At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal teams, ensure compliance, and champion ethical governance for the Council.
- Company: Join Havering Council, a forward-thinking organisation committed to public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven legal leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 105126 - 114822 € per year.
As the Council’s principal legal adviser and statutory guardian of lawful and ethical governance, you will lead high-performing teams across legal, governance and electoral services, champion compliance and transparency, and ensure the Council operates within a strong constitutional and legal framework. Reporting to the Strategic Director of Resources, and to the Chief Executive in your capacity as Monitoring Officer, you will play a key role in driving excellence across the organisation.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in strategic legal leadership and governance in a complex public sector or regulated environment
- Deep understanding of local government law, governance frameworks and electoral legislation
- Ability to provide authoritative legal advice to senior leadership and elected members
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire, influence and lead multidisciplinary professional teams
- Excellent communication, analytical and stakeholder engagement skills
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-level legal advice and ensure legal compliance across all Council functions
- Fulfil the statutory role of Monitoring Officer, safeguarding legal and ethical decision-making
- Lead the Committee Services function, ensuring transparent and effective governance processes
- Oversee electoral services, including election delivery and electoral registration
- Support the development and review of the Council’s constitution and governance arrangements
- Build strong partnerships with elected members, senior management, external partners and regulators
Why Havering?
Working for Havering means being part of a forward-thinking council that values integrity, innovation and public service. We offer the following benefits:
- A supportive and inclusive working environment guided by our ICARE values
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working
- Generous annual leave with options to buy additional days
- Continuous professional development opportunities
- Health, wellbeing and employee support benefits
We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve.
How To Apply
For more information about the position, please view the Job Pack. Attach your CV and supporting statement, explaining in no more than two A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. Closing Date: Monday 27 April 2026, midnight (we may close the vacancy early due to high interest).
For recruitment enquiries please email Talent@havering.gov.uk quoting REF 3866 Assistant Director of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer in the subject line. The hiring manager will be holding informal discussions about the post. Please contact Kathy Freeman, Strategic Director of Resources, at Kathy.Freeman@havering.gov.uk.
We practice anonymised recruitment. Please remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Additional Information
Due to the senior and statutory nature of the role, the recruitment process will include multiple assessment stages, including a face-to-face interview with elected Members. We celebrate diversity and inclusion; Havering is a Disability Confident employer and guarantees an interview to candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria. Internal candidates and redeployees will be given priority consideration.
About Us
With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering offers a place to live, work and visit.
Assistant Director of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer employer: London Borough of Havering
Havering Council is an exceptional employer that champions integrity, innovation, and public service within a supportive and inclusive environment. With a commitment to employee growth through continuous professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including the Local Government Pension Scheme, Havering offers a fulfilling career for those looking to make a meaningful impact in local governance. Located in Romford, with excellent transport links and abundant green spaces, working here means being part of a forward-thinking council dedicated to serving its diverse community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal and governance sectors. Attend local government events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and decision-makers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Council’s recent initiatives and challenges. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around compliance and governance. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Assistant Director of Legal Services. Highlight your experience in strategic legal leadership and governance, as well as any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to inspire and lead teams.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description. Be specific about your skills in local government law and your experience with compliance and transparency.
Keep It Concise:Remember, you have a two A4 sides limit for your supporting statement. Be concise and to the point while ensuring you cover all the key aspects of your experience and qualifications. Clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Make sure to double-check your documents for any personal information before uploading, as we practice anonymised recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Havering
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on local government law and governance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the legal challenges faced by councils, especially in a complex public sector environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Think about times when you've inspired or influenced others, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Given the role's emphasis on communication, consider how you can convey complex legal concepts in an understandable way to non-legal stakeholders.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your stakeholder engagement skills by preparing to discuss how you've built partnerships in previous roles. Think about how you can apply this to working with elected members and external partners in Havering.
