At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal services and governance, ensuring compliance and high-quality decision-making.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, a key player in local governance and community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, 31 days leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in local government.
The predicted salary is between 111254 - 111254 £ per year.
- Permanent
- Overview of the Service Director - Law, Democratic and Member Service (Monitoring Officer)
- Barnsley Council
£111,254 per annum Permanent Overview of the Service Director - Law, Democratic and Member Service (Monitoring Officer)
Sellick Partnership is delighted to be working with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council to recruit to a key post within their leadership team.
This role will lead the Legal Services, Democratic and Member Services, Data Protection and Complaints and act as the Monitoring Officer for the authority.
The postholder will deliver high-quality decision-making support within the senior management team for the authority.
They will provide professional advice to elected members and officers and ensure that all governance processes comply with statutory requirements and best practice.
Key responsibilities of the Service Director - Law, Democratic and Member Service (Monitoring Officer)
- Line management: Legal Services, Democratic and Member services, Complaints and Data Protection.
- To play a key role in the Senior Management Team to ensure that strategic and local objectives are achieved within the Council portfolio.
- Lead on and develop key corporate reviews and council wide/cross departmental strategies, projects and policies.
- To be accountable for the financial performance of the service area.
Ensure compliance with all legal, statutory requirements, standing orders, financial regulations of the Council and all appropriate areas as documented in the accountability framework.
- To ensure that performance and development reviews are undertaken by managers to develop high performing teams and that promote a positive organisational culture whereby employee skills and knowledge are enhanced to provide an effective customer focused service working to achieve strategic aims and objectives.
General duties of the Service Director - Law, Democratic and Member Service (Monitoring Officer)
Supporting the Executive Director - Core Services in ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements of the Solicitor's Regulation Authority.
- Providing effective and transformational leadership in the delivery of complex service areas, including legal services, governance, elections and registration services this role ensures the council's vision, priorities and values are actively promoted and delivered in line with our Council Plan.
- Acting as the Councils Deputy Returning Officer and the Councils DPO.
- Ensuring the provision of high-level legal advice and undertaking related legal work across the areas set out below including advice to senior managers and elected members.
This will include
- Instructing Counsel or external solicitors firms where additional specialist expertise or capacity is required, managing the relationship and related resources in engaging with such providers and ensuring effective liaison between them and the relevant business unit.
- Undertaking high-level legal research.
- Drafting complex documents.
- Keeping up-to-date and disseminating within the organisation new developments in the law.
- Undertaking high level negotiation and mediation.
Qualifications/experience
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with extensive experience in a similar role.
- Certificate to Practice.
- Evidence of continuing professional development in governance.
- Understanding of the corporate and political workings of a council.
- Significant experience as a Deputy Monitoring Officer or Monitoring Officer.
- Strong understanding of legislation affecting local government decision-making.
- Excellent leadership and managerial skills.
- Ability to influence, empower and motivate employees in the attainment of service and organisational goals.
- Understanding the legal, financial and political workings of local government and current best practice on tackling the kind of challenges that face local government services.
- Benefits of the Service Director - Law, Democratic and Member Service (Monitoring Officer)
- Competitive salary.
- Excellent pension scheme, up to 16.8% employer contribution.
- 31 days of annual leave, increasing with length of service and an additional 5 discretionary days used for Christmas shutdown etc.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for extra annual leave, cycle to work, car leases, home electronics and childcare vouchers.
- Discounts on car parking, rail travel, eating out, leisure attractions and gym memberships.
- Family friendly policies including; excellent maternity, paternity and adoption entitlements.
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV.
For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.
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Service Director - Law, Democratic and Member Service (Monitoring Officer) in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Council
Barnsley Council is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in social work, particularly within the supportive environment of the Hospital Social Work Team. With a strong emphasis on collaboration with health professionals and a commitment to employee growth through flexible working arrangements, staff are empowered to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with complex care needs. The council fosters a culture of inclusivity and professional development, making it an attractive place for qualified social workers to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Law, Democratic and Member Service (Monitoring Officer) in Barnsley
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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✨Join Relevant Networks
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✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
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We think you need these skills to ace Service Director - Law, Democratic and Member Service (Monitoring Officer) in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Barnsley Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Barnsley Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Barnsley Council.