Head of Democratic Services and Internal GovernanceJobsGoPublic

Job Introduction

Are you an experienced democratic governance professional ready to play a key role in shaping how one the West of England region is governed?

We’re looking for an outstanding Head of Democratic Services and Internal Governance to provide strategic leadership across democratic services, scrutiny and internal governance at the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

Reporting to the Director of Law and Governance, you’ll be a trusted adviser to the Mayor, Combined Authority Members and senior officers, ensuring that decision-making is lawful, transparent, effective and rooted in strong democratic principles.

You’ll lead an ambitious Democratic Services function supporting the Combined Authority Board, Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Audit Committee and a range of advisory and partnership boards. You’ll oversee key democratic processes including Mayoral Decision Notices, the Forward Plan, access to information, the Constitution and Scheme of Delegation, while helping to continually strengthen WECA’s governance arrangements.

This is a role for someone who can combine strategic leadership, political awareness, sound judgement and exceptional organisational skills. You’ll need the confidence and diplomacy to advise Members from different political groups, navigate complex and sensitive issues, and build trusted relationships across WECA, its constituent councils and regional partners.

In return, you’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the governance of a region with ambitious priorities across transport, housing, economic growth, skills and the environment.

If you’re a senior democratic services or governance professional who wants to influence how major regional decisions are made—and help build excellent, modern public-sector governance—we’d like to hear from you.

Bring your expertise. Lead with confidence. Help shape governance across the West of England.

This role will have terms and conditions required by Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regs 1990. This is a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The closing date for this role is midnight on Sunday 01 November 2026.

Interviews are planned to be held in November at our offices at 70 Redcliff St, Bristol BS1 6AL.

Find out more

If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply so you can tell us why you'd be a great fit. There’s more information for you in the job description.

There’s more role-related formation is in the job description, but if you have any questions for the recruitment team you can contact us on [email protected].

About The Company

Our offer

We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.

2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer

Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).

Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week

Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The salary for this role is £84,497 to £92,366. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

Good Employment Charter

https://www.goodemploymentcharter.co.uk/

As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at [email protected]. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates

Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency?

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.