At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve the Council's scrutiny function, supporting Members in decision-making.
- Company: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to democratic accountability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days leave, hybrid working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive and ambitious team focused on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance and community outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Sandwell Council’s Democratic Services Division is seeking an enthusiastic, driven and experienced Scrutiny Officer to support the effective delivery and continuous improvement of the Council’s overview and scrutiny function. This role plays a vital part in strengthening democratic accountability, supporting Elected Members to challenge, review and influence decision-making, and helping to improve outcomes for residents. You will work closely with Members, senior officers and external partners in a complex political environment, providing high-quality professional advice, co-ordinating scrutiny activity and ensuring the Council’s scrutiny arrangements operate effectively and transparently.
Responsibilities
- Lead on the delivery and continuous improvement of the Council’s scrutiny function, supporting Members to challenge, question and evaluate policies, performance and strategic priorities.
- Support the Statutory Scrutiny Officer on all aspects of scrutiny, including the development of work programmes, co-ordination of reviews, evidence gathering and stakeholder engagement.
- Monitor, track and evaluate scrutiny recommendations and their impact, including preparing the annual scrutiny update report to Council.
- Provide high-quality professional advice and support to scrutiny committees, task and finish groups and individual Members.
- Contribute to the design and delivery of an effective Member development programme, supporting learning and continuous improvement.
Attributes and Qualifications
- Strong experience of local government committee administration, with a comprehensive understanding of overview and scrutiny legislation and practice.
- The ability to provide clear, confident and impartial advice to Elected Members and officers.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work flexibly in a fast-paced environment.
- A high level of attention to detail, with a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work and reports.
Benefits
- Competitive market salary.
- 31 Days Annual Leave (Excluding bank holidays).
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Hybrid Working and Flexible working options.
- Fantastic training and development opportunities.
- A supportive, inclusive and ambitious working environment.
Scrutiny Officer in Oldbury employer: WMJobs
Contact Detail:
WMJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scrutiny Officer in Oldbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Scrutiny Officers on LinkedIn or at local government events. They can give you insider tips and might even know about unadvertised roles.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local government processes and scrutiny legislation. We recommend having examples ready that showcase your experience in challenging and evaluating policies.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Scrutiny Officer role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Scrutiny Officer in Oldbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Scrutiny Officer. We want to see how you can support our democratic accountability and improve outcomes for residents.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities. We’re looking for someone who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate high-quality work, so make sure your application reflects that attention to detail.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Sandwell Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Scrutiny Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of local government committee administration and scrutiny legislation. Be ready to discuss how you can support Members in challenging and evaluating policies, as this will show your understanding of the role's core responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage competing priorities and work flexibly. Think about times when you've successfully coordinated multiple tasks or projects, as this will demonstrate your organisational prowess in a fast-paced environment.
✨Be Ready to Advise
Since providing clear and impartial advice is key, think of scenarios where you've had to give professional advice to stakeholders. Practise articulating your thought process and how you ensure your advice is well-informed and unbiased.
✨Engage with the Council’s Goals
Familiarise yourself with Sandwell Council’s strategic priorities and recent scrutiny activities. Being able to discuss how your skills align with their goals will show your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to improving outcomes for residents.