Building Stronger Communities
Local Government & Council Recruitment
We connect councils and local authorities with the people they need to serve communities across the UK, from frontline support staff to senior leaders who make the big decisions. Fast, reliable recruitment that strengthens public services and builds better futures.
What Sets Us Apart
What We Do
At Dovetail & Slate, we understand that councils and local authorities are at the heart of our communities, delivering services, shaping places, and supporting people every single day. We're proud to partner with councils across the UK to provide the people they need: from frontline support staff to senior leaders who make the big decisions.
Our goal is simple: to connect you with candidates who care about communities and deliver real impact. Whether it's housing, social care, education services, or local operations, we find the right people to keep services moving and communities thriving.
From emergency cover to strategic leadership appointments, we recruit across every function of local government.
The right people, for the right community. We promise, we deliver. It's that simple.
Why Choose Dovetail & Slate
We're your trusted partner in local authority staffing
Sector Insight
We understand the challenges councils face and the vital services you provide. Our team knows local government inside out, from budget pressures to service transformation.
People Who Care
We place candidates who share your commitment to public service and making a genuine difference to local communities. Beyond the CV, values matter as much as skills.
Fast & Reliable
Responsive recruitment that doesn't compromise on quality. Whether you need urgent cover or a strategic hire, we deliver shortlists quickly and candidates who are ready to contribute from day one.
End-to-End Support
From urgent cover to permanent leadership hires, we've got you covered. We handle everything from role scoping to onboarding support, making your recruitment process smooth and stress-free.
Partnership Approach
We're more than recruiters, we're trusted allies to local government. We take time to understand your organisation, your challenges, and what success looks like for your community.
Compliance Assured
We ensure all candidates meet the standards required for local authority employment, including DBS checks, right to work verification, and professional qualifications where applicable.
Roles We Cover
Our local authority recruitment services include
Senior Leadership & Management
Chief Executives, Directors, Assistant Directors, Heads of Service, Service Managers, and senior leadership team members across all council functions and departments.
Housing Officers & Tenancy Support
Housing Officers, Tenancy Management Officers, Homelessness Officers, Housing Options Advisors, Allocations Officers, Repairs Coordinators, and Housing Support Workers.
Social Care & Welfare Roles
Social Workers (Children's and Adults), Social Work Assistants, Care Coordinators, Safeguarding Officers, Family Support Workers, Mental Health Workers, and Early Help Practitioners.
Education & Youth Services Staff
Education Welfare Officers, Admissions Officers, SEN Coordinators, Youth Workers, Connexions Advisors, Education Psychologists, and school improvement professionals.
Customer Services & Community Engagement
Customer Service Advisors, Contact Centre Staff, Community Development Workers, Engagement Officers, Neighbourhood Coordinators, and Front of House teams.
Finance, HR & Administration
Finance Officers, Accountants, Payroll Staff, HR Advisors, Recruitment Officers, Policy Officers, Legal Clerks, Democratic Services Officers, and Business Support teams.
Planning, Environmental & Regulatory Officers
Planning Officers, Building Control Surveyors, Environmental Health Officers, Trading Standards Officers, Licensing Officers, Public Health Practitioners, Waste Management Staff, and Highways Officers.
Estates, Facilities & Maintenance
Facilities Managers, Estates Officers, Maintenance Teams, Caretakers, Cleaners, Ground Staff, Parks Officers, and Property Services professionals.
Digital, IT & Transformation
IT Support, Systems Administrators, Business Analysts, Digital Transformation Leads, Data Officers, GIS Specialists, and Technology Project Managers.
Regeneration & Economic Development
Regeneration Officers, Economic Development Officers, Town Centre Managers, Inward Investment Officers, and Community Assets Management professionals.
What Our Council Clients Say
Hear from local authorities and council leaders we've worked with
"10/10 I had an excellent experience with Dovetail and Slate, who quickly understood what I was looking for and matched me with the perfect role. I really appreciated the regular updates and clear communication throughout. I felt supported at every step, which made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend Dovetail and Slate to anyone seeking their next career move. I did not have to chase or worry about anything."
Anonymous
"My experience with Dovetail & Slate, specifically Matty and his team, has been nothing but exceptional. They have all really invested in me as the client and ensured they understand our needs. This translates equally to the commitment they show to the candidates they work with, being transparent with them and guiding them through the whole process. Where a candidate has been offered and accepted a role the job doesn't finish there, the team remain engaged with the candidate for time afterwards to see how they are doing and if there are any issues they may need support with. Even when our recruiting needs are fully met, the conversation continues just to keep abreast of things so that they are ready to react when called upon. I decline to work with other recruitment agencies such is my trust in Dovetail & Slate."
Anonymous
"From the first telephone call Mr D. Cordukes, from start to finish conducted a professional service. Always upfront with a vast amount of knowledge and advice. It was a pleasure to work with him and Dovetail & Slate team."
Anonymous
"I wanted to thank David from the bottom of my heart for sending me on the UCB assignment. His call seven weeks ago came as a godsend, as I was looking for work and never knew I was capable of achieving more. If he had not shown faith in me that day, I would never have come out of my shell and would never have had the chance to show my capabilities. I really appreciate his efforts as he went above and beyond looking after me in this short-term assignment. He gave me regular weekly calls to check up on me and is always ready to provide work for me in the future. I have absolutely loved working with Dovetail and Slate and look forward to continuing to do so."
Anonymous
"Dovetail & Slate offers amazing recruitment services. The organisation's prompt response to emails and calls is quite encouraging. It provides detailed and comprehensive information to potential employees or job seekers with excellent professional follow-up guidance. I had different recruiters inviting me for a talk after going through my LinkedIn page and knowing that I am highly experienced, but they would not provide details and clarity about their offers. Clarity and comprehensive details are an essential part of information that should never be ignored. This organisation is good at providing clear and comprehensive information. Also, the polite manner of approach from the organisation's representatives is quite welcoming. I strongly recommend the establishment keeps up with its approach to recruiting job seekers. My experience with the organisation is awesome."
Anonymous
"Paulina was incredibly helpful throughout my job search and documentation process. Her guidance was clear, professional, and always timely, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free. What I appreciated most was her genuine care, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile. Thanks to her support, I successfully secured a job and completed all the necessary steps with confidence. I highly recommend her services!"
Anonymous
Meet Your Local Government Specialists
Our experienced consultants understand the unique world of local authority recruitment
No team members to display.
Vetting & Compliance
Local authorities require robust vetting and compliance processes to protect communities and maintain public trust. We ensure every candidate meets the standards required for local government employment.
All candidates undergo comprehensive checks including:
- DBS checks at the appropriate level (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced depending on role)
- Identity and right to work verification
- Professional reference verification (minimum of two references covering recent employment)
- Qualification verification for professional roles (Social Work England registration, professional memberships, etc.)
- Occupational health clearance where required
- Security clearance checks for sensitive roles
- Overseas police checks where applicable
We work in full compliance with local authority employment standards and safer recruitment practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Strengthen Your Council Team?
Whether you're a local authority seeking reliable staff or a public sector professional looking for your next opportunity, we're here to help.