Deputy Director of Legal and Democratic Services

Deputy Director of Legal and Democratic Services\\n\\nLocation: Exeter, Devon\\n\\nSalary: £94,812 per annum\\n\\nFull time role – 37 hours per week\\n\\nPermanent\\n\\nOverview of the Deputy Director Legal and Democratic Services role\\n\\nSellick Partnership is delighted to be partnered with Devon County Council on the recruitment of a Deputy Director Legal and Democratic Services on a permanent, full-time basis. The role will be based in Devon, and offers hybrid working. Although the preference is for full-time / 37 hours per week, part-time hours will also be considered.

In return, the ideal candidate will earn a competitive base salary of £94,812 per annum, alongside some fantastic benefits.\\n\\nAs Deputy Director, you will formally deputise for and support the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, providing strategic leadership across the whole directorate. You'll be responsible for driving organisational direction, development, and delivery, ensuring our services are resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our communities. Acting as the Council's expert in Local Government Law, advising senior officers and elected members on the regulatory implications of corporate strategy and service developments.

As Deputy Monitoring Officer, you'll play a key role in upholding the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct. \\n\\nKey responsibilities of the Deputy Director Legal and Democratic Services role\\n\\nIn Devon, we are embracing opportunities for innovation, partnership, and service redesign, with a strong commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. At the same time, As Deputy Director, you will:\\n\\nFormally deputise for and support the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, being responsible for the whole directorate in their absence.\\nResponsible for the strategic leadership, organisational direction, management, development and delivery of the Legal, EDI, insurance and Information Governance departments.\\nSupport the statutory Monitoring Officer as the Deputy Monitoring Officer dealing with complaints in relation to the Members Code of Conduct.\\nAdvise senior officers and elected members on the regulatory implications of Corporate Strategy, objectives and service developments.\\nTo act as the Councils expert in Local Government Law.

Lead, inspire and nurture our workforce, embrace equality and diversity and be committed to creating and maintaining a workplace and county that is inclusive and safe for all. \\n\\nRequired experience for the Deputy Director Legal and Democratic Services role\\n\\nA qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial post-qualification and management experience. \\nExpertise in Local Government law, corporate governance, and information governance.

\\nStrategic vision, innovative thinking, and the ability to drive change and improvement. \\nOutstanding communication, influencing, and partnership skills. \\nThe ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.\\nWe are unable to consider visa sponsorship at this time.

UK Right to Work is required.\\nStrong leadership and people management skills.\\nCommitment to Devon County Council's Values. \\nThis role requires a DBS disclosure. \\n\\nBenefits available alongside the Deputy Director Legal and Democratic Services role\\n\\nA rewarding career opportunity.\\nCompetitive base salary.\\nMembership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)\\nGenerous annual leave package.\\nFamily-Friendly Policies including comprehensive maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave provisions.\\nAccess to a Salary-sacrifice and discount schemes.\\nRelocation Support where eligible.

Administered under DCC guidance (HMRC rules apply). \\n\\nHow to apply for the Deputy Director Legal and Democratic Services role\\n\\nIf you believe you have the required experience and are interested in submitting your interest, please apply within. Alternatively, you can reach out to Natalie Ferguson in the Sellick Partnership office for a confidential chat.\\n\\nClosing date: 23:59pm on Sunday 11 January 2026\\n\\nSellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.

Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website