Principal Democratic, Governance & Scrutiny Officer
Grade: F
Location: Plymouth
Salary: £33,699
Contract Type: Permanent / Full-time
Work Style: Office-based hot-desk/touchdown
Reference: N1879
Shape the future of local democracy. Drive transparency. Make governance matter.
Plymouth City Council is looking for a dynamic and committed professional to join our Democratic, Governance & Scrutiny team as a Principal Officer (Grade F). This is your opportunity to influence decision‑making at the heart of local government and ensure accountability that truly impacts our communities.
Why this role matters
* Your advice will guide elected members and senior officers through complex constitutional and legislative frameworks, ensuring decisions are lawful, fair, and transparent.
* Your coordination will keep democracy moving, managing committee and scrutiny work programmes that shape policies and services for thousands of residents.
* Your research and reports will drive change, supporting scrutiny reviews that challenge and improve how we deliver for Plymouth.
* Your leadership at committee meetings will make governance work in practice, ensuring smooth, professional, and inclusive decision‑making.
What You’ll Do
* Provide expert procedural and constitutional advice to members and officers.
* Coordinate and manage committee and scrutiny work programmes.
* Draft impactful reports, briefing papers, and policy summaries.
* Support scrutiny reviews through research and stakeholder engagement.
* Deliver elements of the member development programme.
* Act as lead officer at committee meetings and deputise for senior officers on routine matters.
What We’re Looking For
* Degree or equivalent experience, plus ADSO Foundation Course (or willingness to work towards).
* Strong understanding of local government structures and democratic processes.
* Excellent communication and report‑writing skills.
* Ability to work with political sensitivity and maintain confidentiality.
* Confident use of Microsoft 365 and remote meeting platforms (e.g., Teams).
* Proven experience in managing committee and scrutiny functions and advising members on governance matters.
Why join us?
* Be the voice of good governance—your work will directly influence how decisions are made and scrutinised.
* Grow your expertise with professional development opportunities, including ADSO qualifications.
* Make a real difference in a role that champions transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Apply now and help shape the democratic future of Plymouth.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Note: this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
Closing Date: Sunday 4 January 2026
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