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Head of Legal Services needed in Widnes Paying £270 per day ref 137781

Full time hours on a temporarybasis

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Deputise for the Director of Legal and Democratic Services when required.
• Undertake responsibilities as Deputy Monitoring Officer.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Legal Services Directorate.
• Establish and maintain high professional standards across legal practice areas.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence.

Legal Services Management

• Lead the delivery of comprehensive legal services to departments and wholly owned companies.
• Provide strategic legal advice on complex and high-profile matters.
• Ensure legal services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in line with priorities.
• Monitor legal developments and advise Members, Directors, and senior officers on legislative and regulatory changes.

Governance and Risk

• Provide legal input into governance arrangements, Cabinet and Committee reports, and decision-making processes.
• Attend meetings and provide legal advice when required.
• Identify and assess legal risks facing and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Support constitutional and corporate governance activities.

Service and Financial Management

• Manage budgets and external legal expenditure.
• Ensure value for money through effective resource allocation and procurement of external legal services.
• Monitor service performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Utilise management information and performance data to support decision-making.
• Lead, manage, motivate, and develop a professional legal team.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities.
• Build a supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Implement HR policies and procedures effectively.
• Support succession planning and talent development across the service.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with:
  • Elected Members
  • Corporate Directors
  • Senior Officers
  • External legal advisers
  • Strategic partners
  • Regulatory bodies
• Represent the client in meetings, negotiations, and partnership forums.

All our roles may be subject to pre-employment checks including references so please beprepared