Scrutiny Officer: Research & Accountability for Local Democracy

West Yorkshire Combined Authority; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

28 days annual leave

Free bus and rail travel (MCard)

Local Government Pension Scheme

Professional development support

Volunteering days (up to 3)

Salary progression

Enhanced parental and bereavementleave

Counselling services 24/7

Headspace app access

Modern workspace near Leeds Station

Job summary

West Yorkshire Combined Authority in Leeds is seeking a Scrutiny Officer to support the Democratic Scrutiny Unit. The role focuses on research, analysis and briefing papers to assist the Scrutiny Committee in holding decisions to account.

Responsibilities include supporting meetings, delivering evidence-based recommendations, and enabling informed decision-making alongside elected Members and senior officers. Hybrid, full-time, 37 hours per week, with a salary of £38,412 per annum.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable political awareness, ability to operate effectively in a politically sensitive, public-facing environment and understanding of policy development, delivery and decision-making.
• Experience of working with senior leaders, elected members and other high-profile stakeholders, building relationships and providing credible advice and support.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to produce high-quality briefings, reports, presentations and correspondence tailored to a range of audiences.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan ahead, manage competing priorities, maintain attention to detail and work well under pressure.
• Experience of reviews, analysing complex information, identifying lines of enquiry and ensuring conclusions are supported by clear evidence.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the Scrutiny Committee’s work programme, including formal meetings, site visits and other sessions, ensuring Members receive high-quality briefings, reports, minutes and administrative support.
• Conduct research and analysis of policies, decisions, programmes and performance information, providing clear, evidence-based advice and recommendations to support effective scrutiny and decision-making.
• Support scrutiny oversight, reviews, and task-and-finish exercises, working with elected Members, senior officers and external stakeholders to consider evidence, explore lines of enquiry and arrive at impactful conclusions.

Job description

West Yorkshire Combined Authority in Leeds is seeking a Scrutiny Officer to support the Democratic Scrutiny Unit. The role focuses on research, analysis and briefing papers to assist the Scrutiny Committee in holding decisions to account.

Responsibilities include supporting meetings, delivering evidence-based recommendations, and enabling informed decision-making alongside elected Members and senior officers. Hybrid, full-time, 37 hours per week, with a salary of £38,412 per annum.