Head of Legal Services at
Southend on Sea City Council
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Thank you for your interest in Southend-on-Sea City Council. Now, you might have already formed a view about how things are here, but I would like to share my personal experience of working for this city at this time.
Southend-on-Sea is truly one-of-a-kind. Of course, I had expected the expansive waterfront and the rich cultural history, but what I have found is so much more besides. This is an optimistic and up-beat place. People who have lived here for all of their lives as well as those who have been drawn here through work, leisure or family speak enthusiastically about a sense of community, a feeling of belonging, of a connected city on a very human level. Our platform is a sense of place, which frames the ambitious plans we are building for the future, as we celebrate our first year holding city status. There is a pride in living in Southend and working for the city that you don’t find everywhere.
I have been at Southend City Council for six months and in that time have overseen five elections/by-elections, contributed to an ongoing review by the Boundary Commission, working with Councillors to completely rewrite the Constitution and been included in conversations about devolution.
As Director, I want to see Legal Services occupying a central position where the depth of experience and the technical legal knowledge of our lawyers plays an integral part in the building of ideas as well as the management of legal risk. As Head of Legal Services for the Council, you will be part of a fresh approach to modernising the way services are designed and delivered. There are exciting projects underway as well as many in concept.
If you thought it was all work and no play, I should also mention that there is always something going on in Southend-on-Sea, the Southend City Jam returned for its third year after being the biggest street art festival in Europe in 2023. Alongside this we partner with event organisers such as the Lazydays Festival to bring an exciting and modern event scene to the city. We also ensure that our communities are at the heart of our thinking, the Southend Halloween Parade in October is a highlight for residents with local groups and Schools being at the fore of its content.
These events, along with many others, showcase the vibrant and dynamic spirit of our city. But there is plenty more opportunity to build on this and promote opportunities to allow the city to thrive as a cultural, commercial, successful, and connected place to live and visit.
For an initial informal discussion, please contact Simon Winspear & Lottie Williams at Hays , our recruitment partners.
Simon’s contact details are 07525 466 357 / simon.winspear@hays.com
Lottie’s contact details are 020 3465 0141 / lottie.williams@hays.com
Susan Zeiss
Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer
