Policy & Scrutiny Officer

We're looking for someone to join our small but dynamic corporate policy & scrutiny team, working at the centre of our organisation.

Principally joining the team to support our overview and scrutiny function, you will work closely with Councillors to develop and deliver the work programmes for our five scrutiny committees (Corporate, Health & Adults, Children, Young People & Families, Communities & Environment and our Joint Committee with Cumberland Council).

Overview and Scrutiny is the process through which Councillors work together, across political parties to:

• review Council decisions to ensure accountability in decision-making and policy implementation, and to make sure these reflect the needs and priorities of communities,
• scrutinise the Council's performance in relation to policy objectives and performance targets,
• play a pivotal role in the shaping of future council policies,
• provide scrutiny to external partners such as health bodies.

Your role will be to ensure our scrutiny committees have tangible and positive impact, shaping and improving vital areas of public service.

This will include planning scrutiny reviews, carrying out research and analysis, engaging with internal departments and partner organisations, drafting reports and briefing papers, supporting committee meetings, providing advice to Councillors and officers, and promoting the work of scrutiny internally and with the general public. In addition, as part of wider policy and scrutiny team you will also have opportunity to get involved in other areas of the team’s work supporting the Council.

Who we are looking for…

We’re looking for people who are curious, analytical, great communicators and passionate about public service.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes, head over to our careers page to take a look at our current benefits Our benefits | Careers

For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Home page | Careers

Would you like to find out more?

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact:

David Stephens on 07900 698361 or [email protected]

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 28th April 2025