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- Tasks: Lead the Legal Services team and ensure high-quality legal support for the council.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, dedicated to improving community lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and great training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Must have a Law degree, Solicitor/Barrister qualification, and 7 years experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Your new role
Southend City Council are recruiting for the role of Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to join the department on a full-time, permanent basis.
Legal Services team
The Legal Services team comprises lawyers managing specialist legal areas, including but not limited to:
- Adult and children’s social care
- Commercial
- Planning
- Contract, procurement
- Licencing
- Housing
- Information governance
- Employment
- Litigation
Responsibilities
The new Head of Service is required to provide direction, accountability and leadership to the Legal Services team and to directly manage the Principal Lawyers. The role ensures that these services are designed and delivered within the Council's framework of quality standards, performance targets, budgetary control and legislative requirements. It also involves empowering and engaging team members to continually improve outcomes, including service planning, performance management, communication and staff appraisals.
Engage, collaborate and develop positive relationships with elected members, the Courts and other external bodies (locally, regionally and nationally) to promote the Council’s priorities and share best practice. Support the Director and wider council leadership to work collaboratively with councillors and officers across the council. Collectively manage the financial cost of external legal advice to demonstrate best value for clients and the council. Attend committees as the legal advisor or deputise for the Monitoring Officer at Cabinet or Council meetings as required.
Qualifications and Experience
To be shortlisted for this position, it is essential that you hold a degree in Law and have completed practice requirements for a fully qualified Solicitor or Barrister, with at least 7 years post‑qualification experience. You will also hold a current Practising Certificate from the Law Society of England and Wales or the Bar Council.
Skill set required
- Expert and in‑depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
- Experience as a Monitoring Officer or Deputy Monitoring Officer in a local authority and have worked with elected members in a political environment.
- Ability to take on corporate tasks on behalf of Legal Services, either as lead or in collaboration with the Democratic services.
- Budget management experience with the ability to forecast spend and seek out the needs of customers.
- Ability to plan activities well in advance and manage a caseload independently while delegating tasks across the team.
This position requires you to hold a current driving licence.
Benefits
When joining the council you can enjoy a range of benefits including 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. The council offers a full list of benefits which can be viewed in our "Why Work for Us?" tab. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R103864 - Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer - Permanent employer: South End City Council
Contact Detail:
South End City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103864 - Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer - Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with local authorities. They might have insider info or even recommend you for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of relevant legislation and policies. We suggest practising common interview questions related to leadership and team management to showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative skills! Be ready to discuss how you've engaged with elected members and external bodies in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103864 - Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer - Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Head of Legal Services role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've empowered and engaged your team in previous roles – we love to see that!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant legislation, policies, and procedures that pertain to the role. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to local authority work will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed projects in the past. Highlight your experience in empowering team members and improving outcomes, as this is crucial for the Head of Legal Services role.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Southend City Council's priorities and how the Legal Services team fits into their overall strategy. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to the council's goals during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with elected members and external bodies. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and communication, as these skills are vital for the role.