Overview
Solicitor and Monitoring Officer (Part Time - 22.5 hours per week)
Contract Type : Permanent
Salary : Grade K £62,963 per annum (pro rata)
Location : Headquarters
Hours : 22.5 hours per week, however you may occasionally need to work beyond normal office hours. Work pattern to include Wednesday and Thursday as essential core days with the third day to be discussed with the successful candidate. Agile working arrangements can also be discussed with the successful candidate.
Department : Legal & Governance Portfolio
Reports to : Director of Corporate Services
Closing date : Midnight on Sunday 26 October 2025
About Us:
At Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, we\'re more than an emergency service-we\'re a team of over 900 dedicated people working together to make Derbyshire safer every day. Whether it\'s responding to emergencies, preventing incidents before they happen, or supporting our frontline teams behind the scenes, every role here makes a real difference.
We\'re proud to be one of the country\'s top-performing fire and rescue services, recently rated \'Good\' in 9 out of 11 areas by His Majesty\'s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). This recognition reflects the professionalism, progress, and dedication of our people. We continue to strive to be an outstanding Service and we know we have more to do.
About the Role:
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Solicitor to join our Legal & Governance team as Monitoring Officer. This is a part-time position, working 22.5 hours per week, offering an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking public sector organisation.
As Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, you will:
* Act as Monitoring Officer to the Fire and Rescue Authority, ensuring compliance with statutory legislation and internal policies.
* Provide expert legal advice on employment law, governance, and other local government matters.
* Lead and manage the Legal & Governance Services, including committee administration and corporate governance.
* Support the Service\'s Data Protection Officer as Deputy, ensuring robust data protection compliance.
* Advise Elected Members and senior officers and represent the Service in legal proceedings as required.
* Promote high standards of probity, ethics, equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver legal and procedural advice on a wide range of matters.
* Prepare and present cases in courts and tribunals.
* Lead and develop the Legal & Governance team.
* Oversee committee services and ensure effective governance.
* Support investigations into ethical standards and member conduct.
* Horizon scan and interpret relevant legislation, preparing reports on legal impacts.
Required Qualifications and Experience
* Qualified lawyer with rights to practise in England and Wales.
* Evidence of compliance with continuous professional development requirements of professional body.
* Experience in employment law, local government, and advocacy.
* Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
* Ability to work flexibly and travel as required (a pool car will be provided).
Why Join Us?
You\'ll be part of a dedicated team making Derbyshire safer together, with opportunities for professional development and the chance to shape the future of our Service.
What We Offer in Return
* Flexible working hours.
* Agile working (60% office based).
* Family friendly policies.
* Annual Leave entitlement of 28 days, increasing to 33 days after 5 years\' service.
* Free, secure on-site car parking.
* Health & wellbeing services, including free access to gyms at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service locations.
* Employee discount scheme (Boost) and eligibility to apply for Blue Light Card.
* Employee support networks.
* Enhanced Maternity Pay (subject to meeting eligibility criteria).
* Occupational Sick Pay subject to length of service, increasing up to 6 months\' full & 6 months\' half after 5 years\' service.
* Ongoing training and development opportunities.
* Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
* Eligibility to join Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) offering highly beneficial tax advantages.
To Apply
To apply, please visit the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service careers site to complete your application.
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