Committee Secretariat Manager

Overview

We’re looking for an experienced professional to deliver the Council’s democratic decision-making. Leading a dedicated team of committee officers, you’ll ensure the Council’s decision-making is constitutionally and legally sound and that councillors and senior managers are accurately advised.  As an experienced committee officer, you’ll inspire the team to deliver the highest quality support to our councillors and senior managers. You’ll give procedural advice on local government meetings - including Full Council, Cabinet and Council Committees – and bring forward your own and the team’s ideas for continuous improvement.

Keeping abreast of changes to the local government landscape and with a keen eye to forward planning, you’ll have demonstrable experience of working in a political environment and of winning the confidence of senior managers and councillors.  A people leader and role model, you’ll champion democratic services within the Council and to our partners - and enable the public to engage effectively with our meetings. Welcome to the engine room of local democracy!

About the role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Secretariat for Full Council, Cabinet, Committees and associated working groups, ensuring all meetings operate in line with constitutional and legislative requirements.
• Oversee governance responsibilities and forward planning processes, ensuring timely delivery and effective communication across all democratic functions.
• Provide high‑level advice to Elected Members and Officers on constitutional, procedural and governance matters, including on complex or sensitive issues.
• Develop annual business plans, KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and performance.
• Lead, support and develop Team members, ensuring clear allocation of duties and high professional standards.
• Oversee digital and technology requirements for meetings, including webcasting, microphones and Member ICT support.
• Build productive relationships with Members, senior leaders and key stakeholders across the Council.
• Represent the Council at regional and national professional networks to identify and implement best practice.
• Ensure public access to meeting information and democratic processes is maintained and delivered effectively.

About you

In addition to being an experienced committee officer and people manager, you’ll also have a track record of working confidently with senior officers and councillors. Able to inspire trust at senior levels, you’ll actively be able to evidence our PACT values (Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative, Trustworthy).  You’ll be a proven team player with evident team-building skills and ideas. 

Other information

For further information on this role please see the attached job summary.

Based mainly on the second floor of our Gateway Office, our normal expectation is a minimum of two days in the office per week. Of course, you’ll be expected to attend this and other offices for formal meetings as necessary including some evening meetings

Interview date: Morning of Wednesday 8 April 2026

Interview-type / process: MS TEAMS or in person

If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact: Glenn Watson, Senior Governance Manager, 01296 387380,  [email protected]

This post is politically restricted under the terms of the Local Government Act 1989.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

a fair and inclusive culture

• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

 

About the Business Unit

The Assistant Chief Executive directorate is central to Buckinghamshire Council’s journey to establish itself as one of the best councils in the country. With a clear focus on service improvement through transformation and a drive to build better relationships with the local community, the directorate is fast-paced; but extremely rewarding. Our teams are not only proactively delivering on projects and plans but also reacting to developing situations. If you are ambitious, innovative, and would relish the opportunity to influence change - a role within our service area could be your next career move.

The team includes exciting areas of work, including our Policy and Communications, Legal and Democratic Services teams – innovating the way we communicate with our colleagues, Members and the local community, and role-modelling best practice through policy, planning and legal services. If you think you can help us achieve our goals, and want to be a part of this exciting journey, we would love to hear from you!

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/