Senior Scrutiny Officer – PO4

Job Category : Legal

Location : London Borough of Newham

Hours Per Week :36.00

Start Date : Immediate Start

Start Time :09:00

End Time : 17:00
Salary: £22.16

1. Ensure that all members of Scrutiny Committees are provided with

comprehensive, high-quality and efficient support and advice to enable them to

discharge their roles.

2. Manage individual reviews as directed by the Policy and Scrutiny Manager.

3. Ensure that the overview and scrutiny system is robust. This will involve:

? providing advice and support to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

? providing advice and support to the Chairs of Scrutiny Task and Finish

Commissions

? ensuring the effective operation of Scrutiny Task and Finish Commissions

and conduct reviews

? advising on topics for scrutiny based and sound information/research

? advising individuals and organisations who are invited to give written or oral

evidence

? drafting well evidenced and concise reports, including securing appropriate

research and expertise

? following up action

4. Provide effective policy analysis, review and development role to support the

overview and scrutiny function.

5. Present reports, including those on the outcome of reviews to Scrutiny Task and

Finish Commissions and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as required.

6. Support proper co-ordination between the Overview and Scrutiny Committee,

the Council and Cabinet.

7. Contribute to developing, implementing and promoting democratic and decision

making structures and procedures relating to overview and scrutiny and advise

Members and officers.

8. Liaise with Members to discuss and review requirements of the scrutiny function.

9. Establish and maintain good relationships with stakeholders, Council officers

and partnership bodies.


CRITERIA- Essential METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

KNOWLEDGE

High level of understanding of the role of the governance

arrangements, the executive and scrutiny function, non-

executive Members, performance review and the

changing needs of Members.

Application/Interview/Test

Good knowledge of legislation in respect of local

authority decision making.

Application

Knowledge of local government policies, strategy,

legislative and financial framework.

Interview/Test

QUALIFICATIONS

Educated to degree level or equivalent or

Work experience demonstrating graduate level ability

Application

EXPERIENCE

Experience of policy and research work including

producing high quality written material including reports

and presentations.

Application/Interview/Test

Experience of working successfully with Members,

stakeholders and members of the public and external

agencies.

Application/Interview

Experience of project management, research work and

relevant techniques.

Application/Interview

Experience of working effectively with colleagues across

a wide variety of services.

Application/Interview

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to work in a political environment, recognising sensitive

issues and maintaining confidentiality, facing frequently

changing demand and dealing with demands from elected

Members, officers, members of the community and outside

bodies.

Interview

Ability to manage a complex workload with competing

priorities and deadlines

Interview

Ability to analyse, interpret and present (in oral and written

form) complex information simply and effectively.Application/Interview