Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is looking to appoint a Principal Democratic Services Officer to join our busy, supportive and enthusiastic Democratic Services team, helping to deliver the Council’s core governance functions. This is an interesting and varied role providing high-quality governance and constitutional advice to the Council, its committees and partner organisations that work closely with the Council. The successful candidate will work confidently with Councillors and senior officers, supporting robust decision-making within the statutory and constitutional framework.

The post holder will be expected to act as lead officer for one or more scrutiny committees, proactively developing and promoting the scrutiny function across the Council and in the wider community. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a strong scrutiny background and the drive to deliver development and innovation. Tact, diplomacy, and sound judgement are essential, as you will be advising members and officers in a high-profile, politically sensitive environment.

The team is based at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue. This role requires a flexible approach, balancing remote working with the business demands of Democratic Services, including regular evening meetings. You will be expected to work in the office a minimum of two days per week, with greater office attendance as required by the role (as determined by the Democratic Services Manager).

The Job Description and Personal Specification set out further details of the requirements and responsibilities of this position.

Please note that this is a politically restricted post.

If you have any queries regarding this role, please contact Stephanie Cox, Democratic Services Manager at stephaniecox@southend.gov.uk.

To be successful, you will have:

• In-depth knowledge of the statutory framework for local authority decision-making and the scrutiny function.
• The ability to use initiative and be highly self-motivated, with a track record of improving ways of working and developing scrutiny functions.
• Strong organisational skills: methodical, well organised, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Strong IT skills, including significant experience of a committee management system (preferably Modern.Gov). Experience of using Modern.Gov report writing functionality and automated governance workflows would be desirable.
• The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with Councillors, officers at all levels of the organisation and partners.
• The Job Description and Personal Specification set out further details of the requirements and responsibilities of this position. Please note that this is a politically restricted post.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to make your application. Please note that only CVs are not acceptable. Applications must be made with a supporting statement (maximum of 2 sides of A4) setting out how you meet the criteria in the personal specification.

This role has an expected start date from 1 April 2026.  

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.