At a Glance
- Tasks: Support democratic decision-making by coordinating meetings and preparing agendas and minutes.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a vibrant and diverse community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent training, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, organisational skills, and knowledge of local government processes required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK's first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Are you someone who thrives at the heart of democratic decisionāmaking? Do you enjoy bringing order, clarity and confidence to fastāpaced, highāprofile meetings? If you're motivated by supporting elected members, shaping transparent governance, and ensuring the smooth running of formal committee processes, then this role as Committee & Scrutiny Officer could be the perfect next step in your career.
You will play a vital role in keeping the Council's governance machinery running seamlessly ā from planning agendas, coordinating with senior leaders and councillors, to capturing clear, accurate and actionable minutes that underpin informed decisionāmaking. If you're ready to join a team where precision, professionalism and political awareness truly matter, we want to hear from you.
What's the role?
The Committee & Scrutiny Officer ensures the smooth running of the Council's formal governance processes. They prepare and publish agendas and minutes, support Chairs and elected members, and provide clear procedural advice. The role involves coordinating meetings, managing competing priorities, and maintaining strong political and statutory awareness. It's a fastāpaced position at the centre of democratic decisionāmaking.
What's in it for you?
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we're looking for
- A confident communicator who can provide clear and reliable constitutional and procedural advice to senior leaders and elected Members.
- Someone with excellent organisational skills, able to manage complex meetings, tight deadlines and competing priorities.
- A candidate experienced in accurate minuteātaking and supporting formal committee processes.
- Strong knowledge of how local government decision making works, including statutory and constitutional requirements.
- An adaptable selfāstarter who can work independently and remain calm under pressure.
- A professional who builds strong relationships and handles sensitive or confidential issues with discretion.
Location
The job is primarily based in the Catford Complex, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
This is a politically restricted post subject to the restrictions outlined in The Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990. The post holder must be flexible to regularly work in the evenings. We operate a TOIL policy.
The recruitment process is anonymous and we donāt accept CVs. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
Diversity: Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
Scrutiny and Committee Officer in London employer: Borough of Lewisham
Contact Detail:
Borough of Lewisham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Scrutiny and Committee Officer in London
āØTip Number 1
Get to know the Council's values and priorities. When you understand what makes Lewisham tick, you can tailor your approach in interviews and discussions, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the community.
āØTip Number 2
Practice your minute-taking skills! Being able to capture key points accurately is crucial for this role. Try recording mock meetings with friends or colleagues and summarising them afterwards to sharpen your skills.
āØTip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend local council meetings or community events to meet people in the field. Building relationships can give you insights into the role and might even lead to job opportunities down the line.
āØTip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, youāll find all the resources you need to make your application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Scrutiny and Committee Officer in London
Some tips for your application š«”
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what they're looking for in a candidate and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to clearly demonstrate how you meet each of the person specification criteria. Be specific and provide examples from your experience that showcase your skills and achievements.
Follow the Application Guidelines: Make sure you follow all the application guidelines provided in the applicant handbook. This includes not submitting a CV and ensuring your application is complete. Attention to detail is key, especially for a role that involves governance and decision-making!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Itās the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, itās super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
āØKnow Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on local government decision-making processes and statutory requirements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand its importance in the community.
āØMaster Minute-Taking
Since accurate minute-taking is crucial for this role, practice summarising meetings or discussions beforehand. Bring examples of your previous work if possible, as this will demonstrate your ability to capture key points effectively.
āØShowcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've managed complex meetings or tight deadlines in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your organisational prowess, as this is a key aspect of the Committee & Scrutiny Officer role.
āØBuild Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this role involves working closely with elected members and senior leaders. During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers by being personable and engaging. This will highlight your ability to foster strong relationships in a professional setting.