Lawyers in Local Government to boost support network, says new President

Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) will provide “kind, caring practical support” to members through any difficult time and regardless of position, its new President has vowed.

Phillip Horsfield, who succeeded Suki Binjal at the Weekend School in Shoreditch, said: “The job can be lonely; no one should ever feel alone, and we can support each other to ensure that none of us do.

“What is a clear and emerging pattern, is that the position of a lawyer in local government is not without conflict and subsequent repercussions for a role in which we much challenge, insist on compliance, and play our part in upholding the rule of law - all whilst adhering to professional conduct rules.”

Horsfield, who is Deputy Director: Corporate Governance and Monitoring Officer at Rutland Council, said local government lawyers were more effective in these roles when they knew that  they had support and encouragement. “Sometimes, doing the right thing adversely affects relationships, often involving the most senior officers within an authority.”

He added: “Being under pressure or in a dispute can be a lonely place, coloured by strong emotions at the same time as we are required to make difficult decisions…..It will be a main thread of my Presidency to ensure a support framework is in place.”

Horsfield said LLG would also continue to focus on its three main campaign agendas: the ‘Golden Triangle’ [the relationship between chief executives, s.151 finance officers and monitoring officers]; Brexit; and a National Graduate Recruitment Scheme.

On strengthening the ‘Golden Triangle’, he said LLG had already taken a number of steps to raise the profile of local government lawyers. “The ability of our members to bring their professional knowledge, optimism, altruism, strong moral compass and sense of humour to the table mean that we are making the point strongly that our inclusion in key decision making strengthens our organisations.”

However, he noted LLG’s recent research that found 65% of those responding indicated their monitoring officer was not at the top tier of management, with 25% sitting at the third tier.

“We are currently examining the impact of not including the Monitoring Officer in the key strategic decision-making processes, specifically their ability to effectively undertake their role and the impact that this has on the quality of governance arrangements that protect the ability of our organisations to deliver our public services. We are also identifying the personal impacts that include the turnover of monitoring officers, CEO’s not following or taking legal advice, lack of effective scrutiny and the late involvement of the legal team.”

On Brexit, Horsfield highlighted LLG’s production of a number of position statements, including on key areas of impact of a no-deal scenario, vulnerability concerns and new burdens. A strong link had been established with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with LLG playing an active part in senior discussions that had had a material impact on the government’s decision making.

“This continues to be a high priority for LLG, and we will continue to furnish you with as much information as we can and continue to raise local authority concerns and where we identify the need for legislative amendment, raise these directly with the Ministry,” he added.

Horsfield concluded: “In short, we absolutely believe that agile, proactive lawyers and governance officers will equip local government for a future of innovation and wider thinking, creating bespoke local solutions for the public good.”

Outgoing President Suki Binjal meanwhile said significant progress had been made in pushing forward LLG and implementing outcomes of its governance review.

LLG now had a revised, fit-for-purpose board composition, a new permanent CEO (in Deborah Evans), a three-year living strategy plan and a revised election process.

She also pointed to other achievements such as publication of the MO Handbook, the creation of more bursary opportunities and the beginning of work on digital transformation.

At LLG’s annual general meeting at the Weekend School, Quentin Baker, Director of Law & Governance for the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, became the organisation’s Vice President, while Helen Edwards, Chief Legal Officer and Monitoring Officer at Norfolk County ACouncil, was elected Deputy Vice President.