Shared Head of Legal Services

Overview

Post: Shared Head of Legal Services

Salary: Up to £85,000

The primary purpose of this role is to fulfil the statutory function of Monitoring Officer for both Councils. As the Chief Legal Officer, you will ensure that the Councils comply with legal and regulatory requirements and demonstrate good governance in decision-making.

You will provide expert legal and governance advice to ensure that the principles of good decision-making are adhered to and that risks are appropriately managed. Additionally, you will act as Broxbourne’s Data Protection Officer and oversee information governance at Epping.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing high-quality legal advice to Officers and Members of both Councils, ensuring that all actions are lawful and within the terms of the Councils’ Constitutions.
• Maintaining and regularly reviewing the Constitutions of both Councils.
• Attending the Constitution Working Group at Epping Forest District Council and participating in the Corporate Governance Group for both Councils.
• Handling Code of Conduct complaints for Members, including those from Parish Councils at Epping.
• Conducting Member training on Code of Conduct and Data Protection Law.
• Managing the Legal Teams at both Councils, including conducting performance reviews and team meetings.
• Leading, motivating, and developing the teams to achieve Council objectives.
• Providing legal services to Broxbourne’s partner housing association, B3 Living, and contributing to Council meetings and external bodies.
• Acting as Clerk to the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Panel for Broxbourne.
• Overseeing data protection responsibilities, including GDPR and FOI compliance, and maintaining LEXCEL accreditation standards.
• Representing both Councils equally and undertaking additional duties as required by senior management.

To be successful in this role, you should have a degree-level education or equivalent and be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate. Significant continuous professional development and extensive knowledge and experience in local government law and practice are essential. Specialisation in Town & Country Planning or Contract & Procurement law is advantageous.

Additionally, you should possess:

• A strong understanding of statutory duties and local government services.
• Political awareness and the ability to work within a political environment.
• Excellent analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience in leading and managing change and service improvements.
• Financial budget management experience.
• Proven leadership and motivational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience in recruiting, coaching, and managing staff.
• The ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Flexibility to work variable hours, including evenings.

Benefits: The Council’s benefits package includes generous leave entitlement, a full training and development programme, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, and free membership to the Council’s local leisure centres, which includes free access to gyms, swimming pools, fitness classes, racket sport sessions, a health suite, and a range of generous discounts across other leisure and culture services.

Broxbourne Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.