The Appointments Panel of Kensington and Chelsea Council was scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. The primary item on the agenda was an interview for the position of Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer).

Interview for Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer)

The meeting was scheduled to include an interview for the role of Director of Law and Governance, who also serves as the Council's Monitoring Officer. The report pack outlines the key responsibilities and desired attributes for this position. The role is described as pivotal in shaping a culture of modern, resident-focused governance and ensuring that legal and governance functions are effective, trusted, and responsive to our diverse communities.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead the Statutory Officers group and collaborate with the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer to uphold high standards of integrity and assurance. A significant aspect of the role involves leading the Council's continuing legal response to the Grenfell tragedy, working with the corporate memory of the current postholder and upholding the commitments of the Hillsborough Charter by acting with transparency, candour, balance, and integrity. The position also entails leading the bi-borough legal service with the Director of Law at Westminster City Council and collaborating with Monitoring Officers across London.

The ideal candidate is expected to be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister admitted in England and Wales, with a strong track record in local government or public sector law. Essential qualities include deep expertise in governance, the ability to inspire confidence, manage complexity, and drive cultural transformation. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and a belief in the law as a tool for service, fairness, and justice are also highlighted as crucial. The report pack also notes the Council's commitment to promoting equality and diversity, and its status as a Disability Confident Employer.

The starting salary for the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) was advertised as £127,257. The report pack also details the Council's ethos, We're all in, which signifies a commitment to integrity, valuing every voice, and collaborative working to benefit residents. This ethos is particularly relevant in the context of the Grenfell tragedy, with the Council aiming to ensure that governance and legal practices reflect the highest standards of empathy, responsibility, and care.