Overview
Are you ready to play a pivotal role at the heart of a forward‑thinking council? This is a compelling opportunity to join Bassetlaw District Council as our Head of Legal and Governance, incorporating the role of Monitoring Officer, a senior leadership role and key member of the Corporate Leadership Team.
As Head of Legal and Governance and the Council’s Monitoring Officer, you will be the Council’s trusted advisor, ensuring decision‑making is lawful, ethical, and supported by strong governance arrangements. Working closely with senior leaders and elected Members, you will provide clear, pragmatic advice and help shape governance frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and effective local decision‑making.
The role also offers a unique opportunity to be involved in Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), a once‑in‑a‑generation transformation of local government that will reshape how councils operate, collaborate, and serve their communities. You will help support the Council through this period of transition, ensuring legal robustness, democratic integrity, and good governance remain central as new ways of working emerge and opportunities for improved services, resilience, and innovation are realised.
Beyond technical expertise, this is a leadership role with real influence. You will lead and develop a skilled professional team, champion high standards, support democratic processes, and help manage organisational risk. Through your contribution to the Corporate Management Team, you will also play an important part in delivering the Council’s Vision 2040, ensuring the authority remains well‑governed, ambitious, and focused on the needs of its communities.
This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact in a pivotal leadership role, contributing to the future shape of local government in Bassetlaw while maintaining public trust and confidence throughout a significant period of reform.
Responsibilities
* Provide authoritative legal and governance advice to senior leaders and elected Members to promote lawful and ethical decision‑making.
* Lead and develop the Legal and Governance team, champion high professional standards, and support democratic processes.
* Shape governance frameworks and manage organisational risk to support transparent local decision‑making.
* Contribute to the Corporate Management Team and help deliver the Council’s Vision 2040.
* Support the Council through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) ensuring legal robustness and democratic integrity during transition.
* Promote good governance, accountability, and continuous improvement in services and operations.
What we’re looking for
We need a qualified legal professional with proven leadership experience and a strong understanding of local government law and governance. You’ll combine strategic thinking with practical problem‑solving and have the confidence to influence at the highest level.
Why join us
* Generous employee benefits package, including 35 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contribution of 20.3%, a healthcare cash‑back scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to learning and development.
You can read about all our employee benefits here.
Contact and how to apply
For an informal conversation about the role contact: Mick Wildman, Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Resources on 01909 533299.
Please note: If you are reviewing this advert on an external site, some links may not be available. For full details and to submit your application, please visit our official website.
About the Council
Welcome from Michael Wildman
Person Specification
Job Description
Please select Apply Online to upload your CV and covering letter, highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and achievements.
Please note that the application process will require you to upload your CV. If you don\'t have one to upload, you can download a CV template we\'ve created to help you get started.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and designed to ensure that everyone is treated equally at every stage.
If you need any help with your application, contact us at Human.Resources@bassetlaw.gov.uk or call 01909 533121. We are here to support you.
Closing date: 16 February 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early when we receive sufficient and suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure that you submit your CV as soon as possible so that you can be considered for this role.
Interview date: To Be Confirmed
Note: This description reflects the information at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
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