Senior Scrutiny Officer

Senior Scrutiny Officer

Salary: From £40,221 up to £44,428 per annum pro rata

Grade L

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part time (22.5 hours per week)

Location: Based at County Hall, Northallerton, although working from other council offices can be accommodated.

Close date: 7th April 2024

This is an exciting opportunity to work in the heart of the Council and help develop the authority’s overview and scrutiny function

The scrutiny team plays an important role within the new North Yorkshire Council, supporting councillors to scrutinise decisions taken by the Council’s Executive, local health partners and on crime and disorder matters; to ensure adequate challenge around decision-making, to reflect the concerns of local communities and to help shape service delivery.

 Councillors on our scrutiny committees have a responsibility to examine issues and decisions, consider good practice and make recommendations to revise or develop a policy.

The team has an exciting opportunity for a part-time Senior Scrutiny Officer to join us following the establishment of the unitary council last year as we look to develop and enhance further our overview and scrutiny practice within the authority.

You will support the committees Chairs, Vice Chairs, Group Spokesperson, Members and officers to ensure that they have the data, information, analysis, support and advice that they need to enable them to work effectively in this scrutiny role.

This role requires the highest levels of political awareness, communication skills, research skills, tact and diplomacy.  The post holder will be at the forefront of supporting and advising the Council’s elected Members regarding overview and scrutiny.

What you will bring

To be successful you must have experience in the conduct of Local Authority decision making processes and have experience of working with external business partners and clients.  You will be able to demonstrate a proven track record of working in an environment that demands tact and diplomacy, managing high profile challenging meetings, and experience of research and data analysis.

You must be an exceptional communicator, both written and oral, be able to establish and develop positive working relations with councillors and senior managers and have resilience and the ability to cope with ambiguity and conflicting and complex demands.  You must be able to demonstrate that you have excellent organisational and multi-tasking skills to cope with a varied workload and multiple projects, including the ability to prioritise work accordingly and respond effectively to changing circumstances without losing focus or direction, whilst meeting strict deadlines. You must also hold a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant professional area or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience.

The post is politically restricted under the terms of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Flexible working arrangements to suit you

We offer high-quality, high-profile work with various flexible working arrangements.  We also offer flexi-time for those who work over their hours. As an organisation, we strongly believe in promoting a work-life balance, with flexible working opportunities and modern technology you will be able to deliver your role to suit both your personal and our business needs. You will also benefit from homeworking with a requirement to work from the office as needed.

Benefits of Working for us

We offer exceptional company benefits such as salary sacrifice schemes in technology, professional qualifications and green car schemes.

You will also benefit from a variety of competitive employee rewards such as generous leave entitlement and local government pension scheme. We also offer discounted retail offers and health schemes to name but a few. More information is found in our Total Rewards Brochure.

Contact and apply

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Diane Parsons, Principal Scrutiny Officer, on 01609 532750 / diane.parsons@northyorks.gov.uk or Daniel Harry, Head of Democratic Services and Scrutiny on 01609 533531 / daniel.harry@northyorks.gov.uk

Key dates:

Closing date:  7^th April 2024

Interview date: 15^th April 2024

Key documents 

 Job description 

Total rewards 

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions, we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Enquiries regarding the vacancy or practices should be made directly with the third party.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.