Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Full-Time 75600 - 92400 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead legal and governance functions, ensuring integrity and responsiveness to community needs.
  • Company: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, committed to community trust and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Inclusive workplace, professional growth opportunities, and a focus on community impact.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to transparency and accountability.
  • Why this job: Shape modern governance and make a real difference in residents' lives.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with local government law experience.

The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.

Building trust. Strengthening governance. Putting residents first. At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, we’re all in – committed to learning, growing, and delivering for our communities together. “We’re all in” means we act with integrity, value every voice, and work collaboratively to make a positive difference for our residents every day. In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, we continue to listen, learn, and evolve – ensuring that residents’ voices shape every decision. Our focus is on accountability, compassion, and community trust: principles that guide how we govern, how we lead, and how we serve.

Our Council has a proud record of sound legal and governance leadership, and we know that strong, transparent governance is essential to earning and maintaining the confidence of our residents. We are now seeking a Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) – the Council’s Principal Legal Adviser who will lead us on the next stage of this journey, embedding integrity, openness, and community partnership at the heart of everything we do.

About the role

As Director of Law and Governance and the Council’s Principal Legal Adviser, you will shape a culture of modern, resident-focused governance. Acting as the Council’s Monitoring Officer, you’ll ensure that our legal and governance functions are effective, trusted, and responsive to our diverse communities. You will lead the Statutory Officers group and work with the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer to maintain the highest standards of integrity and assurance across the organisation. You’ll also work with the Director of Law at Westminster City Council to lead the bi-borough legal service, and collaborate with Monitoring Officers across London to ensure we remain at the forefront of best practice. You’ll inspire and develop a capable, inclusive legal and governance team – championing professional growth, collaboration, and equality, and ensuring every team member feels valued and connected to our shared purpose. You will also lead our continuing legal response to the Grenfell tragedy, benefiting from the corporate memory of the current postholder, who has been retained for specific legal advice. You will lead in upholding the commitments of the Hillsborough Charter by acting with transparency, candour, balance, and integrity. You’ll be supported by a skilled team and an organisation that shares your sense of purpose and accountability.

About you

You will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister admitted in England and Wales, authorised to undertake reserved activities under the Legal Services Act 2007, and possess a strong track record of achievement in local government or public sector law. You’ll bring deep expertise in governance and the experience to act as the Council’s principal source of legal and constitutional advice. You should have extensive expertise in governance, with the capability to inspire confidence, manage complexity, and drive cultural transformation. Equally important will be your emotional intelligence, empathy, and commitment to your belief in the law as a tool for service, fairness, and justice.

Join us, and be part of a council where we’re all in – listening, learning, and leading with integrity for our residents and communities. We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) employer: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where community engagement and consumer protection are at the forefront. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration, ensuring that you can grow your skills while making a meaningful impact in safeguarding consumers and promoting fair trade within the borough.

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Contact Details:

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Recruitment Team

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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Legal Expertise
Governance Knowledge
Emotional Intelligence
Public Sector Law
Integrity
Collaboration
Leadership Skills

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