Scrutiny Support Officer (CS/L23) - West Yorkshire Combined Authority

KIRKLEES COUNCIL ARE ADVERTISING THIS ROLE ON BEHALF OF WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is recruiting a Scrutiny Support Officer to join the emerging scrutiny unit in our Governance Services team. It is an exciting time to join our brilliant and unique organisation, tasked with improving our region and the lives of its residents.

About us

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is now responsible for the delivery of the £1.8 billion devolution deal for West Yorkshire and is the home of the newly elected West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, the first woman to be elected as a Metro Mayor. Overall, the Combined Authority covers a population of around 2.5 million people, 1.5 million jobs, over 120,000 businesses and represents the largest, and perhaps the most diverse, economy outside London.

For more information about the work of the Combined Authority please visit www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a small but busy scrutiny team within Governance Services. 

You will work under the direction of the Statutory Scrutiny Officer to help deliver a comprehensive scrutiny support and advice service to our three scrutiny committees and chairs – Corporate, Economy and Transport – and 48 scrutiny councillors.

The role involves:

• Fulfilling committee secretariat duties including arranging meetings (diary coordination and logistics) and taking accurate minutes / notes of meetings.
• Providing advice and guidance to members to enable effective scrutiny and review of decisions and actions taken by the Mayor and CA committees.
• Undertaking research and analysis for the scrutiny committees, chairs and members to support their inquiries and activities.
• Coordinating ‘task & finish’ inquiries / reviews and supporting member working groups, including a number of permanent steering groups.

About You

This is a very niche, varied and diverse role which makes use of a number of transferable skills. Training and development will also be provided to successful candidates.

Ideally, you will have:

• Experience of working in a similar role or in a government / political environment with elected figures and other senior figures.
• General political awareness and knowledge of local government and its practices, procedures, and ways of working.
• Some familiarity with formal committee meetings and preparations.
• Good research, analysis and communication skills – written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence and persuade.

To apply

If this sounds like your next role; please upload your CV to our online application tool. Then complete the supporting information tab linking your relevant work experience back to the role profile, bringing your CV to life.

You can apply online by 11.55pm on Sunday 15 August 2021

If you have any questions or want further information about the role, please contact the Scrutiny team on scrutiny@westyorks-ca.gov.uk with your question or to arrange a phone call.

Our offer

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 28 Days Holiday plus bank holidays
• Free Travel on rail and buses with the M-Card zones 1-5
• Generous Employer-Contribution Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working Practises with Health & Wellbeing initiatives to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals.

Applicants are advised that the Combined Authority is currently in consultation with employees and Trade Unions to review the Terms and Conditions of Employment and Staff Benefits.

The detail of the proposals for change, will be discussed with the successful candidate at the point of offer.

Further Information

The Combined Authority’s aim is to attract people from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture and represent the communities we serve.  We welcome applications from everyone regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We are committed to inclusivity and will consider requests for flexible working including part time and job share arrangements.

Applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met. 

For more information and details of how to apply, please visit http://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/jobs.

Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases, on an annual basis.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to respond to all applicants. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Candidate information will be retained by the Combined Authority for six months unless you make a request for this to be deleted.