R2R103864 - Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer - Permanent

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.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend City Council are recruiting to 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.

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

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. Ensuring that these services are designed and delivered within the Council’s framework of quality standards, performance targets, budgetary control and legislative requirements.

This position requires the Head of Service to empower and engage these individuals to continually improve and deliver the best possible outcomes. This includes service planning, performance management, communications and conducting staff appraisals.

Other key responsibilities for the role:

• 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 build these relationships to benchmark and share best practice to engender a culture of continuous improvement in your service.
• Support the Director and the wider council leadership to work collaboratively with councillors and officers across the council.
• Collectively manage the financial cost of such external legal advice and support to demonstrate Best Value for your clients and the council.
• Attend committees as the legal advisor or deputise for the Monitoring Officer at Cabinet or Council meetings as required.

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week, depending on the needs of the team.

There may be a requirement to also attend evening meetings.

To be shortlisted for this position, it is essential that you hold the appropriate degree in Law and have completed practice requirements for a fully qualified Solicitor/Barrister, with at least 7 years post experience.

You will also hold a current Practising Certificate from the Law Society of England and Wales or Bar Council.

Skill set required: 

• Have 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
• Have budget management experience with the ability to seek out and understand the needs of customers, process forecast budgetary spend etc.. 
• The ability to plan activities well in advance and to manage your own caseload as well as to delegate and manage tasks across your team.

This position requires you to hold a current driving licence.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

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.