Scrutiny Support Officer

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority; Northallerton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking a governance and scrutiny professional to support effective governance, transparency and democratic accountability. You will work with elected members and partner organisations to shape the scrutiny work programme, undertake research, and produce reports and recommendations.

Interpreting legislation and guidance, coordinating meetings and evidence sessions, and contributing to annual reporting will be key aspects of the role, with a

Qualifications

• Strong research, analytical and report-writing abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with elected members, officers and partners.
• Ability to interpret complex information, legislation and guidance in a practical way.
• Strong organisational skills with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Collaborative approach with the confidence to provide constructive challenge while maintaining positive stakeholder relationships.
• Understanding of governance, scrutiny, democratic processes or the public sector would be advantageous.
• Commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in public services.

Responsibilities

• Support the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in carrying out its statutory functions.
• Work closely with elected members, officers and external partners to support effective scrutiny activity.
• Help develop and deliver an annual scrutiny work programme aligned to organisational priorities.
• Undertake research, policy reviews and evidence-gathering exercises on key issues.
• Analyse information and prepare clear, concise reports, briefings and recommendations.
• Support the production of annual reports and committee documentation.
• Interpret and apply legislation, guidance and best practice relating to scrutiny and governance.
• Coordinate meetings, evidence sessions and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Monitor emerging developments within the devolution agenda and local government sector.
• Promote transparency, accountability and continuous improvement across the Combined Authority.
• Contribute to effective decision-making through robust, evidence-based scrutiny.
• Build productive relationships with members, officers, partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting effective governance, transparency and democratic accountability within the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. From 1 April 2027, a new scrutiny regime will come into effect under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, placing scrutiny at the centre of decision-making and oversight across the organisation. Working closely with elected members, senior officers and partner organisations, you will support the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in delivering its statutory responsibilities. You will help shape and deliver an effective scrutiny work programme, undertake research and reviews, gather and analyse evidence, and contribute to the production of reports and recommendations. Operating within a rapidly evolving devolution landscape, you will provide professional support and advice on scrutiny legislation, guidance and best practice, helping to ensure decision-making is transparent, accountable and informed by robust evidence.

Key aspects of the role:

• Support the Combined Authority's Overview and Scrutiny Committee in carrying out its statutory functions.
• Work closely with elected members, officers and external partners to support effective scrutiny activity.
• Help develop and deliver an annual scrutiny work programme aligned to organisational priorities.
• Undertake research, policy reviews and evidence-gathering exercises on key issues.
• Analyse information and prepare clear, concise reports, briefings and recommendations.
• Support the production of annual reports and committee documentation.
• Interpret and apply legislation, guidance and best practice relating to scrutiny and governance.
• Coordinate meetings, evidence sessions and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Monitor emerging developments within the devolution agenda and local government sector.
• Promote transparency, accountability and continuous improvement across the Combined Authority.
• Contribute to effective decision-making through robust, evidence-based scrutiny.
• Build productive relationships with members, officers, partners and stakeholders.
• Strong research, analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to present clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work effectively with elected members, senior officers and partners.
• The ability to interpret complex information, legislation and guidance in a practical and meaningful way.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A collaborative approach, with the confidence to support constructive challenge while maintaining positive stakeholder relationships.
• An understanding of governance, scrutiny, democratic processes or the wider public sector environment would be advantageous.
• A commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in public services.