The Role

An exciting post is available within our Scrutiny Team which operates at the heart of Waltham Forest Council. As Scrutiny Policy Assistant you will play a key role in ensuring the scrutiny function works effectively through administrative, policy and project support. The post-holder will have high visibility across the organisation, working with Cabinet and Council members and senior officers across all of the Council’s services to contribute to the work of the committees.

It is an ideal role for a candidate looking to gain diverse experience of councillor level decision-making and scrutiny, and how this shapes the work and priorities of a local authority. The successful candidate will be able to work in a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment, and able to provide consistent, high-level support for the benefit of elected members, officers and other key public sector stakeholders.

You will be expected to support overview and scrutiny committees in their inquiries and scrutiny of policy and practice. This includes supporting thematic research reports, preparing scrutiny committees for meetings, and providing in-meeting support.

The role sits within the scrutiny team, and works closely with Democratic Services. It is a fast-paced role, working across all Council services and activities, in a dynamic and influential team.

The Person

The successful applicant will have a positive, can-do attitude and approach to supporting the council deliver its priorities and scrutiny duties. You will have excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work creatively and positively to find solutions to problems. You will be resilient, highly motivated and able to work with agility in a pressurised political environment. You will be confident, open and outgoing in order to build relationships with scrutiny committees and offices across the Council.
Ideally, you will have experience of working in a policy, research and/or a democratic services role, and knowledge of the issues facing local government. An understanding of the decision and policy making process across local government would also be an advantage.
If you are a committed team member with drive and enthusiasm, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please telephone Andrew Spragg, Scrutiny Officer on 020 8496 4933.