Deputy Solicitor to the Council (DMO)

Deputy Solicitor to the Council & Deputy Monitoring Officer

Hybrid (1 day/month in-office minimum) | £59,040 - £64,224 + £5000 market supplement

Central 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 contracts
• Formal requirement of just one day per month in-office
• Remote working abroad allowed for one month per year
• Council made up of independents – politically active and engaging
• Strong leadership and a supportive legal governance environment
• A genuinely modern, flexible working culture

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising on constitutional, governance and standards issues
• Supporting ongoing governance reform and a community governance review
• Managing external legal services including spend control and oversight
• Handling legal comments on reports and strategic documents
• Working directly with elected members – building trust and managing complexity
• Attending and advising at council and executive meetings

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive with a current practising certificate
• Experience advising or working with elected members
• Background in governance, litigation, or as a local government generalist
• Strong judgement, political sensitivity and clear communication
• Someone ready to take ownership of a wide-ranging, visible role

We’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.