Assistant Director of Legal Services & Deputy Monitoring Officer

Newforest; Lyndhurst; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - GBP 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Lyndhurst seeks an Assistant Director of Legal Services to lead legal services and governance. The role involves advising on legal matters, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with legislation. Candidates should be qualified solicitors with experience in local government law. Benefits include a competitive salary, hybrid working, and employee discounts. Join an ambitious team dedicated to improving community services.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee discounts at retailers

Cycle to Work scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong track record of senior-level legal advice in local government or relevant public sector environment.
• Expertise in at least two of the key legal areas.
• Experience in leading and motivating legal professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Council’s Legal Service and Information Governance Service.
• Provide senior legal advice on significant matters.
• Act as the Council’s principal adviser on complex legal cases.
• Support major projects and strengthen governance arrangements.
• Build productive relationships with Members and stakeholders.

Skills

Qualified solicitor

Planning law

Procurement and contracts

Local government law

Employment law

Regulatory enforcement

Litigation

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX Lawyer

Job description

New Forest District Council

Salary: £80,359 - £84,844 per annum (up to £89,463 for exceptional performance once in post)
Location: Hybrid working with office presence (Lyndhurst, Hampshire main offices)
Contract: 2 Year Fixed Term, full‑time

Shape the Legal Future of Our District

New Forest District Council is looking for a committed and forward‑thinking Assistant Director of Legal Services (Deputy Monitoring Officer) to lead our Legal, Corporate Complaints and Information Governance Services at a time of ambition, growth and change. This is a senior leadership role that plays a crucial part in enabling the Council to deliver high‑quality services, robust decision‑making, and strong governance for our communities.

As Assistant Director of Legal Services, you will provide authoritative legal leadership across the Council, advising Directors, Cabinet Members and services on a wide portfolio including planning, contracts, procurement, elections, regulatory work, litigation, governance, employment law and corporate projects. You will lead a skilled team of lawyers and other professionals, and work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure decisions are legally sound, transparent and defensible. You will also be the principal legal advisor to the Council on Local Government Reorganisation.

As the Deputy Monitoring Officer, you will work closely with the Monitoring Officer and senior officers to uphold high standards of governance and ethical practice.

About The Role

• Lead and manage the Council’s Legal Service and Information Governance Service, including Data Protection and Corporate Complaints, ensuring a high‑quality, solutions‑focused legal function
• Provide senior legal advice on significant matters including local government reorganisation, elections, planning, procurement, commercial contracts, regulatory matters, and public law
• Act as the Council’s principal adviser on complex and high‑profile cases, managing legal risk and ensuring compliance with legislation
• Support major projects such as regeneration schemes, capital programmes, and key commercial partnerships
• Strengthen governance arrangements and contribute to effective decision‑making
• Build productive relationships with Members, senior leaders, external partners and stakeholders
• Develop the Service, fostering a culture of learning, accountability and professional excellence
• Drive service improvements, modernisation, and proactive problem‑solving across the Council

About You

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX Lawyer with a current practising certificate
• A strong track record of senior‑level legal advice in local government or a relevant public sector environment
• Expertise in at least two of the following: planning law, procurement and contracts, local government law, commercial work, regeneration, employment law, regulatory enforcement or litigation
• Excellent judgment, political awareness, and the ability to balance legal rigour with practical, proportionate solutions
• Experience in leading and motivating legal professionals
• Skilled communicator who can translate complex legal issues into clear, confident advice for Members and senior officers
• A collaborative, resilient approach and the ability to inspire trust across the organisation

Why Join Us?

• £80,359 to £84,844 per annum
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid Working
• Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants
• A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40 percent on cycles and accessories
• Local Government Pension Scheme and AVC provision
• Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial, and personal advice for employees)

About Us

With our head office based in Lyndhurst in the heart of the stunning New Forest National Park, the Council is an excellent place to work and thrive. We work together to provide a wide range of highly valued services to our community. We are working on some exciting and pioneering initiatives and projects, including tackling climate change, supporting the Solent Freeport (to unlock significant investment, create thousands of new jobs and level up our important coastal communities), promoting regeneration of our Town Centres and an exciting fresh approach to modern and innovative working through our Transformation Programme.

A basic DBS check will be required for this role.

Apply Now

After reading the job description of what the role will involve, you feel you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Alan Bethune, Strategic Director – Corporate Services and Section S151. We look forward to receiving your application demonstrating your suitability for this exciting opportunity!

Closing date: 15th February 2026
Interview date: Friday 6th March 2026