Head of Legal Services - Bury (Local Authority role) 3-6 Month Contract Initially Rate: Umbrella - Negotiable, indicate rate sought Urgent requirement for an interim Head of Legal Services/DMO whilst permanent recruitment is underway. Ideally this person needs to be in post so that the current postholder can conduct a handover. Substantial local government experience needed. Duties: To deputise for the Monitoring Officer and Council Solicitor, in his/her absence and act in accordance the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 in respect of the Council, undertaking all of the statutory duties of the Monitoring Officer including attendance at Full Council, Cabinet, Scrutiny, Standards and relevant management team meetings and the determination and investigation of complaints against Elected Members. To draft and/or advise upon reports to Cabinet, Scrutiny and Council, Including the provision of Monitoring Officer comments and presentation of reports as required. To advise the Standards Committee and Standards Panels as required. To advise Elected Members as required on issues relating to the Council's legal powers and Constitutional arrangements, including the Members Code of Conduct and other Codes and Protocols. To ensure Legal Services provides the Council, its partners and stakeholders, including Six Town Housing and other outside organisations with whom Legal Services has a contractual arrangement, with legal advice, assistance and representation including advocacy, which is timely, accurate and up-to-date, responsive to its needs and cost effective. To ensure Legal Services, as an in-house professional legal practice is appropriately resourced and managed and demonstrates compliance with; Lexcel, The standards regulated by the HMCTS, Law Society, Cllex and the SRA Council policies and standards, including staff discipline in accordance with Disciplinary Code of Practice To review and improve and develop working practices, procedures and systems, working with Internal and external partners and stakeholders to monitor the effectiveness and quality of Legal Services and evaluating the effectiveness of service development/improvements. To personally provide high quality advice, assistance and support Including undertaking advocacy (both contested and uncontested) to other members of Legal Services. To market Legal Services, assessing service need and preparing Service Development and Delivery Plans and Service Level Agreements as required. To manage the services IT Resources in the most effective way, reviewing and developing the use of technology to ensure maximum cost efficiency If you have any questions about this role or wish to apply, please contact isobel@deekay.co.uk who will respond at the earliest convenience.