Are you ready to be the Council’s ethical compass, governance leader and principal legal adviser?

Can you ensure the Council operates lawfully, transparently and with the highest standards of integrity while enabling efficient democratic decision‑making?

Are you able to provide strategic legal and governance guidance that keeps the Council resilient, compliant and future‑ready?

If so, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

This is a high-profile role at the centre of the Council’s senior leadership team. You will work closely with the Chief Executive, the senior leadership team and elected members to ensure the Council makes sound, lawful and transparent decisions.

You will lead our Legal Services, Democratic Services, Electoral Services and Information Governance functions, shaping high performing teams that support robust governance, strong democratic processes and effective service delivery.

You will also hold the Monitoring Officer statutory role, oversee the Council’s Constitution, continually strengthening our governance framework to support effective, transparent and efficient decision making.

This is an opportunity to play a crucial corporate leadership role, influencing strategy, strengthening governance, and supporting a culture that is ambitious, values driven and committed to continuous improvement.

Who we’re looking for

You will bring post‑qualification experience as a solicitor or barrister, but this isn’t essential. We also welcome candidates with senior governance experience and a strong understanding of local government law, democratic processes, and regulatory frameworks. You’ll have a proven ability to lead complex services, shape culture, and drive strategic change. You’ll need to navigate complex governance arrangements confidently and build effective relationships across multiple political groups.

What we offer 

When you join us your expertise, skills and experience will be valued, and your career development will be our priority.

We are committed to creating a collaborative and innovative environment which empowers you to thrive. You will be part of a friendly, supportive One Team culture with the chance to make a real difference.

We believe in balancing hard work with fun. Our active social team organises two to three events a year, ranging from Staff Awards, quiz nights to rounders in the park, helping the workplace to be productive and enjoyable. 

We use Viva Engage to keep you connected and engaged and we hold regular face to face meetings, such as Chief Executive briefings to keep you in the loop.

We are conveniently located close to Oxted Station and have some on-site parking.

In addition to the stated pay, we offer membership and contributions towards the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working (giving you the opportunity to work from home for up to three days a week), flexi-time, payment of a relevant professional subscription and access to a discounted health scheme.

Please visit our website for more information about working for us www.tandridge.gov.uk/jobs and download our Working for Tandridge guide. 

Diversity statement 

At Tandridge District Council, we pride ourselves on maintaining an inclusive workplace, ensuring equality, fairness, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do and good practice is embedded in the Council’s culture and services.

We welcome applications from all sectors of our community, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and all groups protected under the Equality Act.

Tandridge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Want to know more?

If this sounds like your kind of challenge and you want to be part of our friendly and supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’d like to find out more, please read our role profile and specification, or for an informal discussion about the role, please e-mail David Ford at dford@tandridge.gov.uk or call on 01883 732999.

Local Government Reorganisation

The government is reorganising local councils in Surrey. The current two-tier system where services are split between Surrey County Council and district or borough councils, will be replaced by two new unitary councils - East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council

East Surrey Council will cover Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge District managing all local services, including housing, planning, waste, education, roads and social care.

Although this may lead to some uncertainty for anyone considering a role with us, we need to continue to provide services.

When the new councils are created in April 20027, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety. 

The majority of the roles we currently have will still be needed whether that is for planning, housing, recycling and waste, finance, IT, HR etc. Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us.

Find out more about what local government reorganisation means for us.

Use of AI in applications

We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.

All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications.

Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.

Closing date: 17 April 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.