We are unable to accept applications via this site, Please apply via the following link - https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe126601/director-of-legal-and-governance-(monitoring-officer)/

All about the Role

Shape the Future, a City of Opportunity

Peterborough is a city of opportunity – vibrant, fast-growing, and ambitious. As the second fastest-growing city in the UK and a key economic region outside London, we are proud of our diversity, resilience, and drive for inclusive growth. Our Corporate Strategy sets out a bold vision for regeneration, financial sustainability, and modernisation. We are now seeking a Director of Legal & Governance to lead our legal and democratic services and act as the Council's Monitoring Officer.

This is a key leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Corporate Leadership Team. You will provide strategic legal and governance advice across the organisation, ensuring our democratic processes are lawful, transparent, and effective. You will lead a broad portfolio including Legal Services, Democratic and Constitutional Services, Electoral Services, Information Governance, and Local Land Charges. You will also advise the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Police & Crime Panel and play a key role in shaping the council's governance culture.

All about Peterborough City Council

You'll be joining Peterborough at a time of transformation. Over the past three years, the council has undergone substantial change, with strengthened governance arrangements, a renewed collaborative culture between officers and members, and a clear commitment to continuous improvement. This progress was recognised nationally, leading to the conclusion of a period of external oversight and support from an independent improvement panel. While financial pressures remain – as they do across the sector – the council now has firmer foundations and a clear strategic direction, underpinned by a three-year financial plan and a refreshed Corporate Strategy. With major regeneration projects underway, including a £48m transformation of the Peterborough Station Quarter, and the insourcing of waste contracts on the horizon, this is a chance to lead legal and governance support for some of the most exciting work in local government.

All about You

We are looking for a qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial post-qualification experience and a track record of operating at a strategic level in complex political environments. You'll bring emotional intelligence, political acumen, and a collaborative approach to working with elected members, senior officers, and external partners. Whether you're an experienced Monitoring Officer or ready to step up, you'll need the drive, resilience, and strategic vision to lead change and deliver results.

You'll be responsible for a service of around 70 staff and a net budget of £4.7m. You'll champion innovation, continuous improvement, and inclusion, and play a key role in embedding effective governance across the council. You'll also act as a Senior Responsible Officer for major programmes. This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact in a council that's modernising, inclusive, and ambitious. If you're ready to lead with integrity and inspire confidence, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information or to have a discussion about the role, please contact Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) or Louise Bickley (louise.bickley@gatenbysanderson.com).

We are unable to accept applications via this site, Please apply via the following link - https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe126601/director-of-legal-and-governance-(monitoring-officer)/

All about our Benefits 
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme… 

• Access to a range of benefits via Vivup, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes 
• Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)  
• Access to car lease scheme 
• Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances 
• Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings 
• Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth 
• Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day 
• Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network 
• Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards 

All about our Commitments 
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success. 

We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are disabled and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact pccrecruitment@peterborough.gov.uk  we will work with you to meet your needs. 

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.