Democratic Services Manager
Salary: £49,817 - £54,143
Hours: 37 Hours
Contract: Permanent
Location: York/Northallerton Hybrid Working
The Organisation
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.
The Opportunity
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking to appoint a Democratic Services Manager.
As Democratic Services Manager, you will lead the delivery of democratic services and scrutiny support across the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, ensuring our governance arrangements are lawful, transparent and effective.
This is a highly influential leadership role at the heart of democratic decision-making. Working closely with elected Members, the Mayor, senior officers and key partners, you will provide expert advice on governance, constitutional matters and decision-making processes, helping to ensure public confidence in everything we do.
You will oversee committee and scrutiny services, support high-profile and politically sensitive meetings, lead Member development programmes, and manage a team of democratic services professionals. You'll also play a key role in strengthening governance arrangements, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the organisation remains open, transparent and accountable.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape democratic governance within a growing and ambitious Combined Authority that is delivering transformational change across York and North Yorkshire.
What You Will Bring
You will be an experienced democratic services or governance professional with a strong track record of supporting complex decision-making processes in local government or a related public sector environment.
You will bring:
· Significant experience of democratic services, governance and scrutiny, including advising elected Members and senior leaders on complex and politically sensitive issues.
· Strong knowledge of local government governance frameworks, democratic processes and constitutional requirements.
· The confidence and credibility to provide robust, impartial advice and challenge where required.
· Experience of leading and developing teams, managing resources and driving service improvement.
· Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across political and organisational boundaries.
· The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, balancing competing priorities while maintaining high professional standards.
· A commitment to public service, integrity, transparency and continuous professional development.
Most importantly, you will be politically astute, adaptable and motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the democratic governance and success of York and North Yorkshire.
You will be joining a new and developing organisation at an exciting time. The benefits of working for us can be found here; Careers at York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority: Work for us
To find out more about our organisation please visit; https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk
Key Documents:
Job Description.docx
Contact and Apply
If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Paul Clark Paul.Clark@yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk for an informal conversation.
Applying is easy, simply register your details, tell us how you meet our criteria in the supporting evidence section, remove your personal details from your CV and upload.
Key Dates:
Closing date: Sunday 1 November 2026
Interview date: w/c 9th November 2026
North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Enquiries regarding the vacancy or practices should be made directly with the third party.