Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) PECT Peterborough, England, United Kingdom Shape the Future, a City of Opportunity Peterborough is a city of opportunity – vibrant, fast‑growing, and ambitious. As the second fastest‑growing city in the UK and a key economic region outside London, we are proud of our diversity, resilience, and drive for inclusive growth. Our Corporate Strategy sets out a bold vision for regeneration, financial sustainability, and modernisation. We are now seeking a Director of Legal & Governance to lead our legal and democratic services and act as the Council’s Monitoring Officer. This is a key leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Corporate Leadership Team. You will provide strategic legal and governance advice across the organisation, ensuring our democratic processes are lawful, transparent, and effective. You will lead a broad portfolio including Legal Services, Democratic and Constitutional Services, Electoral Services, Information Governance, and Local Land Charges. You will also advise the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Police & Crime Panel and play a key role in shaping the council’s governance culture. You’ll be joining Peterborough at a time of transformation. Over the past three years, the council has undergone substantial change, with strengthened governance arrangements, a renewed collaborative culture between officers and members, and a clear commitment to continuous improvement. This progress was recognised nationally, leading to the conclusion of a period of external oversight and support from an independent improvement panel. While financial pressures remain – as they do across the sector – the council now has firmer foundations and a clear strategic direction, underpinned by a three‑year financial plan and a refreshed Corporate Strategy. With major regeneration projects underway, including a £48m transformation of the Peterborough Station Quarter, and the insourcing of waste contracts on the horizon, this is a chance to lead legal and governance support for some of the most exciting work in local government. About You

Qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial post‑qualification experience. Track record of operating at a strategic level in complex political environments. Emotional intelligence, political acumen, and a collaborative approach to working with elected members, senior officers, and external partners. Drive, resilience, and strategic vision to lead change and deliver results.

Responsibilities

Lead a service of around 70 staff and a net budget of £4.7m. Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and inclusion across the council. Embed effective governance and act as a Senior Responsible Officer for major programmes. Act as the Senior Responsible Officer for major programmes and champion strategic innovation.

Qualifications

Experience as a Senior Monitoring Officer is an advantage. Strong understanding of democratic, constitutional, and electoral services. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills. Proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing legal and governance teams.

For more information or to discuss the role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) or Louise Bickley (louise.bickley@gatenbysanderson.com). Closing date: Sunday 9th November. To apply please click the Apply Now link below. Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Legal Non‑profit Organizations

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