Scrutiny Officer

Join Our New Scrutiny Team – Be Part of Something Transformational

Job Title: Scrutiny Officer (2 Posts – 1 permanent role, 1 one-year fixed term)

About the Role

Tower Hamlets is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs, home to a rich cultural heritage and a dynamic community. We are proud of our ambition to deliver high-quality services that make a real difference to residents’ lives.

Tower Hamlets Council is launching a dedicated Scrutiny Team, a bold and ambitious step to become a leading example of effective, innovative scrutiny in London.

We are recruiting two Scrutiny Officers to help build this new team from the ground up. You’ll play a pivotal role in supporting Councillors to hold decision-makers to account, shape policy, and improve services for our diverse communities.You will also contribute to delivery of the Council’s transformational Continuous Improvement Plan.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and driven team with a clear mission: to champion transparency, drive improvement, and empower residents through robust, evidence-based scrutiny. You’ll work closely with Councillors, senior officers, and community stakeholders to ensure that the council’s decisions are well-informed, fair, and focused on improving outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

As part of our new scrutiny team, you’ll be at the heart of local democracy, helping to shape decisions that affect thousands of lives. You will be expected to:

• Develop and manage an ambitious scrutiny work programme aligned with the council’s priorities.
• Lead and manage scrutiny committees, sub-committees, and task groups from inception to conclusion.
• Work closely with councillors, senior officers, partners, and the public to deliver high-quality scrutiny that adds real value.
• Provide expert advice, research, and analysis to support evidence-based recommendations.
• Facilitate meetings, debates, and workshops that explore complex issues and generate actionable insights.
• Produce high-quality and impactful reports and presentations that drive improvement and influence policy.
• Promote public participation and explore innovative ways to engage residents and stakeholders.
• Represent the scrutiny function at internal and external meetings, including across London and the wider sector.
• Champion best practice and innovation in scrutiny, helping Tower Hamlets become a leader in local government governance.

About You

We want people who are:

• Politically astute and understand the role of scrutiny in a local government context.
• Excellent communicators, able to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Innovative and proactive, always looking for new ways to improve how scrutiny is delivered.
• Collaborative and confident, able to work with senior leaders, elected members, and community groups.
• Organised and resilient, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Analytical and detail-focused, with strong research and report-writing skills.
• Passionate about good governance, transparency, and improving public services.
  
  Experience in local government, policy development, or democratic services is desirable, but we welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills and a commitment to learning. Willingness to attend evening meetings and occasional weekend events is required.

Benefits

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.