At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance and legal excellence, ensuring compliance and providing advice to senior leaders.
- Company: Rushcliffe Borough Council, a high-performing district council with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, modern offices, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and community leadership in a thriving borough.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with strong local government law knowledge.
- Other info: Join an ambitious and supportive culture where your leadership can shine.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Lead governance, integrity and legal excellence in Rushcliffe. Rushcliffe Borough Council is widely recognised as one of the country’s most successful and high-performing district councils. Serving a thriving borough south of Nottingham, we combine a strong track record of delivering excellent services with an ambitious agenda for sustainable growth, strong governance and community leadership.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will act as the Council’s statutory Monitoring Officer, ensuring the highest standards of governance, probity and legal compliance across the organisation. You will provide authoritative advice to Members and senior officers, supporting sound decision-making in a complex and evolving local government environment. Alongside your statutory responsibilities, you will lead a key corporate portfolio within the Chief Executive’s department, with responsibility for Legal Services including governance, Electoral Services and Human Resources.
You Will
- Lead and develop the Council’s legal service, ensuring high-quality and responsive advice across the organisation
- Act as principal advisor to Members, including the Standards Committee
- Work closely with the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer on corporate governance matters
- Support Cabinet, Council and Scrutiny with robust legal and governance advice
- Act in the role of Data Protection Officer
- Provide leadership across the Chief Executive’s department, ensuring effective service delivery and continuous improvement
The Organisation
Rushcliffe Borough Council is an award-winning, forward-thinking authority with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services and maintaining sound financial management. Located in West Bridgford, just south of Nottingham, the borough is one of the most attractive places to live and work in the East Midlands, with vibrant communities, successful businesses and a strong commitment to protecting the environment and enhancing quality of life.
Our Corporate Strategy Focuses On
- Supporting sustainable economic growth
- Delivering high-quality places and communities
- Tackling climate change and protecting our environment
- Maintaining excellent services and value for money
Rushcliffe is a council where strong governance and collaborative leadership underpin everything we do. Our culture is ambitious, supportive and pragmatic, and senior leaders have the opportunity to make a visible difference to the organisation and the borough. We operate from modern offices at Rushcliffe Arena, supported by flexible and hybrid working arrangements that enable colleagues to work effectively while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.
Candidates
We are looking for an experienced and credible local government lawyer who can operate confidently at the most senior levels of the organisation.
You Will Bring
- Qualified solicitor or barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx) with appropriate authorisation/practising certificate
- Strong knowledge of local government law and governance
- Experience of delivering or supporting Monitoring Officer responsibilities
- A proven ability to provide clear, balanced legal advice to Members and senior officers
- Experience of information governance
- Experience of leading legal services or a comparable professional function
Closing date: 30 April 2026
Assistant Director - Law, Governance and HR (Monitoring Officer) in Horsham employer: Lawyers In Local Government
Contact Detail:
Lawyers In Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Law, Governance and HR (Monitoring Officer) in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or legal circles. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. The more people know you, the better your chances of landing that Assistant Director role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Rushcliffe Borough Council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their ambitious agenda for sustainable growth and governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience with local government law and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the Monitoring Officer. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Law, Governance and HR (Monitoring Officer) in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Director. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your legal knowledge and governance experience. We want to see how you’ve tackled similar challenges in the past, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your sentences straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us and allows you to keep track of your progress. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawyers In Local Government
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on local government law and governance principles. Familiarise yourself with Rushcliffe Borough Council's recent initiatives and challenges, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to governance and legal compliance. Think through potential scenarios and prepare clear, structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and legal expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As you'll be leading a key corporate portfolio, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in a legal or governance context.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's governance strategies and future plans. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.