Assistant Director – Legal & Democratic Services

Assistant Director Legal & Democratic Services

Rate Negotiable based on experience – let us know what you are looking for?

Full Time

3 Month Contract Initially

Northamptonshire / Remote – Just attendance at Council meetings – every 2 months

Our client Public Sector Client is looking for a Assistant Director Legal & Democratic Services & Monitoring Officer to join their team.

• Experienced Monitoring Officer - must have this experience
• Unitary experience as have Children’s Services within remit – no District only experience
• Qualified Solicitor
• Will be responsible for Legal, Democratic Services and Information Governance

Role Purpose

• To undertake statutory responsibilities as Deputy Monitoring Officer and support the Director of Governance and HR in developing and delivering a strong governance and ethical framework.
• Responsible for the leadership and performance of the Council's in house legal, democratic and information governance services.
• Responsible for the leadership, development and implementation of relevant strategies and policies that enable the delivery of the Council's target operating model, corporate and directorate priorities.
• Develop and embed a performance culture that delivers results through continual improvement and ensure that resources are targeted on business priorities and meeting customer needs.
• Manage resources efficiently and effectively, ensuring there are sufficient financial, human and other resources available to deliver effective services.
• Take a proactive approach to risk management and business continuity planning on areas of accountability.
• Responsible for contract management of the legal services provided through Pathfinder Ltd.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining key internal and external relationships and partnerships to deliver both the Council's and wider strategic area priorities.
• To review and modernise all functions within the responsibilities of the Assistant Director to reflect best practice.
• To support and deputise for the Director of Governance and Human Resources.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE (Essential)

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with full practising certificate and extensive and substantial evidence of up to date continuous professional development.
• Advanced knowledge of constitutional and democratic process matters and demonstrable experience as a Deputy Monitoring Officer.
• Understanding of all aspects of local government law: in particular the structural frameworks of local authorities, the limitations of powers, understanding the scope of judicial review and general compliance powers and the corporate governance frameworks which underpins all decision making across the Council.
• Substantial practical and procedural knowledge of public sector practice, the political environment and statutory obligations across the organisation as a whole.
• A strong understanding of the financial framework governing local authority activities.

If this role is of interest and you meet the above criteria, then please apply immediately