Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) in Southampton
Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 75000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Local Government Chronicle

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead legal and governance strategies, shaping decision-making processes for a new authority.
  • Company: Join the Hampshire & Solent Combined County Authority, a pioneering organisation with diverse challenges.
  • Benefits: Inclusive culture, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of governance innovation and build a high-impact team from the ground up.
  • Qualifications: Experienced lawyer with public law expertise and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with significant responsibilities and opportunities for career advancement.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.

Set the Standards. Enable the Ambition. The Hampshire & Solent Combined County Authority is being established at pace, bringing together a uniquely complex geography and economy. From major ports and freeport opportunities to aviation, transport infrastructure and an island community, the scale and diversity of our agenda sets us apart from other combined authorities.

As our first Director of Legal & Governance and statutory Monitoring Officer, you will define how the Authority operates, make decisions and earn trust from day one. The early phase will require a hands‑on, pragmatic and adaptable approach. You will be advising on live issues while developing the systems around them. You will build the team to create a high‑impact function that can scale quickly and operate in a fast‑moving, change‑led environment. This is not simply about compliance. It is about building a governance culture that enables delivery, supports innovation and allows the organisation to act with confidence.

Responsibilities
  • Shape the Constitution, design decision‑making processes, and establish clear, proportionate frameworks that support agility while ensuring legality, transparency and strong ethical standards.
  • Navigate multiple governance challenges as the Authority takes on new powers and responsibilities.
  • Serve as a key member of the statutory leadership triangle alongside the Chief Executive and Section 73 Officer, ensuring legality, financial integrity and governance operate together in practice.
  • Build and lead a high‑impact legal & governance team.
Qualifications
  • Experienced lawyer with a strong background in public law, governance and scrutiny.
  • Ability to think beyond traditional boundaries and adapt quickly in a fast‑moving environment.
  • Demonstrated experience in building and leading teams.
Benefits

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of the recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals.

To Apply

Please submit an up‑to‑date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum) and a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements.

Applications should include:

  • Full contact details
  • Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees)
  • Details of your notice period
  • Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview

Closing date: midnight on Sunday 26th April 2026.

Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) in Southampton employer: Local Government Chronicle

The Hampshire & Solent Combined County Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape governance in a dynamic and diverse environment. With a commitment to inclusion and accessibility, we foster a culture that values innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us in making a meaningful impact while working alongside dedicated professionals in a role that is pivotal to the success of our community.
Local Government Chronicle

Contact Detail:

Local Government Chronicle Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) in Southampton

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the Hampshire & Solent Combined County Authority. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by understanding the Authority's unique challenges. Brush up on public law and governance issues relevant to their agenda. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who gets their mission!

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to showcase your leadership skills. Think of examples where you've built and led teams successfully. They want someone who can create a high-impact legal & governance team, so let your experience shine!

✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) in Southampton

Public Law Expertise
Governance and Scrutiny
Decision-Making Processes Design
Legal Compliance
Ethical Standards
Team Leadership
Adaptability
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Thinking
Agility in Fast-Moving Environments
Building Governance Culture
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director of Legal & Governance. Highlight your experience in public law and governance, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!

Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to detail your achievements and how they align with the key criteria for the role. Be specific and use examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex governance challenges.

Keep It Concise: Remember, we’ve got a three sides of A4 maximum limit for both your CV and supporting statement. Be concise and get straight to the point. We appreciate clarity and brevity, so make every word count!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle

✨Know Your Governance Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of public law and governance. Brush up on the specific challenges that the Hampshire & Solent Combined County Authority might face, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build and lead teams effectively. Think about times when you’ve navigated complex governance issues or implemented innovative solutions, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.

✨Demonstrate Agility and Adaptability

Given the fast-paced environment of this role, be prepared to discuss how you’ve adapted to change in previous positions. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully managed shifting priorities or developed agile frameworks.

✨Engage with Their Vision

Familiarise yourself with the Authority’s goals and values. During the interview, express how you can contribute to building a governance culture that supports innovation and delivery, showing that you’re not just compliant but also proactive in your approach.

Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) in Southampton
Local Government Chronicle
Location: Southampton

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