We are looking for an experienced and visionary lawyer to join us as our new Monitoring Officer and CLO. This is no ordinary position and will be full of opportunities that stretch beyond those typically expected of a Monitoring Officer and CLO: we want you to use your legal knowledge and experience to work with us to deliver against our two core missions and make a difference to people's lives. As a Council we are forward thinking and progressive giving staff the permission to innovate and if working in these conditions excites and energises you, then Team Wigan is the place for you.
As Monitoring Officer and CLO you will be responsible for overseeing compliance with statutory obligations, and will fulfil the role of Statutory Monitoring Officer, in accordance with s.5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, however your role will extend beyond the statutory remit. You will have the opportunity to deliver modern, solution driven, first class Legal, Democratic and Election services, always thinking ahead and looking to develop the best teams in local government. You will champion transformational change, exploring and embracing new digital technologies and ways of working.
You’ll regularly liaise with Members and Officers, including Cabinet and SMT, clearly and concisely identifying risks and suggesting potential mitigations. Your expert advice and analysis will be crucial to delivering key corporate priorities.
Responsibilities
* Oversee compliance with statutory obligations and fulfil the role of Statutory Monitoring Officer under s.5 LGHA 1989.
* Deliver modern, solution‑driven first‑class legal, democratic and election services.
* Champion transformational change by exploring and embracing new digital technologies and innovative ways of working.
* Regularly liaise with Members and Officers, including Cabinet and SMT, to identify risks and suggest mitigations.
* Provide expert legal advice and analysis essential to delivering key corporate priorities.
* Lead and manage Legal, Governance and/or Elections Services.
Qualifications
* Admitted as a solicitor or barrister with extensive post‑qualification experience.
* High level of legal expertise, including sound knowledge of local government law.
* High level of political awareness and the skills to work effectively and inspire trust and credibility with elected members.
* Broad experience in leading and managing Legal, Governance and/or Elections Services.
Workshop With Unity – The Councils Mission
* Create fair opportunities for all Children, Families, Residents and Businesses by breaking down barriers that create financial, health, education and environmental inequalities in the borough.
* Make all towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them by partnering with residents and businesses to celebrate and maintain local identity while supporting prosperity.
We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!
Over the past decade Wigan Council has become renowned across the sector and has won multiple awards for its innovative approach to public service delivery. The council’s commitment to asset‑based change and reform alongside its communities has created a unique workforce culture, deep partnership working and a stable financial position.
As the Council and its partners move confidently into a new era of active delivery on the borough's strengths, ambitions and opportunities, a rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join the organization as its next Monitoring Officer and Chief Legal Officer (CLO).
Community Wealth and Health Building
The council is committed to community wealth and health building and will use every lever of power it has—from procurement, recruitment, land and assets—to increase opportunities for local people. Wigan Council has been voted ‘Overall Council of the Year’ at the APSE Awards and is signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment, ensuring that service will be continuous or ‘unbroken’ between the supporting organisations.
Salary
Assistant Director – £97,143 – £112,748 per annum plus £5,000 Monitoring Officer Payment
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