£63,271 - £70,798 per annum (includes up to 15% market supplement and £5,000 allowance for Monitoring Officer)

Are you ready to provide trusted legal and governance leadership in a complex, evolving local authority?

Do you want to play a leading role in upholding integrity, transparency and trust in public service?

Are you motivated to ensure governance arrangements are resilient, ethical and fit for the future?

If so, read on… 

About the role
This is an opportunity to shape the future of governance in a modern, forward-thinking council. 

As Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer, you will combine technical expertise with strategic leadership to support confident, lawful and accountable decision making. You will advise members and officers at the highest level, enabling innovation while ensuring strong governance, ethical standards and legal compliance. Your influence will help the Council remain resilient, transparent and responsive in a complex and evolving local government environment. 

You will also lead a skilled Legal Services team, strengthening governance frameworks, supporting democratic decision-making and promoting a positive, high‑performing culture.

Who we’re looking for
You will bring post qualification experience as a solicitor or barrister, and have some experience of operating either as the deputy Monitoring Officer or in the statutory role. You’ll have a proven ability to lead complex services, shape culture, and drive strategic change. You’ll need to navigate complex governance arrangements confidently and build effective relationships across multiple political groups.

What we offer
Derbyshire Dales District Council is a place of ambition, flair and imagination with a real drive and focus on continuous improvement. Our ‘One Team, One Council, One Purpose’ approach is about working together to create a brighter, better Derbyshire Dales.

In addition to the salary, we offer membership and contributions towards the Local Government Pension Scheme, great staff benefits including agile working, flexi-time and access to a discount platform.

Interested?
Jump on a short information session Wednesday 13 May at 12noon via Teams to hear from the Director of Governance and Corporate Services and Head of HR about working at Derbyshire Dales. To register for the session please contact humanresources@derbyshiredales.gov.uk.

For an informal 1-2-1 discussion about the post please contact Caroline Leatherday Director of Governance and Corporate Services by email on -caroline.leatherday@derbyshiredales.gov.uk.

If you encounter any problems applying online please contact humanresources@derbyshiredales.gov.uk.

We do not accept CVs.

Candidates must possess the necessary ‘right to work in the UK’ authorisation. We are unable to provide sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa as we do not possess a visa sponsorship licence.   

Please be aware that Derbyshire County Council is placing this advert on behalf of this organisation and you should refer directly to its website for details of the terms and conditions attached to this post. Any queries regarding this advert or the recruitment process should be made directly to the organisation.

Closing date: 25 May 2026
Interview date: 3 or 4 June 2026

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