Interim Governance Lawyer in England

Location: Hybrid working (attendance at meetings required)

Contract: Interim - Long-term opportunity

Hours: Full-time preferred

Day Rate: Negotiable, dependent on experience

We are seeking an experienced Interim Principal Governance Lawyer to support the Director of Law and Governance/Monitoring Officer during a pivotal period of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in one of the most significant local government transformation programmes in recent years. Working closely with the Director of Law and Governance, you will help shape the governance framework for the future unitary authority while also supporting a broad portfolio of corporate governance work. This is expected to be a long-term interim assignment.

The Role:

• Provide strategic legal and governance support to the Director of Law and Governance/Monitoring Officer, assisting in delivering the governance arrangements required for the establishment of both the Shadow Authority and the Future Unitary Council.
• Support the development of governance arrangements for the Future Unitary Authority.
• Advise on the creation and operation of Shadow Authority governance structures.
• Draft and advise on constitutional documents, governance frameworks and decision-making processes.
• Support the establishment of Joint Committees and their governance arrangements.
• Advise on Member Allowances Schemes, Codes of Conduct and constitutional arrangements for both the Shadow Authority and the Future Unitary.
• Ensure all governance arrangements are legally robust and operationally effective, meeting key programme milestones ahead of the Shadow Authority and Vesting Day.
• Support the legal service's internal readiness planning to ensure it is prepared for the transition to the Future Unitary.
• Work closely with senior officers, Members and programme leads across the organisation.
• Alongside the LGR programme, support the Director with a wider governance portfolio, including advising on corporate governance matters.
• Support the Council's Internal Audit function.
• Assist with the review and redevelopment of the Corporate Governance Group and its governance framework.
• Provide high-quality legal and governance advice across a range of complex corporate matters.

Person specification:

You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with significant experience in local government governance. You will have:

• Extensive experience advising local authorities on governance, constitutional and administrative law.
• A strong understanding of local authority decision-making and democratic governance.
• Experience supporting Monitoring Officers, Chief Officers and elected Members.
• Excellent drafting skills and the ability to develop governance documentation from first principles.
• The confidence to advise senior stakeholders on complex and sensitive governance issues.
• Experience of Local Government Reorganisation, structural change or major transformation programmes would be highly desirable.

Working Arrangements:

This is a hybrid role offering flexibility to work remotely, with attendance at council offices and key meetings required when necessary. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced governance lawyer to contribute to the successful establishment of a new unitary authority while working alongside senior leaders on one of the most significant governance programmes in local government.

Please apply now if you wish to be considered or contact Natalie Ferguson in our Manchester Office for more information.

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