The role where legal expertise meets leadership impact
Are you ready to make a real impact in local government; not just in one forward-thinking Council, but two?
At Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council we are proud of our successful shared services partnership. Through this innovative collaboration, we’re aligning our cultures, values and ways of working to be underpinned by our “One Voice” approach to employee engagement. With over half of our workforce already part of the shared service, this is an exciting time to join us on our journey. We’re now looking for a legally qualified and inspiring leader to step into the role of Director of Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer).
Both Councils are ambitious, values-driven organisations with a clear focus on delivering outstanding services for our residents and communities. Our shared ethos is rooted in inclusion, wellbeing and continuous improvement. From our Equalities Champions Network to our regular wellbeing weeks, we put our people first. Our residents consistently rate the quality of life in our boroughs highly; and it’s no wonder. With vibrant communities, beautiful green spaces and major investment in modernisation, this is local government at its best.
You have the opportunity to be part of something bigger. With a shared workforce and aligned services, Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council are already operating in a way that mirrors future models of local government reorganisation (LGR). We’re actively involved in LGR discussions in the region, and this role will place you right at the centre of shaping what comes next. It’s an exceptional opportunity for a leader looking to develop their strategic insight and governance experience in preparation for the next phase of public service reform.
Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
About the role
This is a senior leadership role at the very heart of the councils. You’ll lead a range of key corporate functions: legal, procurement, audit and risk, health and safety, and democratic services. You will have the opportunity to ensure they run smoothly, compliantly and effectively. Governance will be the heartbeat, and you’ll be central to upholding the highest standards across both organisations.
You’ll also act as Monitoring Officer for both Councils, supporting elected members and managing the member complaints process. You’ll be a trusted advisor; offering sound, impartial advice and you’ll help strengthen the dynamic relationships between officers and members.
We’ve already laid the groundwork for the upcoming Procurement Act changes. Now we need you to embed these into our operations and help shape our approach to contract management. This is a real opportunity to lead transformative change and to play a vital role in delivering our corporate priorities.
About you
We’re looking for a legally qualified professional with the credibility and confidence to operate at the highest levels. Whether you’re already a Monitoring Officer or an experienced Deputy looking to step up, you’ll bring the judgement, integrity and communication skills needed to navigate complex issues and support effective decision-making.
Your leadership style will be collaborative, inclusive and people-centred. You’ll work closely with our Chief Executive and senior team, providing honest, constructive challenge and building strong, high-performing services. Experience in managing diverse teams, mentoring others, and driving service improvement will be key to your success.
If you’re looking for a role that blends professional challenge with the chance to shape the future of two progressive Councils then we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date for applications
Midnight on Sunday 27th July
Contact
For more information about this role, please visit
For a confidential conversation about this role, please contact our retained advisors at Tile Hill:
Bella Bennett – O7918 976494,
Clare Connor – 01614 080703,
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV in Word or PDF format (up to three pages maximum), along with a separate supporting statement in Word or PDF format (up to two pages maximum) that addresses the criteria set out in the role profile, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements.
Applications must include the following:
Full contact details.
Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees).
Notification of any dates when you are not available (or where you may have difficulty with the timetable outlined).
At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email.
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