Job title: Head of Legal Services and Data Protection Officer

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Based at Eastleigh House

Salary: Band 14 - £63,036 - £69,549 per annum

Do you want to make a difference?

At Eastleigh we are proud of what we have achieved. As a medium-sized district council with a £65 million turnover and big ambitions, we have delivered a range of major projects and initiatives ensuring we continue to be progressive and innovative in our approach, whilst delivering high quality service to our customers and the community.

Here at Eastleigh Borough Council, we are committed to making a positive difference for all the residents, businesses and visitors to Eastleigh and we are proud to be delivering on our promise to lead and support Eastleigh Borough and its communities by developing a strong and sustainable economy that supports improved standards of living for residents, promoting thriving and healthy communities, and maintaining an attractive and sustainable environment that residents value.

We are looking for a dynamic, motivated, and experienced Head of Legal Services to lead and direct our well respected in-house Legal Team in all aspects of law in connection with the Council’s functions. The successful candidate will also be appointed as Council’s Deputy Data Protection Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer.

The Role

As the Council’s most senior professional qualified solicitor you will be responsible for delivering a professional legal service, including procurement and insurance, and supporting the Service Director – Governance and Support (Monitoring Officer) with ensuring the Council acts in the public interest through behaving with integrity and respecting the rule of law.

Please see Job Description for more information.

About You

You will be a member of Law Society/Bar Qualified lawyer or barrister and will have an extensive working knowledge of legal practices and methodologies. You will have a solid understanding of statutory and regulatory compliance and proven ability to undertake complex legal cases and provide expert advice on a range of matters within local government including data legislation. You will be able to lead and direct a team of professionals, think strategically, and have solid interpersonal and communication skills.

About Us

In return you will be working with a great team in an organisation that is truly committed to a flexible, inclusive, and enjoyable work environment. We are passionate about personal and professional development for all staff, offering exceptional conditions of employment as an accredited Living Wage Employer, plus the chance to make a lasting difference to the community of Eastleigh.

Our benefits include:

• 31 days annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements and ability to accrue up to 2 days additional leave per month (subject to operational requirements, Pro-rata for Part-time staff)
• Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
• Places Leisure, Eastleigh – 30% off Full Membership
• Confidential Employee Advice and Support Programme
• Excellent working environment

If you have the skills, experience, and motivation we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Jo Cassar, Service Director – Governance Support (Monitoring Officer) by emailing joanne.cassar@eastleigh.gov.uk

Closing date: 1 May 2024.

Interview date: To be confirmed.

Click here for job description

Apply here: Head of Legal Services and Data Protection Officer