Assistant Democratic Services Officer

Looking for a career with purpose, variety and responsibility?

 At Hillingdon, we're committed to putting residents first and being brilliant at the basics. The Democratic Services Team sits at the heart of that mission, supporting the Council's Administration and all 53 elected Councillors in their different roles, ensuring decision-making, scrutiny and local democracy operate openly, efficiently and transparently. The work of the team helps the Council make decisions, deliver high-quality local services and improve outcomes for more than 300,000 residents across the Borough.

 This trainee career-grade role offers a clear development pathway, with structured support, increasing responsibilities and salary progression as your skills and experience grow.

About Hillingdon's Democratic Governance

Hillingdon has a strong and highly regarded democratic framework built around transparency, accountability and effective decision-making.

Elected Councillors are actively involved in shaping policy, scrutinising decisions and representing their communities. Democratic Services plays a central role in supporting this work and is widely valued across the Council for delivering governance that is responsive, efficient and trusted.

We pride ourselves on helping the Council make decisions openly and at pace, whilst ensuring appropriate challenge, assurance and public accountability. It makes Democratic Services one of the most interesting and rewarding places to build a career in local government.

About the Job

You will support a wide range of democratic governance functions, including:

• Supporting the resident petitions process, democratic engagement and Councillor enquiries.
• Assisting with committee and meeting administration.
• Working closely with Councillors, senior officers and residents.
• Reviewing decision reports and supporting transparent decision-making processes.
• Developing skills in meeting management, governance advice and procedural support.
• Supporting further service improvement through digital technology, innovation and responsible use of AI.

Working at the heart of local democracy requires professionalism, integrity and political impartiality. In supporting all Councillors and the Council's decision-making processes, the successful candidate must always maintain political neutrality. This post is, therefore, politically restricted.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has an interest in local democracy, governance or public service.
• Communicates clearly and professionally.
• Is organised, adaptable and enjoys learning new skills.
• Has strong written, digital and Microsoft Office skills.
• Can work effectively as part of a team and manage competing priorities.
• Has the ambition and potential to build a career in Democratic Services.

Why Join the Team?

• Structured career and salary progression.
• Training and development opportunities.
• A well regarded small team, working at the centre of a modern, forward-looking Council.
• Based in the heart of Uxbridge Town Centre, at the Civic Centre Campus.
• Gain experience supporting major decisions, Council meetings and also elections.

Put Residents First. Support Local Democracy. Build Your Future at Hillingdon.

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff. 
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.  
• Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

• Qualifications Check
• 2 years of Referencing