Director of Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Walsall Council; Walsall; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive local authority in England seeks a Director of Governance to lead legal and democratic services. You will drive innovation in governance, advise elected members, and influence strategic decisions. The ideal candidate will be legally qualified with proven experience in political environments and a strong emphasis on empowering teams. Join at a pivotal moment as we work towards enhancing the council's impact for residents.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Monitoring Officer or in a senior legal role.
• Track record of managing complex political environments.
• Ability to inspire and empower teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal, elections, and democratic services.
• Advise on governance and legal matters.
• Drive innovation within legal services.

Skills

Proven experience in legal oversight

Leadership in political environments

Risk management

Innovative service delivery

Strong communication skills

Education

Legally qualified

Job description

About the Role

As Director of Governance, you will lead our legal, elections and democratic services at a pivotal moment in our journey. You will provide strategic and expert legal oversight across the Council, advising on matters such as social care, planning, prosecutions, and enforcement. As a trusted adviser to Elected Members, the Corporate Management Team, and senior leaders, you will ensure that the Council operates with strong, clear, and confident governance.

You will also lead and support our Democratic Services team, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of elections, referenda, and democratic processes. At the same time, you will drive innovation within our legal services, embedding new ways of working that will place Walsall among the best in the country. A key part of your role will be safeguarding and evolving our Constitution, ensuring that it reflects best practice and supports effective governance.

This is a leadership role with both strategic influence and day-to-day impact. You’ll work closely with our Principal Lawyers and Heads of Law, Statutory Scrutiny Officer, Democratic services lead and Elections lead providing guidance, support, and vision to well-managed teams who are ready to take the next step and play a key role as part of our Corporate Management Team in setting strategy and ensuring delivery.

About You

We are ambitious for Walsall – and we are looking for a leader who shares that ambition. You will be legally qualified and bring proven experience operating as a Monitoring Officer or Deputy Monitoring Officer, or in an equivalent senior legal role. You will have a strong track record of working within political environments, managing risk, and navigating complexity with confidence.

Your leadership style will be inclusive, inspiring, and focused on empowering colleagues at every level. You will have experience shaping services that deliver outstanding outcomes, informed by insight, intelligence, and innovation. Most importantly, you will be ready to champion our values and play a central role in building a culture where staff feel supported, trusted, and celebrated.

Within this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work with other regional Monitoring officers and the Combined Authority Monitoring officer contributing to regional matters, so displaying the ability to work in this way with comfort and ease will be key.

Why Walsall?

Driven by our ambitious partnership strategy and vision ‘We Are Walsall 2040’, this is an exciting time to work for us, with extensive borough wide regeneration projects, including our town centre, innovative work in our childrens and adults social care space and advances in technology driving and changing how we do our business and how we engage with our residents. Our residents are at the heart of what we do and, driven by our values, we will make a difference to the lives of everyone who lives and works here.

This is more than a governance role – it’s a chance to shape the way a forward-looking Council delivers for its people. You’ll join a Corporate Management Team with a clear vision for the next decade and beyond, where your expertise will directly influence our success.

If you are looking for a role that combines professional challenge, strategic influence, and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy – Walsall is the place for you. You can find out more about Walsall and the Council by visiting www.shapingwalsallsfuture.co.uk

For more information

Please contact our dedicated partners at Tile Hill: Bella Bennett ([e-mail], 07918 976494) or Anita Denton ([e-mail], 07725 554802).

Closing date for applications: Midnight, Sunday 19th October.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.