Director of Governance and Law

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Up to £130,000
Hackney

Kingston is a beautiful royal borough with a historic setting on the banks of the Thames with excellent schools and a bustling retail centre, all surrounded by open green spaces such as Richmond Park and Bushey Park, former recreation grounds for Tudor Kings and Queens.

Kingston is a borough with many thriving diverse communities, rich in history and heritage and full of potential for our future. We have a Future Council commitment to ensure that the council is ready for the future, is managed effectively and responsibly in the best interests of our communities and delivery is supported by high quality services.

THE ROLE

This is a highly visible and collaborative role – providing trusted, strategic advice to elected Members, Chief Officers and partners. Kingston operates a committee-system and within this context you will lead critical services including Legal (via the South London Legal Partnership), Corporate Governance and Democratic Services.

We’re looking for a pragmatic Director to play a pivotal leadership role, ensuring that the council operates within a sound legal and ethical framework. You will also be the Council’s Monitoring Officer, upholding standards of conduct and legality across all our functions.

INFORMATION

For further details, please click on the role profile and useful links below, or for more information please contact Tom Ripley (07701 217 520 / tom.ripley@starfishsearch.com) or Penny Ransley (07549 233685 / penny.ransley@starfishsearch.com).

Role Profile     Structure Chart     Welcome Letter    
Timeline

Closing date: Monday 7th July 2025
Longlist meeting: Thursday 24th July 2025
Technical interviews (virtual): Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th July 2025
Shortlist meeting: Wednesday 20th August 2025
1:1s and stakeholder panels (in-person): Thursday 28th August 2025
Final interviews (in-person): Monday 1st September 2025

Useful Links
The Council Plan VIEW
Governance Pages VIEW
Inclusive Kingston Strategy VIEW
Community Engagement Framework VIEW
Delivery Plan VIEW
How to apply

To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:

  • Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
  • A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.

Apply