Job Title

Deputy Monitoring Officer & Deputy Solicitor to the CouncilHybrid (1 day/month in-office minimum) | £59,040 - £64,224 + £5000 market supplementCentral Bedfordshire is at the forefront of change. With Universal Studios coming to Bedford, a balanced budget achieved despite national challenges, and major projects underway across the region, this is a council with real energy, ambition and momentum.We’re looking for a legally qualified, politically astute individual to join us as Deputy Monitoring Officer. This is a rare opportunity to focus full-time on governance, standards and legal oversight – rather than combining those duties with broader directorate management.You’ll work closely with our Monitoring Officer on everything from constitutional advice and governance reform to managing relationships with elected members and overseeing external legal services.Why Central Bedfordshire?One of the first local authorities to embed hybrid working in contractsFormal requirement of minimum of just one day per month in-officeRemote working abroad allowed for one month per yearCouncil made up of independents – politically active and engagingStrong leadership and a supportive legal governance environmentA genuinely modern, flexible working cultureWhat You’ll Be DoingAdvising on constitutional, governance and standards issuesSupporting ongoing governance reform and a community governance reviewManaging external legal services including spend control and oversightHandling legal comments on reports and strategic documentsWorking directly with elected members – building trust and managing complexityAttending and advising at council and executive meetingsWhat We’re Looking ForA qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive with a current practising certificateExperience advising or working with elected membersBackground in governance, litigation, or as a local government generalistStrong judgement, political sensitivity and clear communicationSomeone ready to take ownership of a wide-ranging, visible roleWe’re open to candidates looking to take a step up. You’ll be supported by an experienced and collaborative Monitoring Officer who values challenge, development and shared thinking. If you’re ready for a new challenge in a council that’s modern, ambitious and buzzing with opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.Apply now to find out more.