Location
London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£54,360 per annum

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. The 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 (1 permanent role, 1 one-year fixed term) to help build this new team from the ground up. You will 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 the 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 will 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
- 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 Tower Hamlets Council
Tower Hamlets is a 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, it is one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. It is 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 award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for staff, located directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is a hub for collaboration, innovation, and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, Tower Hamlets Council puts equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything it does. Active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion the workforce, helping to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by the TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – the council is building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

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

Experience
Experience in local government, policy development, or democratic services is desirable but not essential. Applications from candidates with transferable skills and a commitment to learning are welcome.

About you
- Politically astute with an understanding of the role of scrutiny in local government.
- Excellent communicator, able to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
- Innovative and proactive, always seeking new ways to improve scrutiny delivery.
- Collaborative and confident, able to work with senior leaders, elected members, and community groups.
- Organised and resilient, capable of managing 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.
- Willingness to attend evening meetings and occasional weekend events is required.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are required; however, relevant experience or transferable skills are valued.