Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on governance, manage legal services, and support elected members.
- Company: Join Central Bedfordshire Council, a dynamic authority leading exciting projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, remote options, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a modern council with real impact and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in governance and legal oversight.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 58000 £ per year.
Hybrid (1 day/month in-office minimum) | £59,040 - £64,224 + £5000 market supplement
Central Bedfordshire is at the forefront of change. With Universal Studios coming to Bedford, a balanced budget achieved despite national challenges, and major projects underway across the region, this is a council with real energy, ambition and momentum.
We’re looking for a legally qualified, politically astute individual to join us as Deputy Monitoring Officer. This is a rare opportunity to focus full-time on governance, standards and legal oversight – rather than combining those duties with broader directorate management.
You’ll work closely with our Monitoring Officer on everything from constitutional advice and governance reform to managing relationships with elected members and overseeing external legal services.
Why Central Bedfordshire?
- One of the first local authorities to embed hybrid working in contracts
- Formal requirement of minimum of just one day per month in-office
- Remote working abroad allowed for one month per year
- Council made up of independents – politically active and engaging
- Strong leadership and a supportive legal governance environment
- A genuinely modern, flexible working culture
What You’ll Be Doing
- Advising on constitutional, governance and standards issues
- Supporting ongoing governance reform and a community governance review
- Managing external legal services including spend control and oversight
- Handling legal comments on reports and strategic documents
- Working directly with elected members – building trust and managing complexity
- Attending and advising at council and executive meetings
What We’re Looking For
- A qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive with a current practising certificate
- Experience advising or working with elected members
- Background in governance, litigation, or as a local government generalist
- Strong judgement, political sensitivity and clear communication
- Someone ready to take ownership of a wide-ranging, visible role
We’re open to candidates looking to take a step up. You’ll be supported by an experienced and collaborative Monitoring Officer who values challenge, development and shared thinking. If you’re ready for a new challenge in a council that’s modern, ambitious and buzzing with opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now to find out more.
Deputy Monitoring Officer employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Contact Detail:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Monitoring Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Central Bedfordshire's governance structure and recent changes. Understanding the local political landscape and current projects will help you engage effectively with elected members and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in local government or legal sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who can provide insights into the role and the council's culture, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with governance and legal oversight in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated complex situations or provided strategic advice, as this will showcase your suitability for the Deputy Monitoring Officer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of hybrid working models and how they can benefit a council environment. Highlight any previous experience you have with remote work and how you can maintain effective communication and collaboration in a flexible setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Monitoring Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Deputy Monitoring Officer. Familiarise yourself with governance, standards, and legal oversight to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience as a qualified solicitor or barrister, particularly any work with elected members or in governance roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your strong judgement, political sensitivity, and communication skills in your application. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations in the past.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalised cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the position and the council's modern, ambitious culture. Mention how your values align with their goals and why you're excited about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Deputy Monitoring Officer. Familiarise yourself with governance, standards, and legal oversight, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience as a solicitor or barrister. Highlight any relevant cases or situations where you've successfully advised on governance or worked with elected members.
✨Demonstrate Political Sensitivity
Given the politically active environment of Central Bedfordshire, it's crucial to show that you can navigate complex political landscapes. Prepare examples of how you've managed relationships with stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's current governance challenges and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals.
