About this role
We are building a new Combined County Authority for Hampshire and the Solent, bringing together partners across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton to bring investment to the region and to create opportunities for our people, places, communities and businesses.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer), you will lead the Authority’s legal, information governance and complaints functions and act as Deputy Monitoring Officer. You will enable the Chief Executive, Board members, the Mayor when elected, and colleagues to deliver ambitious programmes through sound, proportionate and practical legal advice.
Provide authoritative advice on complex, high-profile matters, balancing pace, delivery and legal risk.Lead multidisciplinary teams and make clear decisions where requirements, accountability or precedent are uncertain.Hold accountability for service performance, people, resources and budgets across Legal Services, Information Governance and Complaints.Deputise for the Director and support lawful, transparent and effective decision-making across the Authority.Represent HSCCA at courts, tribunals and other hearings, preparing or overseeing the Authority’s case. What you’ll be doing?
In this role, you’ll provide:
Legal advice, governance and assurance - Act autonomously as the principal legal adviser and business partner for complex projects and programmes, personally leading significant legal matters and providing joined-up advice across legal, statutory, governance and due diligence issues.Provide constructive challenge and risk-based advice from project inception through delivery, business as-usual operation and, where relevant, closure and evaluation.Advise on procurement, contracts, grant funding, subsidy control, constitutional arrangements, information governance and complaints.Draft and negotiate complex agreements, using standard or bespoke forms as appropriate to protect the Authority’s interests and enable timely delivery.Commission and manage specialist external legal support where needed, maintaining quality, cost control and value for money.Prepare reports and attend Board, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, other committees and working groups as required.Use complaints, information requests and legal challenges to identify and embed organisational learning and improvement.People, performance and resources - Lead the Legal Services, Information Governance and Complaints teams, allocating work, aligning capacity with organisational priorities and supporting planned growth within the service.
What you’ll bring?
We’re looking for someone with:
Current practising status as a solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive, with substantial relevant post-qualification experience and evidence of continuing professional development.Advanced understanding of the legal framework, functions and statutory powers of combined authorities.Strong knowledge of local government constitutional arrangements, member standards, Deputy Monitoring Officer responsibilities and information governance.Significant experience advising on local government constitutional and governance matters, including practical experience of supporting or undertaking Deputy Monitoring Officer responsibilities.Extensive experience in at least two relevant disciplines, such as public procurement, contracts, regeneration or development, adult education and skills, transport, administrative law and governance, or commercial property.A track record of managing a complex legal caseload autonomously, making sound risk-based judgements and meeting competing deadlines.Proven people leadership, budget management and delivery of quality and value for money.Strong analytical ability, intellectual agility and confidence working safely beyond your core specialisms, supported by sound research and appropriate external advice.
Why join the HSCCA?
We are building the HSCCA on the basis that how we work is as important as what we deliver. We want people who bring enthusiasm, drive, and authenticity - who are proactive, open to challenge, and motivated by progress rather than process.
This is a complex, fast-moving environment. We need people who are energised by that.
What the HSCCA will offer in return?
Our reward package includes:
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), with a current employer contribution rate of 18.1%, life cover and family benefits, flexible retirement options, and the opportunity to make Additional Voluntary Contributions.A competitive salary and generous annual leave allowance, in addition to public holidays:Grades T/A–E: 30 days, increasing to 32 days after five years’ serviceGrades F–K: 32 days, increasing to 34 days after five years’ serviceHealth and wellbeing support from November 2026, including online GP access seven days a week, an Employee Assistance Programme, confidential counselling and wellbeing resources.Perkbox benefits from November 2026, including retail and lifestyle discounts, savings on home electronics, a Cycle to Work scheme, health and wellbeing offers, and financial wellbeing resources. The HSCCA is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and able to thrive.
We are committed to removing barriers to employment. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know so that we can support you.
Further information
As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we run a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants. If you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description for this position and would like to be considered under this scheme, please state this in your application.
We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. As part of this, we use anonymous shortlisting to ensure candidates are assessed solely on their skills, experience, and suitability for the role.