Principal Committee and Governance Services Officer

Overview

We’re looking for a Principal Committee and Governance Services Officer to help 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 attend and give procedural advice across a range of local government meetings - including Full Council, Cabinet and Council Committees. You’ll also manage a small team of professional democratic services officers, bringing forward your and their ideas for continuous improvement.

About us

We are committed to delivering high-quality democratic services that promote openness, accountability, and effective decision-making. Our values underpin everything we do:
· Proud – striving for excellence and maintaining high standards
· Ambitious – continuously improving and seeking better ways of working
· Collaborative – working together to achieve shared goals
· Trustworthy – acting with integrity and professionalism

We are dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and we aim to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the success of our communities.

About the role

In this varied and impactful role, you will:

· Support the delivery of Full Council, Cabinet, and Committee meetings, including preparing agendas, minutes, and decision records
· Provide expert advice to Members and officers on governance, constitutional procedures, and decision-making processes
· Deputise for the Committee Secretariat Manager when required
· Line manage and support the development of Committee and Governance Services colleagues
· Help maintain effective governance frameworks and ensure compliance with statutory requirements
· Contribute to training and awareness programmes for Members and officers
· Support digital governance initiatives, including webcasting of meetings
· Work collaboratively across teams to deliver continuous service improvement

This role will require flexibility, including occasional evening work to support meetings.

About you

You’ll have demonstrable experience of working in a political environment and of winning the confidence of senior managers and councillors in a fast-paced environment. Helping to champion democratic services within the Council, and to our partners, you’ll have exceptional political awareness whilst maintaining neutrality and confidentiality.

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.

Other information

If you would like to discuss the role further please contact Leslie Ashton, [email protected] 

Internal closing date: 10th June 2026.

Interviews: TBC

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/