At a Glance
- Tasks: Support elected members in reviewing and influencing local policies and services.
- Company: Join Durham County Council, a proud equal opportunities employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and shape local democracy.
- Qualifications: Strong research, analytical, and communication skills required.
We’re looking for an Overview and Scrutiny Officer to join our team and play a key role in supporting elected members to review, challenge and influence policies, services and decisions that affect communities across County Durham.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of local democracy. You’ll work closely with councillors, senior officers, partner organisations and local communities, helping to ensure that scrutiny activity leads to better outcomes for residents. You’ll support the work of Overview and Scrutiny Committees and the Police and Crime Panel by managing reviews, coordinating investigations, gathering and analysing evidence, and preparing high-quality reports that inform decision-making and service improvement. No two days are the same. One day you could be researching national policy developments, the next facilitating engagement with local communities, presenting findings to members, or working with partners to shape future work programmes.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
- Manage and support in-depth scrutiny reviews, working groups and task and finish groups.
- Research and analyse complex information, performance data and budget information.
- Produce clear, evidence-based reports, briefings and recommendations.
- Support elected members to effectively scrutinise policies, services and performance.
- Build positive relationships with council services, partner organisations and community stakeholders.
- Facilitate public engagement to ensure local voices help shape policy development and service improvement.
- Support the work of the Police and Crime Panel and contribute to regional scrutiny activity.
- Promote innovation, best practice and continuous improvement within the Overview and Scrutiny function.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
We’re seeking a motivated and politically aware individual who can balance competing priorities while maintaining excellent attention to detail. You’ll need:
- Strong research, analytical and report-writing skills.
- The ability to interpret complex information and present it clearly to a range of audiences.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience of working collaboratively with senior leaders, elected members or partner organisations.
This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference by influencing how services are delivered and improved across County Durham. You’ll join a supportive team, work on issues that matter to local people, and contribute directly to shaping the future of the county. If you’re passionate about evidence-based decision making, public service improvement and helping communities have a voice, we’d love to hear from you.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 17th August 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Overview and Scrutiny Officers in North East employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Overview and Scrutiny Officers in North East
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Kirklees Metropolitan Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Kirklees Metropolitan Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Overview and Scrutiny Officers in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Kirklees Metropolitan Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Kirklees Metropolitan Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
