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- Tasks: Lead legal and governance services, ensuring effective decision-making and high-quality public services.
- Company: Nottingham City Council, dedicated to serving a diverse and ambitious city.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence city decisions and develop talented professionals in a values-led organisation.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference to Nottingham’s citizens while shaping the future of the city.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with extensive local government law experience.
- Other info: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in a supportive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Nottingham City Council is proud to serve one of the UK’s most diverse, dynamic and ambitious cities. As an organisation, we are focused on recovery, improvement and delivering the best possible outcomes for Nottingham’s citizens, now and for the future. We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Director for Legal and Governance to play a critical leadership role at the heart of the Council, supporting strong decision-making, ethical governance and high-quality public services, while living our commitment to putting citizens at the heart of everything we do.
The Role
Working closely with the Strategic Director of Legal and Governance, you will help shape and deliver the vision for the Legal and Governance Division and contribute to the wider leadership of the Council and the city. You will provide strategic direction, translate political and organisational priorities into clear objectives, and ensure that legal and governance services enable effective, lawful and transparent decision-making across the Council. Appointed as Deputy Monitoring Officer, you will play a vital role in promoting good governance, managing significant legal and organisational risk, and ensuring the Council meets its statutory and ethical responsibilities. You will deputise for the Strategic Director as required and lead on defined areas of legal practice and governance improvement. This role requires sound judgement, political awareness and the confidence to provide clear, impartial and professional advice to elected members and senior officers, always focused on achieving the best outcomes for Nottingham’s citizens.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership, direction and management to Legal and Governance Services, ensuring high-quality, proactive and citizen-focused support.
- Support the Strategic Director in delivering the Council’s priorities, including the Recovery and Improvement Plan and preparation for regulatory inspection.
- Act as a principal advisor on governance, policy options and decision-making, balancing legal risk, financial sustainability and organisational ambition.
- Lead the development and delivery of innovative, inclusive and efficient legal and governance services.
- Build strong, trusted working relationships with Councillors, portfolio holders and senior officers, translating political vision into lawful, deliverable action.
- Oversee complex and high-risk legal matters, including litigation and judicial review, and manage external legal support where required.
- Promote robust governance arrangements, compliance with statutory duties and best practice across the organisation.
- Actively champion good financial management in line with the Council’s Financial Regulations and Accountabilities Framework.
- Embed equality, diversity and inclusion in leadership practice, workforce development and service delivery.
- Contribute to the Council’s climate responsibilities by considering and reducing the carbon impact of activities within your remit.
Leading Our People and Our Organisation
As a senior leader, you will:
- Communicate a clear sense of purpose that reflects the Council’s values and ambitions.
- Lead visibly and inclusively, empowering colleagues and creating the conditions for high performance.
- Plan for future workforce capability and capacity, developing talent and resilience within the service.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and learning.
- Lead and manage change effectively in a complex political and financial environment.
- Work collaboratively across the Council and with partners to achieve the best outcomes for Nottingham.
About You
You will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate and substantial experience of local government law. You will bring:
- Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
- Extensive knowledge of local government law and public sector governance.
- A proven ability to provide expert, pragmatic legal advice to elected members and senior officers.
- Experience of managing significant legal and governance risks and complex cases.
- Strong political awareness and the ability to operate confidently within the democratic process.
- Financial and commercial awareness, sound professional judgement and analytical skills.
- A demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to serving Nottingham’s diverse communities.
Why Nottingham City Council?
At Nottingham City Council, we are united by a shared commitment to public service, improvement and integrity. This role offers the opportunity to:
- Influence decisions that shape the future of the city.
- Work on complex, high-profile and meaningful issues.
- Lead and develop talented professionals in a values-led organisation.
- Make a genuine difference to the lives of Nottingham’s citizens.
If you are a strategic legal leader who shares our commitment to good governance, public service and continuous improvement, we would welcome your application.
How to Apply
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Yvonne Burton at Yvonne.burton@nottinghamcity.gov.uk to arrange a conversation with Beth Brown, Strategic Director of Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer). Applications must include: CV. Send applications to: resourcingsupport@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
Closing Date: 11.59pm on 15th February 2026
Interview Date: w/c 2nd March 2026
Please note: Applications without a Covering Letter / Supporting Statement will not be considered.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Nottingham City Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Scheme employer and a supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those with military service, as well as candidates from diverse social and economic backgrounds. We value diversity of thought, experience, and perspective and are committed to ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly, with respect, and given the opportunity to succeed.
Assistant Director of Legal and Governance in Nottingham employer: Nottingham City Council
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Legal and Governance in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Nottingham City Council. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Council’s recent initiatives and challenges. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to Nottingham’s future. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and priorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience in local government law and governance clearly. This will help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s another chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the Council’s mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Legal and Governance in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Assistant Director for Legal and Governance. Highlight your relevant experience in local government law and governance, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your values align with Nottingham City Council’s commitment to serving its citizens.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage legal risks and provide strategic direction. Numbers and outcomes can really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to double-check all your documents before hitting send, and remember, applications without a Covering Letter won’t be considered!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on local government law and public sector governance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the legal challenges Nottingham City Council faces, especially in terms of managing risks and providing sound advice.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your senior leadership experience. Think about times when you've led teams through complex situations or implemented changes that improved governance. This role is all about strategic direction, so highlight your ability to inspire and empower others.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Nottingham City Council's priorities, especially the Recovery and Improvement Plan. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these goals and translate political vision into actionable plans that benefit citizens.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build strong, trusted relationships with elected members and senior officers. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders in the past and how you plan to foster those connections in this role.
