Assistant Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer

Permanent Full-Time (36 hours per week)Grade G14: £105,126 - £114,822 per annumRomford Town Hall / Hybrid Working

The London Borough of Havering is seeking an exceptional senior legal professional to step into one of its most influential roles - Assistant Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer.

This is a rare opportunity to operate at the heart of the organisation, combining statutory authority with strategic leadership, shaping how the Council makes decisions, governs itself and serves its communities.

Reporting to the Strategic Director of Resources, and directly to the Chief Executive in your capacity as Monitoring Officer, you will be a trusted adviser to elected Members and senior leaders, guiding the Council through complex legal, governance and democratic matters at a time of significant change.

As Assistant Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer, you will:

• Act as the Council's statutory Monitoring Officer, championing lawful, ethical and transparent decision-making
• Serve as the Council's principal legal adviser, providing clear, authoritative guidance to Members, Cabinet and senior officers
• Set the strategic direction for Legal Services, Committee Services and Elections, ensuring resilient, high-performing teams
• Safeguard and evolve the Council's Constitution and governance framework, keeping pace with legislative and best-practice developments
• Oversee the delivery of elections, referenda and electoral registration, protecting democratic integrity
• Operate confidently in a political environment, building credibility and trust at the highest levels

This is a leadership role that blends professional expertise with influence, judgement and values-driven decision-making.

You will be a respected and credible senior lawyer with:

• Significant experience providing strategic legal leadership within local government or a similarly complex public sector environment
• Deep expertise in local government law, governance and electoral legislation
• A proven track record of advising elected Members and senior leaders with confidence and clarity
• The personal authority, resilience and emotional intelligence to lead in a political setting
• Strong people leadership skills and a collaborative, inclusive approach

Above all, you will bring sound judgement, integrity and a commitment to public service.

Havering is ambitious, open and values-led. We are proud of our ICARE values and committed to modernising how we work while maintaining strong governance at our core.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive senior salary - £105,126 to £114,822 per annum
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 26 days annual leave rising to 29 days after five years (plus bank holidays)
• A wide range of health, wellbeing and employee support benefits
• The opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact on a London borough and its communities

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