Assistant Director (Governance & Monitoring Officer)

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity to provide strategic direction and assurance across the council’s governance, legal and democratic services. As Assistant Director Governance & Monitoring Service you will lead the service and fulfil the council’s statutory Monitoring Officer responsibilities. The service incorporates a range of teams including specialist legal teams, democratic services, elections, data governance and PAs. You will play a critical role in enabling effective governance, lawful decision making and ethical leadership across the organisation whilst acting as a trusted adviser to elected members, the Chief Executive and Corporate Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Discharge the statutory duties of Monitoring Officer.
• Provide leadership of Democratic Services, including undertaking the role of Deputy Returning Officer and Deputy Electoral Registration Officer as required.
• Ensure the effective delivery of Legal and Registrars services, providing expert legal advice and professional support to senior leaders.
• To act as our Data Protection Officer, ensuring council compliance with GDPR, FOI and information governance requirements.
• Lead and develop multi‑disciplinary teams, driving continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders and stakeholders to support the council’s transformation agenda.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office.
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work‑life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in‑office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about their field, forward thinking, innovative and politically astute; this is a great opportunity to join us at a time of transformation.

Essential Criteria

• Significant senior leadership experience within governance, legal and democratic services in a local authority.
• Strategic thinking.
• Excellent communication skills and effective relationship building.
• Acute political acumen and awareness.
• Agile working style, with the ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrate ability to interpret complex legal casework and give detailed legal advice.
• Expert knowledge and proven experience of undertaking, or operating at the level required for, the Monitoring Officer role, alongside professional knowledge of public sector law, governance, democratic and electoral processes, regulations and requirements.
• Extensive experience of managing a legal team and experience of leading democratic and electoral services.
• Knowledge of registrars service.

Desirable Criteria

• A recognised leadership and management qualification.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in‑house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work, Electric Vehicle and pension AVC schemes.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Disability Confident Leader

We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Eligibility

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Advertisement Status

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.

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