Governance and Democracy Intern

Are you looking for an internship which will support your future career and provide a unique range of opportunities to learn how decision making works in Local Government?

Our ambition is that this internship acts as the ideal platform from which the post holder can launch a future career in the public sector. This is an ideal opportunity to learn how different Council department works, observe democracy in action and how political headlines translate into policies which impact upon the lives of local residents.

The Governance and Democracy Intern role sits within the Member Services Team of East Sussex County Council’s Governance Service Department. The Member Services Team is the link between the public, elected members of the Council and its departments. The team’s responsibilities include supporting the work of the Council and ensuring the Council’s political decision-making arrangements are managed effectively, in accordance with the law and are made in an open and transparent way.  The team also have a role in supporting public participation in local democracy.  

This role offers the post holder the opportunity to develop skills in governance and democracy and to work with different services in order to apply these skills.

The Governance and Democracy Intern will support the work of the Council’s committees, boards and panels and other bodies as required; and will provide operational support to County Council Members, Chief Officers and the public as required.  

We are looking for candidates who have an interest in the work of the County Council and how it supports residents and a desire to build a transferable set of skills to support future career development:

• Attention to detail and the ability to handle and process large amounts of financial information with accuracy.
• Ability to engage and develop professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, particularly by telephone and email.
• Ability to use a range of software and IT packages to support the work of the team.

Along with the other essential criteria set out within the job description for this position the successful candidate will need to be able to demonstrate these capabilities.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.

Interviews will take place in the week commencing 9 February 2026. The interviews will last 30 minutes, and during this the candidate will be asked a predetermined set of questions with the ability for the candidate to ask their own questions.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.  

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Sophie Webb, Governance and Democracy Manager at sophie.webb@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a MS teams call or phone call.

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!