Job introduction

The role:

Liverpool City Council is an ambitious and transformative Council, committed to ensuring our services are delivered to the highest possible standards for all our residents, and we pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive organisation, forward thinking and looking to the future.   

We are searching for our new Head of Democratic Services here at Liverpool City Council to join us on our journey!

We value the importance of our democratic services and the positive impacts these have for our residents and our partners. Democracy is vital to ensure our constituents given the opportunity to have their say and participate in local government decision making and politics. 

Our Head of Democratic Services sits on our leadership team and provides strategic leadership of all matters related to democratic services. Managing a small, dynamic, innovative, and capable team, this is an opportunity to work with passionate and dynamic senior officers, Members, and our residents.

We understand the importance of an effective work-life balance and therefore offer an exceptional agile working approach, managed effectively around business needs to be present in the office as required, alongside staff benefits, the Local Government Pension Scheme, and a generous annual leave entitlement.

A role like this does not come to the market very often, especially in a forward thinking and transformative Council like Liverpool. We’re delighted that you’re interested in this role and welcome a conversation ahead of an application if you have any questions.

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

An 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. 

Below is a testimonial from our previous Head of Democratic Services:

“As someone stepping up into my first Head of Service role, I was provided with the support, professional development, and autonomy to get the most out of the role. Importantly, this included open engagement and ongoing support from every political group, who all genuinely want to see the Council operate to the best of its ability.”

The full testimonial is attached to this advert. 

Our offer to you:

• At least 31 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 35 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 20 July 2025
Shortlisting: to take place the W/C 4 August 2025
Interviews: first stage face-to-face interviews will be on 11 and 12 September 2025 and the final stage will be held on 29 September 2025.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE! If we require support, we will come to you. Please do not contact hiring managers or stakeholders directly; all recruitment activity will be managed by our central Recruitment Team.

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 a politically restricted position.

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion, please contact Claire Harris via claire.harris@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.