At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal services and ensure compliance with governance processes for Barnsley Council.
- Company: Join Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, a key player in local governance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and lead transformative legal initiatives.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with extensive experience in local government law.
The predicted salary is between 111254 - 111254 £ per year.
Sellick Partnership is delighted to be working with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council to recruit to a key post within their leadership team. This role will lead the Legal Services, Democratic and Member Services, Data Protection and Complaints and act as the Monitoring Officer for the authority. The postholder will deliver high-quality decision-making support within the senior management team for the authority. They will provide professional advice to elected members and officers and ensure that all governance processes comply with statutory requirements and best practice.
Key responsibilities:
- Line management: Legal Services, Democratic and Member services, Complaints and Data Protection.
- Play a key role in the Senior Management Team to ensure that strategic and local objectives are achieved within the Council portfolio.
- Lead on and develop key corporate reviews and council wide/cross departmental strategies, projects and policies.
- Accountable for the financial performance of the service area.
- Ensure compliance with all legal, statutory requirements, standing orders, financial regulations of the Council and all appropriate areas as documented in the accountability framework.
- Ensure that performance and development reviews are undertaken by managers to develop high performing teams and promote a positive organisational culture whereby employee skills and knowledge are enhanced to provide an effective customer focused service working to achieve strategic aims and objectives.
General duties:
- Support the Executive Director - Core Services in ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements of the Solicitor's Regulation Authority.
- Provide effective and transformational leadership in the delivery of complex service areas, including legal services, governance, elections and registration services.
- Act as the Councils Deputy Returning Officer and the Councils DPO.
- Ensure the provision of high-level legal advice and undertake related legal work across various areas including advice to senior managers and elected members.
- Instruct Counsel or external solicitors firms where additional specialist expertise or capacity is required, managing the relationship and related resources.
- Undertake high-level legal research and draft complex documents.
- Keep up-to-date and disseminate new developments in the law within the organisation.
- Undertake high level negotiation and mediation.
Qualifications/experience:
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with extensive experience in a similar role.
- Certificate to Practice.
- Evidence of continuing professional development in governance.
- Understanding of the corporate and political workings of a council.
- Significant experience as a Deputy Monitoring Officer or Monitoring Officer.
- Strong understanding of legislation affecting local government decision-making.
- Excellent leadership and managerial skills.
- Ability to influence, empower and motivate employees in the attainment of service and organisational goals.
- Understanding the legal, financial and political workings of local government and current best practice on tackling challenges that face local government services.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary.
- Excellent pension scheme, up to 16% employer contribution.
- 31 days of annual leave, increasing with length of service and an additional 5 discretionary days used for Christmas shutdown etc.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for extra annual leave, cycle to work, car leases, home electronics and childcare vouchers.
- Discounts on car parking, rail travel, eating out, leisure attractions and gym memberships.
- Family friendly policies including excellent maternity, paternity and adoption entitlements.
How to apply:
If you feel you have the right experience and would like to apply, please submit your application now. For a confidential discussion about the role or to find out more about working at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, contact Sara Robinson at Sellick Partnership. Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 23 August 2026.
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Director of Law and Monitoring Officer in Barnsley employer: Sellick Partnership Limited - Public Sector
As a Principal Property Lawyer with a well-known London authority, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation in the public sector. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, generous annual leave starting at 27 days, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, ensuring a healthy work-life balance and financial security. With opportunities for professional growth and involvement in significant regeneration projects, this position is ideal for those seeking meaningful and impactful work in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Sellick Partnership Limited - Public Sector Recruitment Team
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