Scrutiny Officer

We currently have a vacancy for a Scrutiny Officer to join our Democratic Scrutiny Unit.

The Scrutiny Committee plays a vital role in democratic accountability and oversight, holding the Mayor and Combined Authority to account for decisions, delivery and performance. As a ‘critical friend’, it ensures good governance, policies, services, value for money and long-term outcomes for local people. From April 2027, Scrutiny will take on significant new duties and powers to oversee public petitions, manage independent experts, conduct “Value for Money” and evaluation assessments, make reports to government and public agencies, scrutinise partners and contractors, and sanction non-compliance.

As a Scrutiny Officer, you’ll be at the heart of this work, supporting the Committee with high-quality research, analysis, advice and briefings, manage reviews and inquiries, and ensure Members have the information and administrative support they need to do their job.

It is an exciting time to be joining the Mayoral Combined Authority. We have a wide variety of impactful projects that we are working on which will help shape the West Yorkshire region. To find out more about the work the Combined Authority is involved with, take a look at our latest news stories.

It is important that you demonstrate how your breadth of experience, knowledge and skills align with the role when applying. We have therefore created comprehensive guidance for candidates, and you are strongly urged to read this before completing your application form. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage to find this guidance and further support in completing your application form.

The Role
Reporting into the Democratic Scrutiny Lead & Statutory Scrutiny Officer, your key responsibilities will include:

• Support the delivery of the Scrutiny Committee’s work programme, including formal meetings, site visits and other sessions, ensuring Members receive high-quality briefings, reports, minutes and administrative support.
• Conduct research and analysis of policies, decisions, programmes and performance information, providing clear, evidence-based advice and recommendations to support effective scrutiny and decision-making.
• Support scrutiny oversight, reviews, and task-and-finish exercises, working with elected Members, senior officers and external stakeholders to consider evidence, explore lines of enquiry and arrive at impactful conclusions.

Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.

About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education, and experience:

• Demonstrable political awareness, ability to operate effectively in a politically sensitive, public-facing environment and understanding of policy development, delivery and decision-making.
• Experience of working with senior leaders, elected members and other high-profile stakeholders, building relationships and providing credible advice and support.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to produce high-quality briefings, reports, presentations and correspondence tailored to a range of audiences.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan ahead, manage competing priorities, maintain attention to detail and work well under pressure.
• Experience of reviews, analysing complex information, identifying lines of enquiry and ensuring conclusions are supported by clear evidence.

Our Offer
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
• Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
• Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
• Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
• Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
• Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
• Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
• Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

Take a look at our Employee Benefits webpage to find out more.

To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements under the ‘About You’ section of the advert and criteria within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please contact Khaled Berroum via khaled.berroum@westyorks-ca.gov.uk or 0113 348 1558

Please note that previous applicants for this post will automatically be considered so need not re-apply.

Closing date: 22 November 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the ‘Enquire/Apply’ button.