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- Tasks: Provide legal advice on governance and ensure compliance with local government legislation.
- Company: Join Central Bedfordshire Council, a dynamic local authority committed to ethical governance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse responsibilities and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while expanding your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month.
Contract Type: Hybrid - Permanent
Closing Date: 3rd May 2026
Interview Date: 21st May 2026
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced, talented and personable individual to join our team. You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or equivalent with a current practising certificate. You will work closely with the Monitoring Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer to ensure that Central Bedfordshire Council is able to fulfil its statutory, legal and constitutional obligations under the relevant local government legislation.
Responsibilities
- Support and provide advice on governance matters and ethical governance, such as the Council’s Constitution and Officer Schemes of Delegations.
- Support and provide advice in relation to adherence to legal and constitutional implications of decision-making including sign off and advice in relation to all decision making reports and Delegated Decision Notices.
- Advise on the Council’s compliance with Equalities duties in all areas of decision‑making, ensuring that Executive, committees, and senior officers fulfil the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) when taking decisions including advice on the adequacy and use of Equality Impact Assessments.
- Manage a varied caseload including governance, regulatory and equalities related matters.
- Oversight of Legal Services Contract & commissioning of external legal advice and Counsel opinion acting as a conduit between client and Legal Services in more complex and/or high‑risk matters.
Qualifications
- Be a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales or a member of the bar who has completed pupillage/qualified or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives or Chartered Legal Executive with current practising certificate.
Required Skills
- Be experienced in providing legal advice in a local authority setting or a similar complex, political environment.
- Have knowledge of relevant regulations/legislation and best practice in local government law and governance.
- Have strong political acumen, and the ability to work with elected members and interest groups.
- Possess the ability to work across council departments and external organisations in order to collaborate with key stakeholders.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential as you’ll be communicating at all levels, often explaining complex information both in meetings and in written reports.
Preferred Skills
- Your remit is varied, so it’s important that you’re adaptable and highly organised.
- Because of the variety of work and opportunity to be at the forefront of new initiatives, this role should provide an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and experience.
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK. Please confirm you have right to work in the UK.
Governance Lawyer in Biggleswade employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Contact Detail:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Lawyer in Biggleswade
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in local government. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on local government legislation and current issues. Show that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the role and the challenges it presents.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain complex legal concepts clearly, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Lawyer in Biggleswade
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in local authority settings. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Governance Lawyer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We love a good, easy-to-read application!
Highlight Your Political Acumen: This role requires a knack for navigating complex political environments. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully worked with elected members or interest groups. We’re keen to see your experience in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Brush up on local government legislation and the Council’s Constitution. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to governance matters will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your strong verbal and written communication skills. Think of examples where you've explained complex legal information clearly, as this is crucial for working with elected members and stakeholders.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be ready to discuss how your previous experience aligns with managing a varied caseload and providing advice on ethical governance.
✨Demonstrate Political Acumen
Think about your experiences in politically sensitive environments. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to navigate complex political landscapes and collaborate effectively with different departments and external organisations.