Events & Civic Engagement Officer – AR

Job Details

Events & Civic Engagement Officer

Location: London Borough of Lewisham
Organisation: Lewisham Council

Job Purpose

Lewisham Council is looking for an experienced Events & Civic Engagement Officer to plan and deliver a programme of high-profile civic, ceremonial and community engagement events across the borough.

The role will involve organising events that bring residents, communities and Council representatives together, providing opportunities for people to share their views, engage with local decision-making and connect with the Council.

You will also be responsible for coordinating formal civic occasions, including Mayoral events, receptions, ceremonies and commemorative activities, ensuring all events are professionally delivered and follow the appropriate civic protocols.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan, coordinate and deliver a varied programme of public, community, civic and ceremonial events.
  • Organise Meet the Mayor events, public Q&A sessions, community meetings, workshops and engagement activities.
  • Coordinate Mayoral functions, civic receptions, commemorative ceremonies and official Council events.
  • Support the Speaker of Lewisham, the Mayor, elected Members and senior officers with event arrangements, invitations, guest management and briefings.
  • Build relationships with residents, community organisations, faith groups, partners, suppliers and external stakeholders.
  • Ensure events are inclusive, accessible and encourage participation from a diverse range of communities.
  • Manage event logistics, including venues, suppliers, equipment, staffing, schedules and communications.
  • Prepare event plans, risk assessments, health and safety documentation and contingency arrangements.
  • Manage allocated budgets, monitor expenditure and ensure value for money.
  • Gather and analyse feedback from residents and attendees, ensuring outcomes and actions are recorded and communicated.
  • Work closely with Council departments and Communications teams to support wider engagement and consultation activities.
  • Provide advice on civic protocol and ensure formal events are delivered appropriately.

Essential Experience & Skills

  • Significant experience planning and delivering public, community, civic or stakeholder events.
  • Experience organising formal events, ceremonies, receptions or functions, ideally involving Mayors, councillors or senior representatives.
  • Experience of community engagement and working with diverse audiences.
  • Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience coordinating venues, suppliers, event logistics and external services.
  • Ability to prepare event plans, schedules, risk assessments and contingency arrangements.
  • Good organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Understanding of equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in public events.
  • Ability to manage budgets and monitor event expenditure.

Additional Requirements

  • Awareness of local government, civic protocol and the political environment.
  • A calm, professional and solutions-focused approach, particularly when managing high-profile or sensitive events.
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required for events and engagement activities.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an organised and confident events professional with experience delivering high-profile public-facing events and engaging with local communities.

Experience within a local authority, public-sector organisation, community engagement team or civic events environment would be particularly beneficial. Candidates with experience supporting Mayors, Lord Mayors, councillors, civic office-holders or organising formal ceremonies and receptions will be especially relevant.

You will need to be comfortable managing events from initial planning through to delivery and evaluation, while building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.