Service Director: Legal & Democratic Services
SALARY: £79,321 - £96, 944

Gateshead is a vibrant and dynamic borough in the heart of the North East, supported by an ambitious Council which is determined to deliver excellent services to those that visit, live and work here. It’s a place that people readily migrate to, with an unmatched quality of life drawing in individuals from across the UK and beyond to enjoy a lower cost of living, shorter commute times and the very best of coast, countryside and urban living.

We are looking to appoint a Service Director within our Corporate Services and Governance Group to contribute to the strategic direction of the Council.

To achieve this, you must be a qualified lawyer with an in-depth knowledge of the local government statutory framework, a broad range of experience in local government legal practice and an understanding of the issues facing the sector.

As Deputy Returning Officer you will be responsible for managing elections and the electoral registration service on behalf of the Returning Officer (the Chief Executive), ensuring an effective and efficient service is provided, in addition to being responsible for the Council’s compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, the Data Protection Act and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. You will also be the Council’s statutory scrutiny officer.

As a natural leader, you will inspire the team to achieve great results and have the resilience and risk management awareness to get the job done. Your approach and style will be forward looking, innovative and responsive. With an excellent track record of building relationships and providing strategic legal insight and advice, you will be confident in working across the Council with our Councillors and external stakeholders and clients. Effective communication and analytical skills are therefore essential.

The post of Service Director, Legal and Democratic Services reports to the Strategic Director, Corporate Services & Governance, who is also the Solicitor to the Council and Monitoring Officer.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Mike Barker, Strategic Director Corporate Services & Governance on 0191 433 2102 or by email at mikebarker@gateshead.gov.uk

To apply for this position please visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/3798/Find-a-council-job

CLOSING DATE 12 NOON, 30 NOVEMBER 2018