Chief Officer for Legal and Governance

Rugby Source: WhatJobs

£152,000–£199,000

Rugby, United Kingdom | Posted on 30/09/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

6 months contract with a local authority

Summary

The Chief Officer – Legal and Governance is a pivotal role within a local authority, responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction across various functions, including Legal Services, Democratic Services, Elections, Governance, Business Support, and Equality and Diversity. As the Council’s principal legal adviser and statutory Monitoring Officer, the postholder will ensure the highest standards of governance, legal compliance, and ethical conduct. This role is crucial in supporting the Council’s strategic objectives by delivering top-tier legal and governance services, managing risks, and fostering effective democratic processes.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Council’s statutory Monitoring Officer, ensuring adherence to all legal and constitutional mandates.
Offer expert legal, governance, constitutional, and procedural advice to Members, Committees, senior officers, and external partners.
Lead and manage the functions of Legal Services, Democratic Services, Elections, Governance, Business Support, and Equality and Diversity.
Ensure the effective operation of the Council’s governance framework and promote best practices in corporate governance.
Oversee the administration of Council meetings, committees, scrutiny functions, and democratic processes.
Direct the delivery of local elections, referendums, and electoral registration functions.
Provide advice on complex legal issues, including contracts, procurement, property, litigation, employment, and public law matters.

Requirements

Significant senior management experience in legal, governance, democratic services, or local government settings.
Experience in providing strategic legal advice to senior leadership teams and elected members.
Proven ability to operate within a politically sensitive environment.
Experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams and complex service areas.
Strong track record of delivering governance, organizational change, and service improvement initiatives.
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Fellow of CILEX, or equivalent recognized legal qualification.
Current practicing certificate (where applicable).
Evidence of continued professional development relevant to legal and governance services.