Deputy Director Legal and Democratic Services

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Devon is seeking a Deputy Director to provide strategic leadership in Legal and Democratic Services. You will manage legal departments, advise on Local Government law, and uphold governance standards. The ideal candidate is a qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial management experience, strategic vision, and exceptional communication skills. Join us to drive innovation and improvements in council services while making a real difference for over 800,000 residents.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous leave

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Post qualification management experience in a legal setting.
• Strong influencing and partnership skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team in the legal departments.
• Advise senior officers and elected members on legal matters.
• Shape council's response to Local Government Reorganisation.

Skills

Local Government law

Corporate governance

Information governance

Leadership

Strategic vision

Communication

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

Do it for Devon. Do it for Building a Future Where Everyone Thrives

About the Role:

As our Deputy Director, you will formally deputise for and support the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, providing strategic leadership across the whole director at. You’ll be responsible for driving organisational direction, development, and delivery, ensuring our services are resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our communities.

Acting as the Council’s expert in Local Government Law, advising senior officers and elected members on the regulatory implications of corporate strategy and service developments. As Deputy Monitoring Officer, you’ll play a key role in upholding the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct.

Strategic Context

This is a time of significant change and opportunity for Devon County Council. Our Strategic Plan 2025–2029 sets out a vision to build a positive future for Devon where everyone thrives, with a clear focus on children and young people, supporting independence and dignity, continuous service improvement, a green Devon for future generations, economic inclusion, and stronger communities.

Our Corporate Plan 2025–26 emphasises financial sustainability, workforce development, and preparing for Local Government Reorganisation. The successful candidate will be instrumental in leading legal services through recent restructuring, ensuring our directorate is fit for the future and aligned with the council’s ambitions.

Challenges and Opportunities

Devon faces a unique set of challenges, including rising demand for services, financial pressures, and the complexities of governance reform. At the same time, we are embracing opportunities for innovation, partnership, and service redesign, with a strong commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

As Deputy Director, you will:

Lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary team, fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and high performance, and directly manage the Legal, Information Governance, Insurance and EDI departments. Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring our workplace and county are safe and welcoming for all. Provide expert legal and assurance advice to Members, Cabinet, Committees, and senior officers. Build effective relationships with partners, the judiciary, and external stakeholders. Support the Director in delivering public and social value, financial accountability, and resilience. Play a key role in shaping the council’s response to Local Government Reorganisation, helping to design and deliver services that meet the needs of our residents.

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial post qualification and management experience.
• Expertise in Local Government law, corporate governance, and information governance.
• Strategic vision, innovative thinking, and the ability to drive change and improvement.
• Outstanding communication, influencing, and partnership skills.
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Commitment to Devon County Council’s Values.

Why Devon?

Devon County Council is proud to serve over 800,000 residents across a diverse and vibrant county. We offer a rewarding career, competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements. Join us to make a real difference, shape policy and service delivery, and help create a fairer, greener, and more prosperous future for all.

Further Information & How to Apply

To learn more about the Council’s vision, priorities, and strategic direction, candidates are encouraged to review the following documents:

• Devon County Council Strategic Plan 2025–2029: https://www.devon.gov.uk/strategic-plan/
• Watch Councilor Julian Brazil talk about visions and values set out in Devon County Council's Strategic Plan here

Closing date: 11 January 2026

Do it for Devon. Do it for Making a Difference.