Oxford City Council
Scrutiny Policy Officer
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Scrutiny Policy Officer
Scrutiny Policy Officer
We are seeking an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Scrutiny Policy Officer to support our councillors in delivering a high-quality, outcome-focused scrutiny function. Oxford’s scrutiny function is well-established, with active and engaged councillors. Your role will involve researching topics, providing policy and research advice, and drafting reports to inform scrutiny recommendations and strategic decisions.
The ideal candidate will:
- Work confidently with councillors, demonstrating strong written and oral communication skills.
- Understand and simplify complex policy issues.
- Have a clear grasp of local government governance, the council constitution, and the rights, roles, and responsibilities of councillors.
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This role offers a fantastic opportunity to:
- Build deep knowledge of local government operations.
- Gain real-world political insights and experience mentorship via engagement with committee members.
- Develop and lead effective work programmes, ensuring meaningful scrutiny recommendations that benefit Oxford City.
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About the Role
As our Scrutiny Policy Officer, you will:
- Lead 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 elected members.
- Act as a key liaison between:
- Scrutiny Committee Members
- Senior council officers
- External partners (securing strong working relationships)
- Ensure scrutiny activities comply with statutory guidance and best practice, continuously updating processes for relevance.
- Provide (or commission) independent research and advice, supporting scrutiny themes, working groups, and committee proceedings.
- Monitor and track the implementation of scrutiny recommendations, driving organizational learning and improvement.
- Stay informed on new trends in local government and the public sector, embedding forward-looking issues into the committee’s work programme.
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