Applications are invited for the post of Head of Legal and Governance to work as a key member of the Chief Executive Department and Management Team.  The successful applicant will be a qualified solicitor and member of the Law Society or similar relevant professional institution with significant post qualification experience.

This is a politically restricted post in accordance with Section 2 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The post holder heads up the Council’s legal and democratic services which exist to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and the Constitution of the Council.  The role is of a qualified legal officer to act as the Council’s principal legal advisor, fulfilling the role of Solicitor to the Council, and providing a comprehensive, professional and progressive legal advice service to the Council.  The role exists to safeguard the interests of the Council by providing strategic legal advice in addition to supporting managers and employees on all elements of the law and best practice as it relates to local authorities.  The post holder will provide guidance and instruction to Managers, Officers and Members where requirements of the Council need to be met to address either governance, risk or performance matters.

This is a key role providing an excellent opportunity to use your legal and governance expertise to contribute to the development of a compassionate and ambitious authority that puts our residents at the heart of all we do.  As an essential member of the Management Team, you will be expected to provide robust high-quality legal advice on a wide range of areas, supporting both officers and elected members.  You will use your expertise to find innovative and creative solutions to complex issues.

As the Council's Monitoring Officer, you will be responsible for promoting good governance and managing democratic services including elections. You will be politically aware, and combine a successful track-record in legal services with experience in supporting strategic corporate direction.

Barrow Borough Council has a growing economy underpinned by advanced manufacturing industries.  The challenges for the Borough include areas of high deprivation and parts of the Borough need regeneration and renewal.  The Council’s vision for our Borough to be a great place to live, work and visit for all, will be delivered by enabling residents to live happy, healthy productive lives; creating a vibrant, safe & welcoming place where people want to live; and supporting the local economy to thrive and benefit all our residents.

The post is offered on a full time basis of 37 hours per week; however part time and/or flexible working options will be considered for the successful candidate.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide information in accurate spoken English is an essential requirement.

The successful candidate will be automatically enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme and will be required to obtain a Basic Disclosure.

For more information and an informal discussion about the position, ring Sam Plum (Chief Executive) on (01229) 876504).

To apply for this vacancy you need to complete an application form.  Please visit www.yourcumbriajobs.co.uk/recruiters/barrow.aspx to apply online.

Any queries please contact the HR Department, Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 2LD on (01229) 876543 or e-mail hr@barrowbc.gov.uk.

Closing date for applications:   Monday 8th June 2020

The Council welcomes applications from people with disabilities and

from the minority ethnic community who are underrepresented within our workforce.

Being Disability Confident demonstrates that the Council is committed to the recruitment and retention of disabled people.  The Council is recognised as a Disability Confident Employer and will guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the job.

Barrow Borough Council is committed to protecting people’s privacy and complying with the General Data Protection Regulation, GDPR (Regulation EU 2016/679).

Please use the following link to our website to view how we will

manage and process your personal data should you apply for this position:

https://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/about-the-council/data-protection-and-privacy-statement/