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- Tasks: Join us as Deputy Monitoring Officer, focusing on governance and legal oversight.
- Company: Central Bedfordshire Council is dynamic, ambitious, and at the forefront of change.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, remote work abroad for a month, and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a modern council with exciting projects and a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in governance and elected member relations.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth with an experienced Monitoring Officer supporting your development.
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 Solicitor to the Council (DMO) employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Contact Detail:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Solicitor to the Council (DMO)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific governance and legal frameworks that Central Bedfordshire operates under. Understanding local government law and the council's unique challenges will help you demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Central Bedfordshire Council, especially those in legal or governance roles. They can provide insights into the council's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on recent developments within Central Bedfordshire, such as the Universal Studios project. Being able to discuss how these changes impact governance and legal oversight will show your genuine interest in the role and the council.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with elected members and how you've navigated complex political environments in the past. Highlighting your ability to build trust and manage relationships will be crucial in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Solicitor to the Council (DMO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your legal qualifications and relevant experience, particularly in governance and working with elected members. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the council's vision. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your experience in governance reform and managing external legal services.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires clear communication with elected members and at council meetings, provide examples in your application that showcase your ability to convey complex legal concepts in an understandable way.
Highlight Political Sensitivity: Demonstrate your understanding of the political landscape and your ability to navigate it effectively. Include any relevant experiences where you successfully managed relationships or handled sensitive issues within a political context.
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Deputy Solicitor to the Council role. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties, such as advising on governance issues and managing relationships with elected members. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Prepare to discuss your qualifications and experience as a solicitor or barrister. Highlight any relevant work you've done in governance, litigation, or local government. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex legal situations.
✨Demonstrate Political Sensitivity
Given the politically active environment of Central Bedfordshire, it's crucial to show that you understand the importance of political sensitivity. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and built trust with elected members in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's current projects and governance reforms. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the council's values align with yours. It also demonstrates your proactive approach to understanding the organisation.
