Scrutiny and Committee Officer

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Are you someone who thrives at the heart of democratic decision‑making? Do you enjoy bringing order, clarity and confidence to fast‑paced, high‑profile meetings? If you’re motivated by supporting elected members, shaping transparent governance, and ensuring the smooth running of formal committee processes, then this role as Committee & Scrutiny Officer could be the perfect next step in your career.

You’ll play a vital role in keeping the Council’s governance machinery running seamlessly — from planning agendas, coordinating with senior leaders and councillors, to capturing clear, accurate and actionable minutes that underpin informed decision‑making. If you’re ready to join a team where precision, professionalism and political awareness truly matter, we want to hear from you.

What’s the role?

The Committee & Scrutiny Officer ensures the smooth running of the Council’s formal governance processes. They prepare and publish agendas and minutes, support Chairs and elected members, and provide clear procedural advice. The role involves coordinating meetings, managing competing priorities, and maintaining strong political and statutory awareness. It’s a fast‑paced position at the centre of democratic decision‑making.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

• A confident communicator who can provide clear and reliable constitutional and procedural advice to senior leaders and elected Members.
• Someone with excellent organisational skills, able to manage complex meetings, tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• A candidate experienced in accurate minute‑taking and supporting formal committee processes.
• Strong knowledge of how local government decision making works, including statutory and constitutional requirements.
• An adaptable self‑starter who can work independently and remain calm under pressure.
• A professional who builds strong relationships and handles sensitive or confidential issues with discretion.

Location

The job is primarily based in the Catford Complex, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

This is a politically restricted post subject to the restrictions outline in The Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990.

• The post holder must be flexible to regularly work in the evenings. We operate a TOIL policy.

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Emma.CampbellSmith@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£44,235- £45,852 per annum (P01)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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