At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal services and governance, ensuring ethical decision-making and community impact.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Havering, a values-driven and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and health support.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and influence in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape democracy and make a lasting difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Senior legal experience in local government with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 105126 - 114822 £ per year.
The London Borough of Havering is seeking an exceptional senior legal professional to step into one of its most influential roles. This is a rare opportunity to operate at the heart of the organisation, combining statutory authority with strategic leadership, shaping how the Council makes decisions, governs itself and serves its communities.
Reporting to the Strategic Director of Resources, and directly to the Chief Executive in your capacity as Monitoring Officer, you will be a trusted adviser to elected Members and senior leaders, guiding the Council through complex legal, governance and democratic matters at a time of significant change.
The Role
- Act as the Council's statutory Monitoring Officer, championing lawful, ethical and transparent decision‑making.
- Serve as the Council's principal legal adviser, providing clear, authoritative guidance to Members, Cabinet and senior officers.
- Set the strategic direction for Legal Services, Committee Services and Elections, ensuring resilient, high‑performing teams.
- Safeguard and evolve the Council's Constitution and governance framework, keeping pace with legislative and best‑practice developments.
- Oversee the delivery of elections, referenda and electoral registration, protecting democratic integrity.
- Operate confidently in a political environment, building credibility and trust at the highest levels.
This is a leadership role that blends professional expertise with influence, judgement and values‑driven decision‑making.
Who We're Looking For
- You will be a respected and credible senior lawyer with significant experience providing strategic legal leadership within local government or a similarly complex public sector environment.
- Deep expertise in local government law, governance and electoral legislation.
- A proven track record of advising elected Members and senior leaders with confidence and clarity.
- The personal authority, resilience and emotional intelligence to lead in a political setting.
- Strong people leadership skills and a collaborative, inclusive approach.
Above all, you will bring sound judgement, integrity and a commitment to public service.
Why Join Havering?
Havering is ambitious, open and values‑led. We are proud of our ICARE values and committed to modernising how we work while maintaining strong governance at our core.
In return, we offer:
- A competitive senior salary - £105,126 to £114,822 per annum.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- 26 days annual leave rising to 29 days after five years (plus bank holidays).
- A wide range of health, wellbeing and employee support benefits.
- The opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact on a London borough and its communities.
Assistant Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer employer: Adecco
Contact Detail:
Adecco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or legal circles. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council's recent decisions and challenges. Show that you’re not just a legal whiz but also genuinely interested in shaping governance and making an impact in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and how you can contribute to the Council’s goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We want to see your ability to influence and guide others, especially in a complex environment like local government.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Make your points straightforward and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Havering!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adecco
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Brush up on local government law, governance, and electoral legislation. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can guide the Council through complex legal matters, as this role demands a solid understanding of these areas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and advising senior leaders. Think about situations where you’ve had to navigate political environments and how you built trust and credibility with stakeholders.
✨Understand the Council's Values
Familiarise yourself with Havering's ICARE values. During the interview, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of modernising governance while maintaining integrity.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the challenges the Council is currently facing or how they envision the future of legal services, which will reflect your strategic thinking.