Assistant Director for Legal and Governance in Nottingham

Working closely with the Strategic Director of Legal and Governance, you will help shape and deliver the vision for the Legal and Governance Division and contribute to the wider leadership of the Council and the city. You will provide strategic direction, translate political and organisational priorities into clear objectives, and ensure that legal and governance services enable effective, lawful and transparent decision-making across the Council. Appointed as Deputy Monitoring Officer, you will play a vital role in promoting good governance, managing significant legal and organisational risk, and ensuring the Council meets its statutory and ethical responsibilities. You will deputise for the Strategic Director as required and lead on defined areas of legal practice and governance improvement. This role requires sound judgement, political awareness and the confidence to provide clear, impartial and professional advice to elected members and senior officers, always focused on achieving the best outcomes for Nottingham's citizens.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, direction and management to Legal and Governance Services, ensuring high-quality, proactive and citizen-focused support.
• Support the Strategic Director in delivering the Council's priorities, including the Recovery and Improvement Plan and preparation for regulatory inspection.
• Act as a principal advisor on governance, policy options and decision-making, balancing legal risk, financial sustainability and organisational ambition.
• Lead the development and delivery of innovative, inclusive and efficient legal and governance services.
• Build strong, trusted working relationships with Councillors, portfolio holders and senior officers, translating political vision into lawful, deliverable action.
• Oversee complex and high-risk legal matters, including litigation and judicial review, and manage external legal support where required.
• Promote robust governance arrangements, compliance with statutory duties and best practice across the organisation.
• Actively champion good financial management in line with the Council's Financial Regulations and Accountabilities Framework.
• Embed equality, diversity and inclusion in leadership practice, workforce development and service delivery.
• Contribute to the Council's climate responsibilities by considering and reducing the carbon impact of activities within your remit.

Leading Our People and Our Organisation

• Communicate a clear sense of purpose that reflects the Council's values and ambitions.
• Lead visibly and inclusively, empowering colleagues and creating the conditions for high performance.
• Plan for future workforce capability and capacity, developing talent and resilience within the service.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and learning.
• Lead and manage change effectively in a complex political and financial environment.
• Work collaboratively across the Council and with partners to achieve the best outcomes for Nottingham.

Qualifications

• You will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate and substantial experience of local government law.
• Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Extensive knowledge of local government law and public sector governance.
• A proven ability to provide expert, pragmatic legal advice to elected members and senior officers.
• Experience of managing significant legal and governance risks and complex cases.
• Strong political awareness and the ability to operate confidently within the democratic process.
• Financial and commercial awareness, sound professional judgement and analytical skills.
• A demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to serving Nottingham's diverse communities.

Nottingham City Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Scheme employer and a supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those with military service, as well as candidates from diverse social and economic backgrounds. We value diversity of thought, experience, and perspective and are committed to ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly, with respect, and given the opportunity to succeed.