Scrutiny Business Manager

Civic Recruitment Limited; Surrey Heath; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is recruiting for a pivotal role in Surrey Heath to lead the Council's Scrutiny function and act as the Designated Statutory Scrutiny Officer. You will guide Select Committees, oversee governance processes, and ensure statutory compliance while navigating a complex political landscape.

The role entails strategic leadership, independent support to committees, and delivering service improvements.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing democratic services, scrutiny services, governance, or a related local government function.
• Proven track record in committee management.
• Experience working within a complex political environment.
• Demonstrated ability in staff management and team leadership.
• Experience in delivering strategic projects, service improvements, and organizational change.
• Ability to build effective relationships with elected Members, senior officers, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Council's scrutiny function, ensuring alignment with legislative and constitutional mandates.
• Serve as the Designated Statutory Scrutiny Officer.
• Offer independent policy, research, and governance support to Select Committees.
• Oversee the preparation and dissemination of committee reports, recommendations, agendas, and minutes.
• Assist Members in effectively fulfilling their scrutiny duties.
• Supervise statutory consultations and ensure outcomes are monitored and reported accurately.
• Facilitate seamless business interactions between Cabinet, Deputy Cabinet Members, Council, Select Committees, and Regulatory Committees.

Skills

Democratic services

Scrutiny services

Governance

Committee management

Staff management

Stakeholder relations

Strategic projects

Education

Degree-level education

Management qualification

Public administration knowledge

Job description

Surrey Heath, United Kingdom | Posted on 18/08/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well‑positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

7 months contract with a local authority

Summary

• This role involves leading and managing the Council's Scrutiny function, ensuring adherence to statutory obligations, constitutional protocols, and best practice standards. The position requires providing strategic leadership and independent support to Select Committees, overseeing democratic governance processes, and serving as the Council's Designated Statutory Scrutiny Officer. The successful candidate will navigate a complex political landscape, support elected Members, drive continuous improvement, and ensure high-quality committee management and corporate governance.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Council's scrutiny function, ensuring alignment with legislative and constitutional mandates.
• Serve as the Designated Statutory Scrutiny Officer.
• Offer independent policy, research, and governance support to Select Committees.
• Oversee the preparation and dissemination of committee reports, recommendations, agendas, and minutes.
• Assist Members in effectively fulfilling their scrutiny duties.
• Supervise statutory consultations and ensure outcomes are monitored and reported accurately.
• Facilitate seamless business interactions between Cabinet, Deputy Cabinet Members, Council, Select Committees, and Regulatory Committees.

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in managing democratic services, scrutiny services, governance, or a related local government function.
• Proven track record in committee management.
• Experience working within a complex political environment.
• Demonstrated ability in staff management and team leadership.
• Experience in delivering strategic projects, service improvements, and organizational change.
• Ability to build effective relationships with elected Members, senior officers, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification.
• Relevant management qualification or substantial management experience in a specialized area.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in governance, democratic services, public administration, or management.

Additional Information

• This is a 7-month contract with a local authority.
• The rate is £40/HR Umbrella.
• Payments are made on a bi-weekly schedule.
• The application deadline is 7th September 2026.