Scrutiny and Committee Officer
Scrutiny and Committee Officer

Scrutiny and Committee Officer

Full-Time 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support democratic decision-making by coordinating meetings and managing formal governance processes.
  • 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 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ 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 decision‑making? Do you enjoy bringing order, clarity and confidence to fast‑paced, high‑profile 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’ll play a vital role in keeping the Council’s governance machinery running seamlessly — from planning agendas, coordinating with senior leaders and councillors, to capturing clear, accurate and actionable minutes that underpin informed decision‑making. 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 fast‑paced position at the centre of democratic decision‑making.

What’s in it for you?

  • Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
  • 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 minute‑taking and supporting formal committee processes.
  • Strong knowledge of how local government decision making works, including statutory and constitutional requirements.
  • An adaptable self‑starter 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 outline 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 don’t accept CV’s. Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. 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.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

Scrutiny and Committee Officer employer: Borough of Lewisham

Join Lewisham Council as a Scrutiny and Committee Officer, where your work will directly impact our vibrant and culturally diverse communities. We offer excellent training and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values precision and professionalism. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we ensure that all employees have the resources they need to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful governance.
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Contact Detail:

Borough of Lewisham Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Scrutiny and Committee Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the Council's values and mission. When you understand what makes Lewisham tick, you can tailor your approach in interviews and discussions to show you're on the same wavelength.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your minute-taking skills! Being able to demonstrate your ability to capture clear and actionable minutes will set you apart. Maybe even bring a sample to your interview to showcase your expertise.

✨Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team dynamics, which can be super helpful when you're in the hot seat.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Lewisham.

We think you need these skills to ace Scrutiny and Committee Officer

Confident Communication
Organisational Skills
Minute-Taking
Knowledge of Local Government Decision Making
Statutory and Constitutional Awareness
Ability to Manage Competing Priorities
Political Awareness
Adaptability
Discretion in Handling Sensitive Issues
Ability to Work Independently
Calmness Under Pressure
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how you fit into the role of Scrutiny and Committee Officer, so make sure you understand what’s expected and tailor your application accordingly.

Highlight Relevant Experience: When writing your supporting statement, focus on your experience with formal committee processes and minute-taking. We’re looking for someone who can manage complex meetings and provide clear procedural advice, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!

Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to highlight key achievements and skills that match the person specification criteria.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to complete your application successfully.

How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham

✨Know 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 understand the role's importance in maintaining transparent governance.

✨Master Minute-Taking

Since accurate minute-taking is crucial for this position, practice summarising meetings or discussions beforehand. Bring examples of how you've successfully captured key points in past roles to demonstrate your skills.

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

Prepare to discuss how you've managed complex meetings and tight deadlines in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to juggle competing priorities while maintaining professionalism.

✨Build Rapport with Interviewers

This role requires strong relationship-building skills, so be personable during your interview. Engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions about their experiences, and show genuine interest in the team and its goals.

Scrutiny and Committee Officer
Borough of Lewisham
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