Location
London Borough of Hackney

Hours
Full time, with regular evening and late-night committee attendance required

Salary
£47,925 per annum

About the Role
The Governance Services Officer role is a crucial position within the Legal and Governance Service, part of the Chief Executive’s Directorate. You will provide essential support across a broad range of governance functions, democratic processes, public accountability responsibilities and statutory obligations. Working within a political environment, you will collaborate closely with elected Members, senior officers, the Monitoring Officer, and colleagues across all service areas to ensure governance arrangements operate lawfully, effectively and transparently.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to progress within a governance environment. You will play a central role in supporting the Council’s transparency, governance and accountability functions, including interpreting local government legislation and constitutional governance frameworks, providing detailed advice to elected members and senior officers, managing agenda publications, supporting formal committee management processes, and accurately recording minutes and decisions.

The role demands professional judgement, flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and urgent governance matters in a fast-paced environment. Confidence and political sensitivity in dealing with elected members and senior officers are essential. No two days are the same in this varied and dynamic role.

Hackney is a vibrant and progressive borough with strong and diverse communities. The Council is committed to equity, anti-racism, fairness, and inclusion. This is an exciting opportunity to support the new directly elected Mayor and administration during a transformative era.

Experience
- Experience working within democratic services, governance in local government, local government committee management or directly with Elected Members
- Strong knowledge of local government legislation and constitutional governance frameworks

About you
- Excellent IT skills to support hybrid meetings and maintain systems such as Modern.Gov and Civico (Hackney is a Google council)
- Excellent communication skills, including strong active listening and writing capabilities
- Professional judgement, flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities
- Confidence and political sensitivity when dealing with elected members and senior officers
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the Council
- Understanding that governance is a critical function protecting the integrity, transparency and lawful operation of the Council

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated; however, candidates should demonstrate relevant experience, skills and a commitment to the Council’s values and governance principles.