, and shared success. Benefits include the Local Government Pension Scheme, annual leave and flexi-time options, hybrid working, and other employee assistance schemes.
Symca follows a structured salary grading system; offers may be at the starting point within the specified grade, with potential salary enhancements as you grow within the organisation. SYMCA does not sponsor Skilled Worker visas.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all. All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one. If candidates disclose disabilities and meet the essential criteria, they will be invited to interview.
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