Local Devolution and Community Rights Officer

Applefields School; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Professional development and mentoring

Discounts and vouchers

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is recruiting a Local Devolution and Community Rights Officer to drive community empowerment across North Yorkshire. The role is based in Northallerton with hybrid working options, and sits within the Localities Service, focusing on assets, devolution and community partnerships.

The post requires experience in community rights and local government, with strong stakeholder engagement, analysis and reporting capabilities.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of community rights legislation and public sector policy.
• Experience working with elected Members, senior stakeholders and community leaders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and partnership-building skills.
• Ability to analyse information, evaluate applications and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Capability to manage complex workloads and meet deadlines independently.

Responsibilities

• Deliver statutory responsibilities for Assets of Community Value and Community Rights.
• Support devolution of local assets and services to parish councils and community groups.
• Provide guidance and clear processes to help communities take on opportunities.
• Contribute to major programmes such as Locality Operating Model and Community Partnerships.
• Prepare reports, guidance and communications for councillors, partners and communities.

Skills

Community rights legislation

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation & partnership-building

Analytical thinking

Independent working

Job description

Local Devolution and Community Rights Officer

Grade L

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire -Hybrid working

Service: Localities Service

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.

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.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Access to discounts and vouchers, including holidays, high street retailers and day to day spending

Contact:

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

NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies. We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies. We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Local Devolution and Community Rights Officer