Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer

5 months contract with a local authority

 Rate: £30 per hour umbrella

DEMOCRATIC SERVICE EXPERIENCE IS MANDATORY. Please do not apply if you do not have this experience.

Summary

• This is a 5-month contract position with a local authority, offering a rate of £30 per hour under an umbrella arrangement. The primary objective of this role is to enhance and support the Council's Overview and Scrutiny function. This involves managing scrutiny reviews, providing committee management assistance, conducting research and policy analysis, and advising Members on scrutiny processes. The position plays a crucial role in ensuring that scrutiny activities lead to improved service delivery, effective governance, public accountability, and informed decision-making within the Council and its partner organizations.
  

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the entire lifecycle of overview and scrutiny reviews.
  
• Create project plans, research strategies, and evidence-gathering activities to facilitate scrutiny investigations.
  
• Offer professional advice, guidance, and support to Members engaged in scrutiny reviews and committees.
  
• Develop high-quality reports, findings, and recommendations from scrutiny reviews.
  
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of scrutiny recommendations.
  
• Perform research, data analysis, benchmarking, and evidence collection to aid informed decision-making.
  
• Examine Council services, executive decisions, regulatory functions, and external service providers.
  

Requirements:

Essential Experience Required

• Proven experience in policy development, scrutiny, research, public consultation, committee administration, or a related governance role.
  
• Experience working within local government, central government, the public sector, voluntary sector, or other complex organizations.
  

Essential Qualifications Required

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
  
• Demonstrated commitment to continued professional development in governance, policy, research, or public administration.
  

Additional Information

• Working hours: 36 hours per week
  
• Location: Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7AT, United Kingdom
  
• Work pattern: 2 days in the office, with mandatory attendance at all evening meetings.
  
• Payment schedule: Bi-weekly
  
• Application deadline: 24th September 2026, apply as soon as possible.