The Organisation

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (the Combined Authority) was established as a new organisation in early 2024.  It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.

The Opportunity

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking to appoint a Legal Services Manager who would also be appointed Deputy Monitoring Officer to join the Legal and Governance Service.

The role is responsible for undertaking a range of professional legal services and directing legal resources to support all areas of the Combined Authority.  Upon designation, the role holder will act as Deputy Monitoring Officer, carrying out statutory duties of the Monitoring Officer, to ensure high standards of conduct and lawfulness in the Combined Authority’s decision making in the absence of the Monitoring Officer.

This is an exciting time to join the Combined Authority.  Since its creation in December 2023, the Authority has been working to deliver its devolved powers in relation to transport, skills and adult education budget, regeneration and housing, economic development and powers to create a Mayoral Development Corporation.  In May 2024 the Combined Authority welcomed its Mayor and incorporated new partners in the form of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office and the Fire and Rescue Service. Plans are in place to harness huge economic opportunity for the region and to raise the living standards for communities to enable the region to make a full contribution to the UK economy.  There is a focus on delivery to put the York and North Yorkshire area on the map for regional and national success.

This is a politically restricted post.

What you will bring

•  Qualified solicitor or barrister status, entitled to hold a practising certificate or full CILEX (Fellowship) qualification with extensive relevant post-qualification experience, ideally in a public sector organisation.
• Significant experience of successfully working as a legal advisor within a governance environment.
• Experience of making compelling submissions/reports to a range of audiences.
• Proven experience of confidently and professionally conveying information both written and oral in a clear, concise and persuasive style.
• Experience of training, advising and coaching staff on legal issues and drafting, assisting with their personal development.
• Experience of effectively contributing to organisational vision.
• Experience of operating professionally and confidently in a complex political environment.
•  Experienced in working successfully with partners, both internal and external, to achieve common goals

You will be joining a new and developing organisation at an exciting time. The benefits of working for us include:

• Generous leave entitlement, starting at 28 days plus 8 bank holidays (pro-rota for part time staff)
• Flexible working practices including working from other locations and from home
• Local government pension scheme
• Commitment to staff development and continuous learning

To find out more about our new organisation please visit; https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk

Contact and Apply 

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Rachel Antonelli via Rachel.Antonelli@yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk for an informal conversation.

Applying is easy, simply register your details, tell us how you meet our criteria in the supporting evidence section, remove your personal details from your CV and upload.

Closing date: 2 March 2025
Interview date: 13 March 2025 – 14 March 2025

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.