In this blog, Scarlett Ryan shares some reflections on what has helped her to get started in her local democracy career at the London Borough of Barnet. She also shares some of her career highlights so far.
Starting out in local government
I started my career in Local Government when I joined Barnet Council as a 22 year old graduate, to support the Governance Review. This involved changing from a Committee to a Cabinet system – a time of significant change. Starting out in a new field and an unfamiliar environment with no experience was quite scary at first, especially being surrounded by older, experienced and senior officers. I found it difficult to create and manage relationships at first, but I quickly learned that everyone was extremely willing to guide and teach me.
From project support, I then moved into a temporary position within the Governance Team providing some additional support and capacity to my colleagues with core democratic services work. I quickly got into the role of a democratic services officer whilst learning on the job and I undertook various pieces of training and learning exercises. This provided me with the foundational knowledge to build on and to put into practice. I began shadowing my colleagues and learning the essential skills and elements of democratic services work such as report clearing, committee meeting management and minuting taking.
Over time I have supported the team in various capacities. These include: managing several partnership boards, attending committees and Full Council, project work, drafting the Annual Governance Statement, leading a scrutiny task and finish group review, supporting the Mayoral Team and being seconded into the Elections Team.
I have now progressed upwards on the job ladder and secured a permanent position within the Governance Team.
Some of my career highlights so far
Since joining Barnet Council and the Governance Team, I have been a part of various workstreams and projects that I am proud of and that have been a success. Often a lot of work that I complete is an achievement for me, as I constantly rise to the challenge and grow and learn something new each time.
With no prior knowledge of scrutiny, I was asked to support the Scrutiny Team and conduct a Task and Finish Group review. Although I found this extremely daunting at first, I had to quickly learn from my colleagues and begin planning and leading on the review. With the guidance and support of my peers, the review was completed successfully and efficiently. The recommendations were reported to Cabinet, where some of them were agreed. After completing my Task and Finish Group review, I wrote a case study reflecting on my experience:
Encouraging digital innovation
Something I consider a particular achievement is my focus on digital and innovation within the Governance Service, driving forward a modern approach. I managed the production of a democracy video for the public to help understand local decision-making:
I have also launched a trial project to use Microsoft Teams sites as a new method for report clearance – enhancing clarity, collaborative working, and accountability. As this has been a success, we will now roll out the use of Microsoft Teams sites for report clearance across all committees, as a priority in our Governance Service Plan.
As a result of my hard work and dedication within democratic services, I was nominated for and won the ADSO Rookie of the Year Award 2024, alongside my team winning the ADSO Team of the Year Award. I have also been shortlisted for the Municipal Journal ‘Rising Star’ award 2025.
Reflections on my early career
Although my career is in the early stages, I have thoroughly enjoyed every step thus far. Each day is learning experience, positive or negative, and everything is important as life is not always linear.
I have found that working in Governance often means working within tight constraints and competing demands, especially when working with Councillors and chief officers. It is essential to manage yourself and your time, and to know your next steps – but also to remember to be adaptable.
My colleagues have played an essential role in helping me develop as a Democratic Services Officer. They always taking the time to teach me the processes and the tricks of the trade until I feel confident to undertake or fulfil the task individually. Being and remaining confident, even when you don’t always feel it, is vital for growth and success.
A message for anyone who is just starting out…
I think that learning from others is crucial, but it is also vital to speak up for yourself and for what you believe in. As a young person, I’ve found that a career in local government has not been without its challenges but, for anyone in this position, remember: you are the future.
Scarlett won our ADSO Rookie of the Year Award in 2024. We’ve now created a new Rising Star Award to give even more of our members the opportunity to showcase their progress.
ADSO Awards 2025 – make a nomination
ADSO Award Winners 2024