Overview

Solicitor and Monitoring Officer (Part Time 22.5 hours per week) – Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Grade K £62,963 per annum (pro rata)

Location: Headquarters

Hours: 22.5 hours per week, with occasional need to work beyond normal office hours. Core days: Wednesday and Thursday; third day to be discussed. Agile working arrangements can be discussed.

Department: Legal & Governance Portfolio

Reports to: Director of Corporate Services

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 26 October 2025

About Us

At Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, we are more than an emergency service. We are a team of over 900 dedicated people working together to make Derbyshire safer every day. Whether it’s responding to emergencies, preventing incidents, or supporting frontline teams behind the scenes, every role here makes a real difference. We are proud to be one of the country’s top-performing fire and rescue services, recently rated Good in 9 out of 11 areas by HMICFRS. This reflects the professionalism and dedication of our people.

About The Role

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Solicitor to join our Legal & Governance team as Monitoring Officer. This is a part-time position, working 22.5 hours per week, offering an opportunity to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking public sector organisation.

As Solicitor And Monitoring Officer, You Will

• Act as Monitoring Officer to the Fire and Rescue Authority, ensuring compliance with statutory legislation and internal policies.
• Provide expert legal advice on employment law, governance, and other local government matters.
• Lead and manage the Legal & Governance Services, including committee administration and corporate governance.
• Support the Services Data Protection Officer as Deputy, ensuring robust data protection compliance.
• Advise Elected Members and senior officers and represent the Service in legal proceedings as required.
• Promote high standards of probity, ethics, equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver legal and procedural advice on a wide range of matters.
• Prepare and present cases in courts and tribunals.
• Lead and develop the Legal & Governance team.
• Oversee committee services and ensure effective governance.
• Support investigations into ethical standards and member conduct.
• Horizon scan and interpret relevant legislation, preparing reports on legal impacts.

Required Qualifications And Experience

• Qualified lawyer with rights to practise in England and Wales.
• Evidence of compliance with CPD requirements of the professional body.
• Experience in employment law, local government, and advocacy.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel as required (a pool car will be provided).

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a dedicated team making Derbyshire safer together, with opportunities for professional development and the chance to shape the future of our Service.

What We Offer In Return

• Flexible working hours.
• Agile working (60% office based).
• Family-friendly policies.
• Annual Leave entitlement of 28 days, increasing to 33 days after 5 years’ service.
• Free, secure on-site car parking.
• Health & wellbeing services, including free access to gyms at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service locations.
• Employee discount scheme (Boost) and eligibility to apply for Blue Light Card.
• Employee support networks.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay (subject to eligibility).
• Occupational Sick Pay up to 6 months full and 6 months half after 5 years’ service.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Eligibility to join Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions.
• Eligibility to join Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) with tax advantages.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

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