Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Building trust. Strengthening governance. Putting residents first.
  
At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, we’re all in – committed to learning, growing, and delivering for our communities together. “We’re all in” means we act with integrity, value every voice, and work collaboratively to make a positive difference for our residents every day.
  
In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, we continue to listen, learn, and evolve – ensuring that residents’ voices shape every decision. Our focus is on accountability, compassion, and community trust: principles that guide how we govern, how we lead, and how we serve.
  
Our Council has a proud record of sound legal and governance leadership, and we know that strong, transparent governance is essential to earning and maintaining the confidence of our residents.
  
We are now seeking a Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) – the Council’s Principal Legal Adviser who will lead us on the next stage of this journey, embedding integrity, openness, and community partnership at the heart of everything we do.
  
A council learning and growing with its community
  
The Grenfell tragedy remains a defining moment for our borough; one that has changed how we work, how we listen, and how we serve. As we continue to engage with survivors, the bereaved, and the wider community through the ongoing Inquiry and our long-term commitments, we are determined to ensure that our governance and legal practices reflect the highest standards of empathy, responsibility, and care.
  
Our values – putting communities first, integrity, respect, and working together – underpin everything we do. They are central to our We’re all in ethos, shaping a culture that welcomes scrutiny, encourages learning, and places residents at the centre of decision-making. This is about more than compliance; it’s about co-production, compassion, and rebuilding trust through consistent, transparent action.
  
About the role
As Director of Law and Governance and the Council’s Principal Legal Adviser, you will shape a culture of modern, resident-focused governance.
  
Acting as the Council’s Monitoring Officer, you’ll ensure that our legal and governance functions are effective, trusted, and responsive to our diverse communities.
  
You will lead the Statutory Officers group and work with the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer to maintain the highest standards of integrity and assurance across the organisation.
  
You’ll also work with the Director of Law at Westminster City Council to lead the bi-borough legal service, and collaborate with Monitoring Officers across London to ensure we remain at the forefront of best practice.
  
You’ll inspire and develop a capable, inclusive legal and governance team – championing professional growth, collaboration, and equality, and ensuring every team member feels valued and connected to our shared purpose.
  
You will also lead our continuing legal response to the Grenfell tragedy, benefiting from the corporate memory of the current postholder, who has been retained for specific legal advice. You will lead in upholding the commitments of the Hillsborough Charter by acting with transparency, candour, balance, and integrity. You’ll be supported by a skilled team and an organisation that shares your sense of purpose and accountability.
  
About you
You will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister admitted in England and Wales, authorised to undertake reserved activities under the Legal Services Act 2007, and possess a strong track record of achievement in local government or public sector law.
  
You’ll bring deep expertise in governance and the experience to act as the Council’s principal source of legal and constitutional advice.
  
You should have extensive expertise in governance, with the capability to inspire confidence, manage complexity, and drive cultural transformation. Equally important will be your emotional intelligence, empathy, and commitment to your belief in the law as a tool for service, fairness, and justice.
  
Join us, and be part of a council where we’re all in – listening, learning, and leading with integrity for our residents and communities.
  
We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
  
We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
  
For more information, please contact our retained advisors at Tile Hill:

• Bella Bennett – bella.bennett@tile-hill.co.uk, 07918 976494
• Anita Denton – anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk, 07725 554802

Closing date for applications: Midnight, Sunday 21st December

To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact ella.vanderhook@tile-hill.co.uk.
 
Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.