At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal and governance services, ensuring ethical decision-making and compliance.
- Company: South Gloucestershire Council, committed to transparency and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, wellbeing support, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evening meetings, with training provided for emergency response.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on governance and community services while shaping the future.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with strong leadership and governance experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
As Service Director Legal, Governance and Democratic Services Monitoring Officer you will play a pivotal strategic leadership role at the heart of South Gloucestershire Council. As the council’s statutory monitoring officer and chief legal adviser, you will help ensure that the authority operates lawfully, ethically and transparently, enabling confident decision‑making that delivers real benefit for residents. You will be central to shaping modern, responsive and proportionate governance arrangements that support innovation, pace and organisational change. Shaping and leading a complex and high‑profile portfolio for legal, governance and democratic services, you will maintain a strong professional presence and trusted relationships with elected members, senior leaders and partners. Through your leadership, you will strengthen governance, manage risk, support effective scrutiny and safeguard the council’s reputation, while enabling innovation, transformation and inclusive service delivery.
What you will be doing
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Legal, Governance and Democratic Services Division, ensuring statutory, constitutional and legislative compliance within a politically led organisation.
- Act as the council’s monitoring officer, promoting high standards of governance and ethical conduct, providing authoritative advice on complex, sensitive and high‑risk matters.
- Lead and develop professional teams across legal, democratic, electoral, registration and governance services, embedding a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Provide trusted, evidence‑led advice to members and senior officers, supporting effective scrutiny, transparent decision‑making and sound risk management.
- Oversee and modernise the constitution and governance frameworks, ensuring they are clear, accessible and aligned with the council’s operating model and strategic ambitions while enabling agile, well‑governed decision‑making that can respond effectively to change and transformation.
What we need from you
- Qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial post‑qualification experience in providing legal, governance and constitutional advice within a complex, politically led organisation.
- Strong track record of strategic leadership, governance redesign and organisational change, with the ability to influence cross‑professional, managerial and political boundaries and experience of shaping governance arrangements to support continuous improvement, transformation and confident decision‑making.
- Highly developed communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, confident to give clear, independent and evidence‑based advice under pressure.
- Substantial experience of risk management, assurance and ethical governance, supporting sound decision‑making and protecting organisational reputation.
- Clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside leadership on climate and carbon‑neutral ambitions, central to how you lead and deliver services.
- Advantageous to have experience at monitoring officer level, involvement in regional or national policy development, and knowledge of emerging areas such as data protection and AI governance.
What you need to know
- This post is politically restricted.
- The role requires flexibility, including attending evening meetings and occasional weekend working to support democratic processes.
- The post holder will join the council’s Emergency Coordination Officer rota as a strategic lead responder and full training will be provided.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave.
- Wellbeing support and access to a wide range of staff discounts.
Service Director - Legal and Governance Monitoring Officer. in Yate employer: South Gloucestershire Council
South Gloucestershire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in legal and governance services directly impacts the community. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth, the council fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity. Located in Yate, employees benefit from a supportive atmosphere that encourages collaboration and ethical decision-making, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while serving the public good.
Contact Details:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Director - Legal and Governance Monitoring Officer. in Yate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal and governance sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the council's recent decisions and challenges. We want you to walk in with insights that show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in making a difference in South Gloucestershire.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams through change or improved governance. We need to see that you can handle the complexities of this role with confidence and clarity.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Director - Legal and Governance Monitoring Officer. in Yate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Service Director. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for and how you can make a difference.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your strategic leadership abilities shine through. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects, especially in legal and governance contexts, to demonstrate your capability in shaping modern governance arrangements.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point while still showcasing your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
As a Service Director, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in legal and governance matters. Brush up on relevant legislation and recent case law that could impact the council's operations. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex legal issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong strategic leadership. Think of examples where you've led teams through change or improved governance frameworks. Highlight your ability to influence and build relationships across different levels of an organisation, especially in politically sensitive environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Prepare scenarios where you had to provide evidence-led advice or manage risk effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
The council values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you've championed these principles in your previous roles. Share specific initiatives you've led or been part of that promote a diverse workplace and support community engagement.
