Interim Assistant Director, Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer

Interim Assistant Director needed in Basildon Paying  £40 per hr ref 22015

Full time hours on a temporary basis

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  About the Role

  The Interim Assistant Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of all Legal and Democratic functions, ensuring the organisation continues to operate lawfully, transparently, and in line with regulatory, constitutional, and ethical standards.

  You will work closely with the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing expert advice on governance, legal risk, constitutional matters, and complex decision‑making processes.

  The role also includes acting as the Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), ensuring robust arrangements are in place for managing information risks across the organisation.

  A commitment to visible leadership is essential, with the postholder expected to work on‑site at least two days each week to support senior political and managerial stakeholders.

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  Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Management

  • Lead and manage Legal Services, Democratic & Committee Services, Electoral Services, and Information Governance.
  • Provide clear strategic direction and ensure high standards of professional practice across all teams.
  • Drive effective cross‑organisational collaboration to support corporate priorities and deliver excellent governance.

  Monitoring Officer Duties

  • Ensure all operations and decisions are lawful, ethical, and constitutionally compliant.
  • Provide high‑quality legal advice and guidance to senior officers, members, committees, and political groups.
  • Identify and address any legal, procedural, or constitutional issues.

  Governance & Corporate Support

  • Act as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive, s151 Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and elected members.
  • Support committees, panels, and senior members across political groups, ensuring effective decision‑making processes.
  • Ensure legal and democratic functions contribute proactively to organisational transformation and strategic outcomes.

  Information Governance & SIRO Responsibilities

  • Act as the Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), ensuring appropriate systems and frameworks are in place to manage information risk.
  • Champion strong data governance, transparency, and compliance across the organisation.

  Leadership Presence

  • Provide visible leadership on‑site at least two days a week.
  • Build trusted relationships with senior political leaders, committees, and internal stakeholders.

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  About You

  You will bring:

  • Extensive senior experience in legal and democratic services, with strong governance expertise.
  • A track record of operating as Monitoring Officer or Deputy MO within a complex organisation.
  • Excellent political awareness, judgement, and communication skills.
  • Proven ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams and drive high standards of performance.
  • Strong understanding of constitutional frameworks, legal risk, and democratic processes.
  • Experience overseeing information governance and/or acting as SIRO (or willingness to undertake training). 

If you are interested in the role, please email your CV to verity@essentialemploy.co.uk quoting the reference number. 

Essential Employment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All our roles may be subject to pre-employment checks including references so please be prepared