Forest of Dean District Council is passionate about creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our communities. Our priorities are centred on fostering resilient and inclusive communities that are motivated and competent to adapt to the challenges posed by the climate and nature emergencies. We are committed to decarbonisation and nature recovery, with a view to protecting and enhancing our superb natural environment and to be carbon neutral by 2030. Additionally, we strive to foster economic prosperity, while ensuring environmental sustainability and social wellbeing, through the promotion of a circular economy and natural capital preservation.

About the role

As Director of Governance and Corporate Services, you’ll be a pivotal part of the Corporate Leadership Team, working closely with the Chief Executive, the Deputy Chief Executive, the Director of Place and elected members and our partners to deliver our priorities.

This role includes responsibility to discharge the statutory duties as the Council’s Monitoring Officer, but it’s much more than that. Yes, you’ll use your aptitude and experience to ensure we deliver in accordance with the law and principles of good governance, but this role provides an opportunity to really shape and influence how council governance operates, bringing your ideas and creativity to the table, and implementing best practice. 

The role will therefore suit people with either a public or private sector background, looking for more than a ‘traditional’ local authority Monitoring Officer position. You’ll be able to operate successfully at a strategic level, whilst being able to keep an eye on the detail.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking Council that’s always ready to embrace new ideas. So, if you’ve got what it takes, we would love to hear from you.

You will need

• Postgraduate degree in a related discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
• Evidence of post qualification personal and professional continued development.
• Substantial experience of providing strategic legal/governance advice to a large and diverse organisation.
• Communicates effectively at all levels (excellent verbal and written skills)
• Achieves results through working successfully with others
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with Data Protection

Why join us?

The pace of change in the world of local government is getting faster, whether it be levelling up, climate change or local pressures, such as affordable housing, we are being asked to do more, faster and with less money.  Forest of Dean District Council has already established a strong track record in delivering savings and improving services, but we want to go further.  We also want to explore ways to look beyond our existing boundaries both geographically and organisationally to see how what we do might benefit our district.

Special Conditions

• Full UK driving licence with access to a car for work purposes
• BPSS check
• This post designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.

What can we do for you

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
• 26 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
• In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
• We support a discretionary Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements

If you feel this is the role for you please email your CV and supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria above by emailing our Recruitment partners at Publica at join-us@publicagroup.uk or contact the recruitment team on 01285 623319.

Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.

Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.

Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references;  proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.