Bexley Council has appointed a new Deputy Director for Legal and Democratic Services, who will also serve as the Monitoring Officer.
The appointment was confirmed during the Council meeting held on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. This role is crucial for ensuring the council acts lawfully and in compliance with all relevant legislation, as well as advising senior management and elected members on governance, legal compliance, and ethical conduct.
The job description for the Deputy Director for Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer outlines key responsibilities including leading on the promotion of good governance, developing the council's constitution, and providing strategic legal and governance advice. These duties imply the challenges and priorities associated with the role, such as managing legal complexities and fostering a culture of compliance. The appointment is intended to enhance the council's legal and democratic services, making them more proactive, customer-focused, and responsive to evolving local government legal requirements.
The recruitment process involved a thorough assessment, including technical interviews and a Members' Staffing Panel, with support from Solace in Business, specialists in executive recruitment for the public sector. The successful candidate's details are contained within exempt appendices to the Council's agenda.