Become a co-opted scrutiny member and help shape and improve council services

Help shape and improve council services that matter most to residents – become a co-opted scrutiny member

Overview and Scrutiny is an essential function that examines Tower Hamlets Council’s decision-making. It plays an important check and balance role to ensure that the decisions of the Executive Mayor, Cabinet and its partners are in the best interests of the residents and that the Council continues to a provide a high-quality service. The scrutiny process provides opportunity to examine the services provided by the Council and partner agencies; to ask questions on how decisions are made; and to consider whether service improvements can be put in place.

The Council is looking to appoint six members of the public as co-opted members of its Overview and Scrutiny Committee and sub committees as follows:

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 2 resident representatives

Health and Adults Scrutiny Sub Committee – 1 resident representative

Children and Education Scrutiny Sub Committee – 1 Muslim Community Representative.

Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee

1 tenant representative (must be a social housing tenant in LBTH).

1 leaseholder representative (must be a leaseholder in LBTH).

The Council is keen to hear from Tower Hamlets residents who wish to be involved in this critically important Council function. Co-opted members will need to attend evening meetings of the committees/sub committees in the Town Hall. Overview and Scrutiny Committee meets approximately ten times per year and the sub committees around five times per year. Co-opted members are expected to attend regular evening meetings (in person) at least half the ordinarily scheduled meetings. Co-opted members can claim an attendance allowance for each meeting attended.

Included in the Job Description is the person specification that includes the essential and desirable qualities the Council is seeking from candidates. To be shortlisted for an interview, applicants need to demonstrate on the application form how their knowledge and experience supports the desirable and essential qualities. Should you be shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview where the recruitment panel will ask you to again demonstrate how your knowledge and experience supports the desirable and essential qualities through a series of verbal questions and answers. Applicants will need to demonstrate knowledge/experience of the relevant policy areas.

Further details about the scrutiny process and the roles performed by the Committee and sub committees can be found on the Council’s website here: http://democracy.towerhamlets.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=327

If you are interested in one of the roles above, please complete the online application form and email [email protected] clearly specifying which of the roles you are interested in.

For an informal conversation about the roles please contact Daniel Kerr, Head of Scrutiny on 020 7 364 6310 or Filuck Miah on 020 7 364 1152.

Tower Hamlets is a truly 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, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are 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 residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

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