Scrutiny Policy Officer

We are looking for an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Scrutiny Policy Officer to support our councillors to deliver a high-quality and outcome focused scrutiny function. Oxford’s scrutiny function is well developed with active and engaged councillors. You will be responsible for researching topics, providing policy and research advice and reports to inform scrutiny recommendations and policy considerations.

The ideal candidate will be someone who can work confidently with councillors, with strong written and oral communication skills and who is able to understand and explain complex issues. In addition, they will need the ability to understand local government governance, the council constitution and the rights, roles and responsibilities of councillors. This post offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to develop their understanding of Local Government, gain rich experience of working at a political level and across the range of Council functions and lead and develop as an officer effective work programmes and meaningful Scrutiny recommendations to benefit the City of Oxford.

As our Scrutiny Policy Officer, you will:

Lead on the research, analysis and drafting of commissioned scrutiny reports on topics selected by the Scrutiny Committee.

Use data analysis and investigative techniques to produce evidence-based reports, briefings and recommendations for consideration by Members.

Act as a key point of contact for Scrutiny Committee Members, supporting effective relationships between elected members, senior officers and external partners.

Ensure scrutiny activity operates in line with statutory guidance and best practice, keeping processes and approaches up to date.

Provide or commission independent research and advice to support scrutiny reviews, working groups and committees.

Monitor and report on the implementation of scrutiny recommendations, helping to ensure meaningful organisational learning and improvement.

Keep abreast of developments across local government and the wider public sector, ensuring emerging issues are reflected in the Committee's work programme.