Local Devolution and Community Rights Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Flexible working

Local government pension scheme

Collaborative environment

Discounts

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is seeking a Local Devolution and Community Rights Officer within the Localities Service to empower town and parish councils, support community organisations and help local people shape their places.

You will lead on statutory duties for Assets of Community Value and Community Rights, support devolution of local assets, and provide clear processes for communities taking on opportunities. Hybrid working from NY offices with travel across the county is available.

Qualifications

• Experience with community rights legislation and public sector policy.
• Track record working with elected Members and community leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Deliver statutory responsibilities for Assets of Community Value and Community Rights.
• Support devolution of assets and services to parish councils and community groups.
• Provide guidance and clear processes for communities taking on opportunities.
• Contribute to major programmes and produce reports for councillors and partners.
• Travel across North Yorkshire; hybrid option from NY offices and home.

Skills

Community rights law

Public policy

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Negotiation

Partnerships

Data analysis

Independent work

Inclusivity

Job description

Lead Local Change. Strengthen Communities. Shape the Future.

North Yorkshire Council is building the most local large council in England — and we’re looking for an experienced, community‑focused professional to help make it happen.

We’re recruiting a Local Devolution and Community Rights Officer as part of our Localities Service, a role at the heart of empowering town and parish councils, supporting community organisations, and enabling local people to shape the future of their places.

This is a chance to shape how local democracy works in North Yorkshire — supporting communities to protect valued assets, take on services, and influence decisions that matter. You’ll work across the council, with parish councils, voluntary organisations and local residents, helping to deliver meaningful change.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivery of the council’s statutory responsibilities for Assets of Community Value and new Community Rights as introduced in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, such as Community Right to Bid.
• Support the devolution of local assets and services to parish councils and community organisations.
• Provide technical advice, guidance and clear processes that help communities take on new opportunities.
• Contribute to major programmes including the Locality Operating Model, Community Partnerships, and wider transformation activity.
• Prepare high‑quality reports, guidance, and communications for councillors, partners and communities.

The role requires travel across North Yorkshire and occasional attendance at evening meetings. However, your role can be worked in a hybrid way from one of the main NYC office locations- depending on which is most convenient for you- as well as your home.

About You

We are seeking a confident, experienced team player with an attention to detail, experience of working with a range of community partners and a passion for community empowerment and local government transformation.

You will bring:

Strong knowledge of community rights legislation and public sector policy.

• Experience of working with elected Members, senior stakeholders, and community leaders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and partnership-building skills.
• Confidence analysing information, evaluating applications, and making evidence‑based recommendations.
• Ability to manage complex workloads, meet deadlines and work independently.
• A commitment to inclusive, relationship‑centred practice.

Why join us

At North Yorkshire Council, we are committed to supporting our employees to grow and succeed. In return for your expertise, you’ll benefit from:

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Access to learning, coaching, mentoring and apprenticeships.
• Flexible working opportunities including hybrid where appropriate.
• Generous local government pension scheme.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Access to discounts and vouchers, including holidays, high street retailers and day to day spending

For full information, please visit Total rewards | North Yorkshire Council

If you’re passionate about community empowerment, local democracy and helping places thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact:

For more information, or an informal chat about the role, please contact Claire Wilson, Parish Liaison and Local Devolution Manager. Contact: [e-mail]

Key Dates:

Closing Date: Sunday 11 October

Interview Date: Friday 23 October

Company: North Yorkshire Council

Salary: £44,253 – £48,738 per annum

Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Sector: Regeneration and Local Economies

Job Role: Officer