Senior Scrutiny Officer – PO4

Job Description

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