Assistant Director of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer

TL;DR

Assistant Director of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer (Local Government): Act as the Council’s principal legal adviser and statutory guardian of governance, leading teams across legal, governance, and electoral services with an accent on compliance, transparency, and constitutional frameworks. Focus on providing authoritative legal advice to senior leaders, ensuring ethical decision-making, and overseeing effective governance processes.

Location: Romford, Essex (hybrid working)

Salary: £105,126 - £114,822 pa

Company

Forward-thinking London borough council with excellent transport links, green spaces, and focus on regeneration, startups, and industries like construction and logistics.

What you will do

• Provide high-level legal advice and ensure compliance across all Council functions
• Fulfil statutory Monitoring Officer role, safeguarding legal and ethical decision-making
• Lead Committee Services for transparent and effective governance
• Oversee electoral services, including election delivery and registration
• Develop and review Council’s constitution and governance arrangements
• Build partnerships with elected members, senior management, external partners, and regulators

Requirements

• Proven experience in strategic legal leadership and governance in complex public sector or regulated environment
• Deep understanding of local government law, governance frameworks, and electoral legislation
• Ability to provide authoritative legal advice to senior leadership and elected members
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and lead multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills

Culture & Benefits

• Supportive and inclusive environment guided by ICARE values
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working including hybrid arrangements
• Generous annual leave with options to buy additional days
• Continuous professional development opportunities
• Health, wellbeing, and employee support benefits

Hiring process

• Submit CV and supporting statement (max 2 A4 sides) explaining fit to criteria
• Multiple assessment stages including face-to-face interview with elected Members
• Anonymised recruitment; informal discussions available with hiring manager