Trainee or Committee, Member and Scrutiny Officer

The Role

Would you like a key role at the heart of democracy? Do you have a positive and adaptable approach? Are you able to perform under pressure? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you at North Herts Council.

Working at the centre of the Council’s decision-making process, you will be responsible for the preparation, publication of agendas/decisions and minute taking for a variety of meetings providing procedural advice to ensure meetings are legally compliant, whilst assisting the Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager in coordinating the Scrutiny Work Programme. You will work closely with elected members and senior officers, providing professional advice and administrative support, including implementation of the member training/induction programme.

This is a career graded position, offering an interesting and varied role which requires a high level of organisational skills, with the ability to identify and adapt to changing priorities whilst working to key deadlines. If you are forward thinking, have comprehensive IT literacy skills, an excellent communicator and able to understand and apply procedure rules we want to hear from you. There is a requirement to attend some evening meetings (with allowances and overtime) so flexibility on working hours is essential.

The Experience you will bring

You will need good interpersonal skills and be able to converse with a diverse range of people, including Senior Leadership, Councillors and the public. You will need a demonstrable attention to detail, which is vital to ensure that good governance practices are enhanced at the Council.

You will be joining a diverse and active Committee, Member and Scrutiny Team and being a team player is important to work within this setting. In exchange, you will be supported within the role by your colleagues and provided with training in order to progress in the role.

About Us

North Hertfordshire is a large rural district with approximately 125,000 residents with four historic towns, Hitchin, Baldock, Royston and Letchworth Garden City. The Council have four priorities: Thriving Communities, Accessible Services, Responsible Growth and Sustainability. The Council Plan sets out our key priorities and themes for the next five years. The North Herts Values define how we as colleagues work with each other, and we strive to be: Adaptable, Inclusive, Learning, Listening, Together.

Why work with us?

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment practices and in our employment policies. We want our employees to feel safe to express themselves and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of talents. We are dedicated to promoting a healthy work/life balance, valuing our employees, and enabling them to make a difference to the local community.

At North Herts Council we are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and we guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum requirements for the job.

Please note that all our vacancies require you to live and work in the UK, and selection interviews are face to face in our Letchworth offices or other nearby council sites.

We are changing
North Herts Council (NHC) is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you are employed by NHC on 1 April 2028, it is expected that the majority of roles will transfer to the newly-created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles.

LGR is one of the biggest changes in local government we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised and gives us a real opportunity to build something better.

To find out more, visit Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation | North Herts Council

If you would like an informal chat about the post, you can contact James Lovegrove, Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager, 01462 474204 or Melanie Stimpson, Democratic Services Manager, 01462 474208

Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Closing Date: 22/11/2026

Interviews: 14/12/2026