Director of Governance

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Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer)

£125K* plus Distant Islands Allowance

* interim salary pending the outcome of the current Management Review
A relocation allowance of up to £8,000 is also available.

As a member of the Council’s Corporate Management Team you will play a highly visible leadership role, modelling our organisational values and promoting a One Council approach.

Your professional oversight and advice will be vital in ensuring that good governance supports effective decision making, that risk is managed effectively, and that the Council meets its statutory obligations while following its code of conduct.

The role leads a broad service portfolio that includes the following:

• Legal and Committee
• Internal Audit
• Digital and Technology Services
• Procurement, Commissioning and Contracts
• Risk, Safety, Insurance and Civil Contingencies

With the majority of our elected representatives being independent candidates, the politics of Shetland are unique to the local context. The dynamics of advising and influencing within this context demands an adaptable and engaging style, as well as the resilience to speak truth to power as required. You’ll ensure an outcomes focused approach at all times, working with elected members and colleagues to ensure a consistent focus on corporate priorities.

As the Council’s Monitoring Officer, it’s essential that whoever takes on this role is a qualified legal professional. But we are looking for a versatile individual who can bring a rounded strategic perspective to decision-making, so that options and alternatives can be assessed, while sound legal advice protects the Council from risk.

We are looking for someone who believes in our organisational values and who can draw on first-class communication skills and professional presence to foster excellent relationships with elected members, partner organisations and other stakeholders.

For further information and to APPLY, please visit Welcome or contact Amy Billington at Solace in Business on 020 7976 3311 for a confidential discussion.

Closing Date: 22nd June 2026

Additional Information

• The grade of this post is CO 34 - 36
• Salary shown in the advert, plus Distant Islands Allowance of £2,997 per annum (pro rata)
• Permanent Full Time post for 37.0 Hours per Week, 52.18 weeks per year
• Preferred candidates will be required to undertake a Level 2 Disclosure check prior to a formal offer of employment being made
• Politically Restricted Post - this post is designated under the terms of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, and the postholder is restricted as to the undertaking of political activity
• A relocation package does apply to this post
• We will pay interview expenses from within the UK
• You must have the ability to travel throughout Shetland at short notice and where public transport is limited
• We are happy to talk flexible working

During the application process you are required to give the names of two persons not related to you, who we can contact to provide a reference to support your application.

This post is based at 8 North Ness, Lerwick, Shetland.

For further details relating to this post, please contact: Amy Billington - Solace - on: 020 7976 3311

If you have a disability which prevents you from applying online, please call 01595 744032.

Information about Shetland

Shetland is an archipelago in the north of the British Isles where you'll find freedom, wildlife and wild beauty, but also a rich culture and dynamic, forward-looking society. The Islands have a thriving and diverse economy full of opportunities and offer residents the ideal work/life balance. Shetland combines stunning coastal landscapes and wide open spaces with friendly, bustling island communities. Factor in Shetland's impressive modern amenities, highly regarded schools and the Islands offer a work life balance rarely found elsewhere.

Find out more about:

Living and working in Shetland: here

The Shetland Islands Council: here