Scrutiny Support Officer
If you are interested in a career in Overview and Scrutiny within Democratic and Member Services, here is a guide to the work and responsibilities:
The main duties are:
To provide support to the Overview and Scrutiny Committees in their roles of policy development and scrutiny of the executive, contributing to the Council’s improvement agenda.
To work closely with members of Overview and Scrutiny Committees, providing research and advice in relation to scrutiny work which will include projects aimed at improving services and developing policy.
To provide project management support to Overview and Scrutiny Committees on specific projects, including scoping the project, implementing and co-ordinating the actions, ensuring deadlines are met, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget (where appropriate).
To proactively challenge existing practice in relation to scrutiny projects or issues members wish to review.
To provide information and undertake research into existing practice and performance at the Council and best practice elsewhere.
To analyse information and research findings and develop options for improvement of a service or the development of a new policy for consideration by members.
To ensure community/interest groups, local residents and the community panel are engaged in and contribute to scrutiny projects, and engage external witnesses, experts, partners or officers from other local authorities as appropriate.
To work closely and effectively with Strategic Directors, Heads of Service and other officers on scrutiny projects, including call ins, as appropriate and to build good working relationships with them.
To pro-actively publicise the work of Overview and Scrutiny Committees, working closely with the Public Relations Officer to ensure that a wide range of media are used, including the website and local papers.
To present information to different audiences including members and officers in a variety of ways including formal reports, formal and informal presentations and briefings in connection with scrutiny projects.
To provide administrative support both to the Overview and Scrutiny function and other Committees as required, including convening meetings, assembling and publishing agendas, reports, minutes and action sheets.
To track the outcome of Overview and Scrutiny activities and report both annually and periodically throughout the year to enable Overview and Scrutiny Committees to review their effectiveness in improving services and developing policy.