Governance Lawyer

Braintree District Council; Essex; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Essex is looking for a Governance Lawyer to manage governance systems and provide legal advice. The role involves advising on governance arrangements and ensuring lawful decision-making processes. Candidates should be qualified solicitors or barristers with experience in local government law and a commitment to building effective relationships. Benefits include a competitive salary, pension scheme, and staff discounts.

Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits

Local government pension scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Staff discounts at local businesses

Health and wellbeing programs

Staff recognition schemes

Qualifications

• Experience advising Members and Officers on governance arrangements.
• Excellent analytical skills to handle complex information.
• Ability to present legal advice clearly to various audiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage systems of good governance for the Council's operations.
• Provide legal advice and training to Members and Officers.
• Lead on legal queries from officers or councillors.

Skills

Good governance experience

Legal advising skills

Communication skills

Public law knowledge

Local government law knowledge

Education

Qualified Solicitor/Barrister or CILEX

Job description

Overview

Braintree District Council has an exciting opportunity for a Governance Lawyer to join the team.

Location: Braintree, Essex, CM7 9HB

Salary: £48,945 to £53,082 per annum pro rata

Job Type: Full time, permanent

Closing date: Thursday 9th October

Why choose Braintree District Council

Braintree is an ambitious forward-thinking Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the district located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community.

Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach which is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.

Governance Lawyer The Role

The main purpose of your role will be to support the Monitoring Officer and wider team in maintaining good governance to ensure the Council s responsibilities are effectively managed and decisions are made in a lawful, clear and transparent manner.

You will provide expert and legal advice to Members and Officers at all levels, leading on the preparation of decision reports to Cabinet/Council and key committees. You will support the development of governance processes and training to support the Council in compliance with legal practice and the Councils Constitution.

You will also act as a Deputy Monitoring Officer and assist the Monitoring officer in the discharge of their roles and responsibilities.

Governance Lawyer Key Responsibilities

• To manage and maintain systems of good governance which ensure that the Council s responsibilities and decision-making processes are effectively managed and decisions are made in a lawful, clear and transparent manner
• Provide expert advice on behalf of the Monitoring Officer, to Members and Officers in relation to the discharge of their statutory functions
• To lead on providing legal advice in response to queries raised by officers or councillors
• Develop and deliver training and processes to support the organisation in compliance and governance

Governance Lawyer You

• A qualified Solicitor/Barrister or CILEX
• You will have significant experience of advising Members and Officers on good governance arrangements
• You will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to analyse complex information and present advice, reports and accounts clearly and credibly to a variety of audiences
• A thorough, comprehensive and practical understanding of public law principles
• Comprehensive and detailed knowledge in relation to local government law, governance and constitutional issues
• Success in building and sustaining effective relationships with both officers and councillors at all levels of the organisation

Governance Lawyer Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Local government pension scheme
• Learning and development for all staff
• Staff discounts at local businesses
• Staff recognition schemes
• Extensive health and wellbeing programme including discounted gym membership

What next

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Thursday 9th October.

To submit your application for this exciting Governance Lawyer opportunity, please click Apply now!