This course will explore the fundamental elements of the role of the Monitoring Officer in a council/local authority. It will include an examination of:
The statutory basis for the role
Appointment and protections
The statutory and broader role of the MO including:
The guardian of good governance
The overview and upkeep of the constitution
The Section 5 duty to report
Councillor standards of conduct
Key legal knowledge, guidance and top tips
Mini scenarios
This session is ideal for newly appointed Monitoring Officers, or DMOs, or those intending to move into these roles in England and Wales. It will enable delegates to feel confident about what the role of MO entails and to have a platform for undertaking the responsibilities effectively.
GOVTC
Beth is a recognised expert in local authority governance, having worked in the field for over 35 years. She worked as an in-house lawyer for nearly 20 years at four different councils in England specialising in housing, education and social care. Beth then moved into management posts, culminating in roles as a County Solicitor and a Director of Corporate Services in a unitary authority.
Beth led the Welsh Local Government Agency responsible for improvement and development in Welsh local government for three years. In 2001 she joined Bevan Brittan LLP as a partner where she led the local government team for 17 years, four of which she spent as senior partner.
Beth acted as secretary and chair of a branch and then as national chair of the (then) Local Government Group in 1998/99.