Scrutiny Officer, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Overview

Grade/Salary: Band G (£41,511 to £46,731) | Contract Type: Permanent | Hours: Full-time (37 hours), flexible working

Sandwell Council’s Democratic Services Division is seeking an enthusiastic, driven and experienced Scrutiny Officer to support the effective delivery and continuous improvement of the Council’s overview and scrutiny function. This role plays a vital part in strengthening democratic accountability, supporting Elected Members to challenge, review and influence decision‑making, and helping to improve outcomes for residents.

You will work closely with Members, senior officers and external partners in a complex political environment, providing high‑quality professional advice, co‑ordinating scrutiny activity and ensuring the Council’s scrutiny arrangements operate effectively and transparently.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery and continuous improvement of the Council’s scrutiny function, supporting Members to challenge, question and evaluate policies, performance and strategic priorities
• Support the Statutory Scrutiny Officer on all aspects of scrutiny, including the development of work programmes, co‑ordination of reviews, evidence gathering and stakeholder engagement
• Monitor, track and evaluate scrutiny recommendations and their impact, including preparing the annual scrutiny update report to Council
• Provide high‑quality professional advice and support to scrutiny committees, task and finish groups and individual Members
• Contribute to the design and delivery of an effective Member development programme, supporting learning and continuous improvement

Attributes

• Strong experience of local government committee administration, with a comprehensive understanding of overview and scrutiny legislation and practice
• The ability to provide clear, confident and impartial advice to Elected Members and officers
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work flexibly in a fast‑paced environment
• A high level of attention to detail, with a commitment to producing accurate, high‑quality work and reports

Why Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

Benefits

• Competitive market salary and 31 Days Annual leave (Excluding bank holidays)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Hybrid Working and Flexible working options
• Fantastic training and development opportunities
• A supportive, inclusive and ambitious working environment

Additional information

To find out more, please visit our careers page: We Are Sandwell

Click here to find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours

How to apply

Please submit a CV and supporting statement to Stephnie_Hancock@sandwell.gov.uk or click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a high number of applications be received. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.

If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.

If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact Stephnie_Hancock@sandwell.gov.uk

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 19 May 2026

For full details and to apply, please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button below.

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