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- Tasks: Support democratic decision-making by coordinating meetings and capturing accurate minutes.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a vibrant and diverse community championing rights for all.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in governance while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, organisational skills, and knowledge of local government processes required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and evening flexibility.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 46000 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 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.
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:
- Generous holiday allowance
- 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.
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.
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 CVs. 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.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Scrutiny and Committee Officer employer: Lewisham Council
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Council 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 priorities. When you understand what makes Lewisham tick, you can tailor your approach in interviews and discussions. Show us that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the community!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Committee & Scrutiny Officer, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable articulating your thoughts under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the role and the culture at Lewisham, plus it shows us that you're proactive and genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your organisational skills! Prepare examples of how you've managed tight deadlines or complex meetings in the past. We want to see that you can keep everything running smoothly, even when things get hectic.
We think you need these skills to ace Scrutiny and Committee Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what they're looking for, so make sure to highlight those in your application!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it specific to the role of Committee & Scrutiny Officer by addressing each criterion in the person specification. We love seeing how you meet their needs directly.
Be Clear and Concise: When you're writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on local government decision-making processes and statutory requirements. Familiarise yourself with the Council's governance structure and recent decisions to show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in how it fits into the bigger picture.
✨Master Minute-Taking Techniques
Since accurate minute-taking is crucial for this role, practice summarising meetings or discussions beforehand. Bring examples of your previous minutes to the interview to demonstrate your skills and attention to detail.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex information in past roles. Think of specific examples where you provided clear advice to senior leaders or managed challenging conversations, as this will highlight your confidence and professionalism.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Prowess
Be ready to talk about how you manage competing priorities and tight deadlines. Share strategies you've used in the past to keep meetings running smoothly, and consider discussing any tools or methods you employ to stay organised.
