At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team to shape governance and policy in Wirral.
- Company: Join Wirral Council, committed to diversity and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days leave, and great staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a supportive work environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance and partnerships.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in policy or governance is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Shape the future of governance, policy and partnerships in Wirral. This role leads a high‑performing team covering corporate policy, strategic partnerships and overview & scrutiny, reporting to the Assistant Director for Governance & Corporate Support.
Responsibilities
- Drive a revitalised policy function, ensuring the Council Plan is translated into clear, deliverable priorities and measurable outcomes.
- Lead and embed a strong performance and assurance framework, oversee monitoring of the Council Plan, and provide high‑quality reporting to Cabinet and Scrutiny Committees.
- Champion effective overview and scrutiny, strengthening its impact, independence and influence within the new governance model.
- Invigorate partnerships across the public, private and voluntary sectors, delivering collaborative leadership to tackle Wirral’s key challenges.
- Support the transition to Cabinet governance by designing and embedding new processes, roles and ways of working.
- Provide strategic advice to Members and senior officers, ensuring policy, governance and scrutiny are aligned and effective.
Candidate Profile
- Significant senior leadership experience in policy, governance, scrutiny or corporate services within local government or a comparable setting.
- A strong track record of developing impactful policy and performance frameworks.
- Deep understanding of local authority governance, including scrutiny and decision‑making processes.
- Experience of working closely with elected members and senior stakeholders, providing clear, trusted advice.
- Proven ability to lead organisational change, particularly within governance or operating model transformation.
- Passion for partnership working, with the ability to build influence beyond organisational boundaries.
Interview Information
Interviews to be held: 24th July 2026. This role is politically restricted.
Benefits and Working Environment
Wirral Council values diversity, inclusion and wellbeing. Employees enjoy a strong flexible working approach, hybrid working options, family‑friendly initiatives and an annual leave package starting at 28 days plus public holidays. Benefits include staff discounts, pension scheme participation, immediate life cover and ill‑health protection.
Head of Policy, Partnerships and Scrutiny employer: Wirral Council
Wirral Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing, making it a fantastic place to work for those in senior leadership roles. With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The opportunity to lead impactful policy initiatives and collaborate with various sectors in a vibrant community further enhances the rewarding experience of working in this role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy, Partnerships and Scrutiny
✨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 Wirral 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 Wirral 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 Head of Policy, Partnerships and Scrutiny
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 Wirral 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 Wirral Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Wirral 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 Wirral Council.
