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- Tasks: Lead the Legal Services team, providing clear advice to councillors and officers.
- Company: Join Woking Borough Council, committed to shaping a better future for our community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be an inspiring leader in a progressive authority with opportunities for professional growth.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor or barrister with local government law expertise.
- Other info: CVs required; apply by 23 March 2025.
The predicted salary is between 76440 - 90509 £ per year.
Salary from £76,440 to £90,509 per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience) plus a flexible benefits allowance of up to £3,731 and vehicle allowance of up to £2,600 per annum.
Location: Woking (Hybrid)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: No
Closing Date: 23/03/2025 at 23:59
Reference: CORP/25/306583
This is a politically restricted post
Woking is changing. We are clear about the huge challenges that face Woking Borough Council and have a plan in place to deliver the change required to ensure our organisation is fit for the future. Our residents and communities need us and we are completely committed to shaping the future of our borough, together.
As our new Head of Legal Services, you will lead the Legal Services team and ensure that the team provides sound, clear advice and support to councillors and officers. You will be one of the principal legal advisors to successfully deliver our priorities. You will report to the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and will deputise for the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring when required. You will advise at a senior level across a wide range of disciplines, drawing on other legal expertise within your team or from external counsel when required.
Alongside your professional legal expertise, it is important that you can also demonstrate highly effective leadership skills to create a team environment that supports the ongoing professional development of colleagues in pursuit of outstanding performance. You should be able to establish positive working relationships across the council and will exemplify the principles of good governance, good management, and good organisational culture.
You will need to be admitted as a solicitor or barrister with appropriate or eligible to obtain the relevant certificate, have post-qualification experience and be able to demonstrate a high level of legal expertise, with a sound knowledge of local government law. You should be able to manage competing priorities well, drawing on highly developed communication and relationship management skills to influence and negotiate effectively.
We are looking for an inspiring leader with the vision, the ability to enthuse and motivate people and the skills to work effectively with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
We can offer you the chance to develop your career in a friendly team within our progressive authority, a generous flexi-time scheme with the ability to take two flexi days a month, membership of the local government pension scheme, discounted health, and leisure membership, plus many more excellent benefits.
Curriculum vitaes (CVs) are required to support your online application process. Please email CVs to
Closing date: 23 March 2025 at 23:59
Interview date: 3 April 2025
How to apply
Woking Borough Council values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Please apply online via the link provided.
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Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer employer: Woking Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Woking Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific legal challenges and priorities facing Woking Borough Council. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your commitment to the community and your ability to provide relevant legal advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in previous roles, especially in managing legal teams or projects. Be prepared to discuss how you've motivated and developed colleagues to achieve outstanding performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced and negotiated with various stakeholders. This will showcase your communication skills and ability to build positive working relationships across different levels of an organization.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the principles of good governance and organizational culture that Woking Borough Council values. Being able to articulate how you embody these principles will set you apart as a candidate who aligns with their vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Legal Services position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your post-qualification experience and any specific expertise in local government law. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed legal projects in the past.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your leadership abilities by including examples of how you've motivated and developed team members. Highlight any initiatives you've led that contributed to a positive organizational culture.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and goals of Woking Borough Council. Use language that aligns with their commitment to good governance and community service, showing that you are a good fit for their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Woking Borough Council
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your legal qualifications and experience in detail. Highlight specific cases or projects where you provided sound legal advice, especially in local government law, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the position requires effective leadership, think of examples where you successfully led a team or project. Discuss how you fostered a positive team environment and supported the professional development of your colleagues.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing positive working relationships is key in this role. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions and showing genuine interest in their perspectives on the council's challenges and goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and negotiation skills. Practice articulating how you would handle competing priorities and influence stakeholders effectively in various situations.
