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- Tasks: Lead and develop a talented team in delivering high-quality legal and governance services.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council, making a lasting impact on local governance and legal services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary up to ÂŁ106,600, generous benefits, and flexible hybrid working arrangements.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic culture that embraces innovation and values diverse perspectives.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive with substantial post-qualification experience required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from under-represented backgrounds to foster diversity in leadership.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 106600 ÂŁ per year.
Head of Legal and Governance Services
Salary up to ÂŁ106,600 (& generous benefits)
Closing date Monday 10th February 23.55
Together we’re the moment makers
Together, we’re raising the bar in legal services. Together, we’re all creating lasting change to people’s lives in Oxfordshire.
Oxfordshire County Council is seeking an innovative and highly skilled professional to lead its Legal and Governance Services as Head of Legal and Governance. This critical role, acting as the council’s Deputy Monitoring Officer, is central to ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality services that enable the council to operate transparently, lawfully, and with integrity.
As Head of Legal and Governance Services, you will provide expert advice to elected members and senior officers on a wide range of legal, constitutional, and governance matters. Supporting the Monitoring Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring the council’s decision-making processes are robust, legally compliant, and reflective of best practices. You will promote a culture of progressive thinking and performance underpinned by a strong governance and ethical standards across the organisation.
Your responsibilities will include leading and developing a large talented team (of circa 100) including legal, democratic, and governance professionals, delivering services that meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. You will oversee the provision of legal advice on complex matters, manage the council’s democratic processes, and ensure compliance with statutory and constitutional requirements. Additionally, you will embrace innovation, exploring the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance the council’s legal and governance functions and ensure Oxfordshire’s services remain fit for the future.
The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive with substantial post-qualification experience (with a current practising certificate) and a comprehensive understanding of the legal and governance framework within local government. You will have a proven track record of delivering strategic legal advice in a complex organisational environment, along with experience in managing democratic processes and supporting senior leaders in navigating challenging governance issues.
We are looking for a forward-thinking and collaborative leader who can combine legal and governance expertise with a progressive vision for service delivery. Your ability to lead and inspire teams, build strong relationships, and manage complexity will be critical. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role, offering the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Oxfordshire’s governance and legal services.
Together, we’re the moment makers and we’re focussed on making every day the best it can be for our residents. Whatever you do here, you’ll look around and say, “I make a difference”, because we’re all creating lasting change to people’s lives in Oxfordshire.
Everyday you’ll be challenged in a new way, supported by your team, in an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions. We’re not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced, and innovation thrives.
We believe that together, our differences make us stronger, and that diversity is the foundation for innovation. Here, you can create a unique career for yourself – while raising the bar for the future of UK public services.
Our Agile Working Policy ensures you enjoy flexible working arrangements, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively operating on a hybrid model, based in Oxford.
If all of this excites you, then visit our campaign site
Oxfordshire County Council | Welcome | Hays UK
and speak to our recruitment partners at Hays
Simon Winspear 07525 466 357 / simon.winspear@hays/com
Lottie Williams 0203 465 0141 / lottie.williams@hays.com
Oxfordshire County Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment, and we welcome applications from all members of the community.
We would particularly like to encourage applications from individuals from a multi-ethnic background, who are currently under-represented at a senior level within our organisation. At Oxfordshire, we strive to create a workplace that reflects our region, where everyone is valued and empowered to be themselves.
Head of Legal and Governance Services employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal and Governance Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific legal and governance frameworks within local government. Understanding the nuances of these regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Oxfordshire County Council. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the council's culture and expectations, which can be a game-changer during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing democratic processes and providing strategic legal advice. Highlighting specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex governance issues will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your innovative thinking by researching emerging technologies in legal services. Being able to discuss how you would implement AI or other tech solutions in governance will align with the council's forward-thinking vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal and Governance Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Legal and Governance Services position. Highlight your relevant experience in legal advice, governance, and team leadership in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasize your qualifications as a solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive, and detail your post-qualification experience in local government.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your vision for the role and how you plan to lead and inspire a large team. Discuss your approach to promoting a culture of governance and ethical standards, and mention any innovative ideas you have for enhancing legal services.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you have successfully managed teams and navigated complex governance issues. Demonstrating your collaborative leadership style will be crucial in making your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in legal and governance matters. Highlight specific cases or projects where you provided strategic legal advice, demonstrating your understanding of the local government framework.
✨Emphasize Leadership Skills
As a leader of a large team, it's crucial to convey your ability to inspire and manage diverse groups. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams through complex challenges and fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation.
✨Demonstrate Forward-Thinking Vision
Discuss your ideas on how to embrace emerging technologies, such as AI, to enhance legal and governance services. Show that you are not only aware of current trends but also have a vision for future improvements.
✨Prepare for Governance Scenarios
Anticipate questions related to governance challenges and decision-making processes. Be ready to provide insights on best practices and how you would ensure compliance and transparency within the council's operations.
