Interim Assistant Director, Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer

About The Role

Interim Assistant Director, Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer

Basildon Borough Council

Temporary, Full Time

Dependant on experience

Location: Basildon

Closing Date: 10th March 2026

Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Basildon Council to recruit for the role of Interim Assistant Director, Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer. This is a temporary role for a period of 6 months, with the expectation of being in the office a minimum of 3 days per week. Please note, the salary for this role is competitive, dependant on experience. When submitting your application, please include your salary expectations, along with availability to interview and start.

Job Purpose

The role involves providing strategic leadership and management of the Council’s Legal and Democratic Services, encompassing Legal, and Committee Services, Electoral Services, and Information Governance. Key responsibilities include ensuring the Council’s lawful operation and offering high-quality legal advice on relevant matters to council members and officers. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this role works closely with the Chief Executive and s151 Officer to enhance governance and address any legal, procedural, or constitutional issues. Additionally, it emphasizes driving effective cross-Council collaboration to achieve corporate priorities, exemplifying clear communication and adherence to governance standards. This role also requires visible office leadership at least two days a week, support for senior council members across various groups and committees and serving as the Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) to manage information risks effectively. As the Council’s Monitoring Officer, you will be responsible for matters relating to conduct, be responsible for the Councils Constitution and ensure we fulfil all our statutory obligations. You will have a strong background and experience of local authority decision-making and committee processes along with experience of elections You will be an effective communicator who is confident, analytical and solution focussed with the ability to build and maintain trust and relationships with both members and Senior Officers.

For a copy of the full role profile, including full job duties and person specification, please email sadie.orwell@essex.gov.uk

Why choose Basildon Council?

Basildon Borough Council’s Corporate Plan sets out a bold vision for the future, reflecting a commitment to delivering high-quality services while driving transformation and fostering pride in the Borough. As Basildon marks its 77th anniversary, it remains a place of ambition and opportunity, but challenges such as housing shortages, economic pressures, and inequality require action. The Council is determined to lead the way, working with the Government and partners to secure investment, create opportunities, and support residents to thrive. Guided by the principle “Believe in Basildon Borough”, this plan is built on four key ambitions to shape a brighter, more resilient future:

• Believe in Basildon Borough Ambition 1: People Basildon Borough will be a place where happier, healthier, and safer communities flourish, creating a sense of belonging and well-being for all.
• Ambition 2: Places Basildon Borough will offer a high quality of life for all of its residents with high-quality homes, vibrant neighbourhoods, and towns centred around enduring facilities, green spaces, and thriving town centres. Each of our six unique areas will reflect this commitment to excellence.
• Ambition 3: Promise Basildon Borough will be full of promise, where residents benefit from better education, enhanced skills, greater opportunities, and a thriving local economy that supports everyone’s ambitions.
• Ambition 4: Public Service Basildon Borough Council will provide ambitious public services, ensuring residents feel proud of the work the Council do and confident in our commitment to their future.

The Council operates under an outcomes-based model, with each of the four ambitions supported by a set of defined outcomes and corresponding actions to drive their achievement.

Note: ECC are advertising this role on behalf of Basildon Council. Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its commitment to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation. The Council applies a robust recruitment vetting process. If you are successful you will need to undergo a Pre-employment Vetting Procedure. If you require any additional information on this role, please contact sadie.orwell@essex.gov.uk