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- Tasks: Lead legal services and governance for New Forest District Council, ensuring high-quality decision-making.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council in the stunning New Forest National Park.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 28 days leave, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local governance and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with senior-level legal experience in local government.
- Other info: Exciting projects on climate change and regeneration await you!
The predicted salary is between 80359 - 84844 £ per year.
New Forest District Council is looking for a committed and forward-thinking Assistant Director of Legal Services (Deputy Monitoring Officer) to lead our Legal, Corporate Complaints and Information Governance Services at a time of ambition, growth and change. This is a senior leadership role that plays a crucial part in enabling the Council to deliver high-quality services, robust decision-making, and strong governance for our communities.
As Assistant Director of Legal Services, you will provide authoritative legal leadership across the Council, advising Directors, Cabinet Members and services on a wide portfolio including planning, contracts, procurement, elections, regulatory work, litigation, governance, employment law and corporate projects. You will lead a skilled team of lawyers and other professionals, and work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure decisions are legally sound, transparent and defensible. You will also be the principal legal advisor to the Council on Local Government Reorganisation.
As the Deputy Monitoring Officer, you will work closely with the Monitoring Officer and senior officers to uphold high standards of governance and ethical practice.
About the Role
- Lead and manage the Council’s Legal Service and Information Governance Service, including Data Protection and Corporate Complaints, ensuring a high-quality, solutions-focused legal function.
- Provide senior legal advice on significant matters including local government reorganisation, elections, planning, procurement, commercial contracts, regulatory matters, and public law.
- Act as the Council’s principal adviser on complex and high-profile cases, managing legal risk and ensuring compliance with legislation.
- Support major projects such as regeneration schemes, capital programmes, and key commercial partnerships.
- Strengthen governance arrangements and contribute to effective decision-making.
- Build productive relationships with Members, senior leaders, external partners and stakeholders.
- Develop the Service, fostering a culture of learning, accountability and professional excellence.
- Drive service improvements, modernisation, and proactive problem-solving across the Council.
About You
We are looking for an inspiring and highly capable legal leader who brings:
- Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX Lawyer with a current practising certificate.
- A strong track record of senior-level legal advice in local government or a relevant public sector environment.
- Expertise in at least two of the following: planning law, procurement and contracts, local government law, commercial work, regeneration, employment law, regulatory enforcement or litigation.
- Excellent judgment, political awareness, and the ability to balance legal rigour with practical, proportionate solutions.
- Experience in leading and motivating legal professionals.
- Skilled communicator who can translate complex legal issues into clear, confident advice for Members and senior officers.
- A collaborative, resilient approach and the ability to inspire trust across the organisation.
Why Join Us?
- £80,359 to £84,844 per annum.
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Hybrid Working.
- Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants.
- A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40 percent on cycles and accessories.
- Local Government Pension Scheme and AVC provision.
- Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial, and personal advice for employees).
With our head office based in Lyndhurst in the heart of the stunning New Forest National Park, the Council is an excellent place to work and thrive. We work together to provide a wide range of highly valued services to our community. We are working on some exciting and pioneering initiatives and projects, including tackling climate change, supporting the Solent Freeport, promoting regeneration of our Town Centres and an exciting fresh approach to modern and innovative working through our Transformation Programme.
A basic DBS check will be required for this role.
If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Alan Bethune, Strategic Director – Corporate Services and Section S151. We look forward to receiving your application demonstrating your suitability for this exciting opportunity!
Closing date: 15th February 2026
Interview date: Friday 6th March 2026
Assistant Director of Legal Services (Deputy Monitoring Officer) employer: NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Legal Services (Deputy Monitoring Officer)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at New Forest District Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research recent legal challenges or initiatives the Council is involved in. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Director of Legal Services. Highlight your leadership skills and how you can drive service improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at New Forest District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Legal Services (Deputy Monitoring Officer)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Assistant Director of Legal Services role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this is a senior leadership position, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed legal professionals and fostered a culture of excellence in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to explain complex legal concepts and ensure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at New Forest District Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of local government law, procurement, and planning. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can help the Council navigate complex legal issues and support their ambitious projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior role, they’ll want to see how you lead and motivate a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed legal professionals and fostered a culture of accountability and excellence in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice translating complex legal jargon into straightforward advice. They’ll be looking for someone who can communicate effectively with Members and senior officers, so think about how you can demonstrate this skill during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your experience working collaboratively across different teams and stakeholders. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve built productive relationships and inspired trust within an organisation.
