Job Description

Interim Director of Governance and Legal & Monitoring Officer
Location: North East England (Hybrid, 3+ days on-site per week)
Contract Length: 9 months
Rate: Competitive - can disclose over the phone
Hours: Full-time preferred (4-day week considered)
Start Date: Mid-August 2025
Overview
A forward-thinking local authority in the North East is seeking an experienced and dynamic Interim Director of Governance and Legal to step in as Monitoring Officer for a 9-month period. This critical leadership role ensures continuity in legal governance, standards, and election readiness during the secondment of the current Monitoring Officer.
Key Responsibilities

• Fulfil the statutory duties of Monitoring Officer.
• Act as Director of Governance and Legal, focusing on legal, governance, and corporate legal services.
• Participate in and influence the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT).
• Lead and support cabinet briefings, committee cycles, and full council meetings.
• Act as Data Protection Officer (DPO), supported by a deputy.
• Provide oversight and input as part of the Elections Project Team, including potentially acting as Deputy Returning Officer.
• Drive and oversee constitutional reviews and updates to the policy framework.
• Manage sensitive councillor standards and conduct cases.
• Provide legal oversight for judicial reviews, appeals, and information governance matters.

Essential Criteria

• Legally qualified (Solicitor/Barrister/Legal Executive).
• Previous experience as a Monitoring Officer or Deputy Monitoring Officer within a local authority (district or unitary).
• Proven ability to operate in politically sensitive environments and manage high-profile standards and conduct issues.
• Strong leadership presence, with confidence to influence senior leadership and elected members.

If you're interested and want to discuss the role and day to day duties in more detail, please click apply and/or please contact Georgia Macmenemey on 0117 284 0003 or email
Job Requirements:
Qualified solicitor, barrister, or legal executive Previous experience as a Monitoring Officer or Deputy Monitoring Officer within a local authority Proven ability to operate within politically