Salary: £76,134 – £88,571 (including car allowance)

Hours: 37 (full-time) open to flexible working patterns and hours

The role
As the Monitoring Officer you will work as part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ with the Head of Paid Service and s.151 officer, helping to ensure the Council continues to be well run. Yes, you’ll use your aptitude and experience to ensure we deliver in accordance with the law and principles of good governance, but this role provides an opportunity to really shape and influence how council governance operates, bringing your ideas and creativity to the table, and implementing best practice.

With specific responsibilities for legal, democratic services, scrutiny, elections, policy and community partnerships, you will be influencing the building blocks of our organisation and how we engage with our communities.

We are looking for an individual who will motivate, inspire and challenge both as a Director and as part of the Senior Leadership Team. This role offers an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to help steer the Governance service areas through the challenging local government landscape.

The experience you will bring
You will be a qualified solicitor or barrister with a current practicing certificate with experience of advising Chief Officers and Members.  You will be able to work closely with colleagues and Councillors whilst promoting our organisational values.

You’ll have a track record of proactive service delivery, political skills and sensitivity and a solid understanding of the legal framework relating to the ethical standards and duties of a Monitoring Officer.

If you want to work in a forward-thinking council to help us meet the challenges ahead and respond to the changing needs of our communities, then please apply.

Ideally, we are seeking experienced senior managers and leaders, but for the right candidate this role would be an ideal step-up opportunity.

The job profile for the role provides full details of the expectations and requirements.

Why work with us?

• At North Herts Council we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of talents.
• We would particularly like to encourage applications from female leaders and individuals from an ethnic minority background.
• We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer, and we guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum requirements for the job.
• We are dedicated to promoting a healthy work/life balance, valuing our employees, and enabling them to make a difference to the local community.

Our benefits include:

•     Generous annual leave, including Christmas close down period
•     Flexible working options including flexi scheme and home-working
•     Occupational sick pay
•     Free car parking
•     Discounts, including 50% off NHC gym membership
•     Local Government Pension Scheme

We focus on learning, growing and professional development and offer opportunities to train and undertake vocational study as well as reimbursing professional subscriptions.

About us
North Hertfordshire is a large rural district with approximately 125,000 residents with four historic towns, Hitchin, Baldock, Royston and Letchworth Garden City. The Council has a clear vision: Working with you for a fairer, greener North Herts.

To apply for this position, you must complete our online application form using our secure web recruitment tool which can be access by clicking on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below. Please note that we do not accept CV applications, either on their own or accompanying application forms. Therefore, please ensure that all relevant information is provided on the application form.

The selection process will include online assessments prior to a face-to-face panel interview and presentation. The appointment will include a final interview by the Council’s Employment Committee, likely week commencing 2 June, and is subject to approval by our Council members before formal appointment can be confirmed.

The successful applicant for the above post will be background checked with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Recruitment timetable

Closing Date: Noon, Tuesday 29 April

Online assessments: Tuesday 6th May and Wednesday 7th May

Panel interview: Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th May

Employment Committee: Week commencing 2nd June

Interviews will take place at the Council offices in Letchworth.

This appointment to this post is subject to Council approval.  This Council meeting will take place in June 2025.

Dates are subject to change. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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