Head of Legal - Children's and Adults Team in England

About The Role

Following a recent reorganisation, exciting opportunities have arisen within the Legal services for dedicated, enthusiastic Heads of Legal in the areas of Children and Adults, Employment and Corporate Services, Planning, Property and Contracts. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for public service, this could be your next career step.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of all services within the area of responsibility of the post and manage, influence and direct employees and budgets allocated for that purpose, in accordance with the Council’s policies and procedures and performance management framework to achieve service and corporate objectives.
• Manage and monitor all aspects of the respective Head of Legal area’s performance including against agreed targets, ensuring the achievement of appropriate standards. Report to the Deputy Director as required on levels of performance and action plans for improvement.
• Ensure provision of appropriate, intelligent, relevant and timely advice, guidance and information to senior officers and elected members, in accordance with designated service responsibilities.
• Contribute to the review of the Council’s Constitution to assist with keeping it up to date to reflect changes in the law and best practice and ensure the provision of high-quality advice on constitutional matters.
• Support the Monitoring Officer and Deputy in all governance matters to ensure the efficient and effective administration of Council meetings and the Council’s decision-making processes and ensure that elected members are appropriately supported in fulfilling their responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with client departments ensuring that client liaison meetings are carried out regularly and any service delivery issues are dealt with in a timely manner. Evaluate information from client departments, forward plans, and legislative changes to design service delivery appropriately.
• Contribute to budget and target setting, ensure effective financial performance in the areas of responsibility within the remit of the role and support the effective financial management of the Council.
• Actively consider and implement new and innovative ways of delivering services that provide high quality and good value for money, support and contribute to delivery of the Council’s wider corporate plan.
• Provide positive leadership to the Legal Services Management Team, leading by example, acting with the highest levels of integrity and instilling a clear sense of purpose, priority and direction whilst motivating, empowering and training employees to optimise their skills and performance.
• Deputise for the Monitoring Officer, including dealing with member code of conduct and standards issues. Act as an advocate on behalf of the Council where appropriate, in relevant Courts, tribunals and inquiries and instruct Counsel to represent the Council as necessary.
• Scrutinise, comment on and prepare legal implications for reports to the Council and its committees and sub-committees.
• Attend relevant committees, sub-committees and other meetings to provide legal advice as required as the Director of Law and Governance’ representative.
• Work in a corporate, collaborative and co-operative way both within Resources and with Senior Council Managers and Members.
• Carry out duties elsewhere in Law and Governance commensurate with the grading of the post as may be directed.

Benefits

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week.
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
• Excellent local government pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Pre-Employment Checks

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.