A professional body for monitoring officers will be launched later this month to serve those working in a role that has expanded significantly.
The monitoring officer role currently does not have a professional body in the way other statutory officers have and is not paid as much as its golden triangle counterparts.
Chief executive of Lawyers in Local Government (LLG), Deborah Evans, said the professional body would ‘focus solely' on the role of the monitoring officer.
She told The MJ: ‘Monitoring officers are an important part of our current membership of LLG, but it has become clear over recent years that they need something very specific – not least policy and guidance as to how to do their job, particularly as it involves a strong interface with politicians. It is a single role within a local authority, so networking is essential in providing support and wider learning. Never has a professional body been needed more than it is today.'
Chief executive of the Association of Democratic Services Officers, Charlotte Eisenhart, added: ‘Having a dedicated body to support monitoring officers with resources, professional development, peer networks and a strong collective voice will provide the increased resilience this critical function now demands.
‘It's a welcome addition at precisely the right time – acting as a catalyst for reinforcing capacity, recognition and the quality of governance in our local democracy.'
Senior consultant at recruitment firm Penna, Rachael Morris, explained: ‘It used to be quite a traditional role, but organisations have become more complex, society has become more complex and members have become more complex. The role is just so far and wide now.'
Covid led to an exodus of experienced monitoring officers, sparking what Morris called ‘a bit of a talent crisis'.
Only 9% of upper-tier monitoring officers now have 10 or more years' experience and 40% of upper-tier monitoring officers have been in post for less than three years.
Upper-tier monitoring officers can now regularly earn up to £140,000 a year, district monitoring officers can expect to be on up to £115,000 and in-demand interims are currently demanding £1,200 a day – a reflection of the difficulty and risks of the role.
Morris added: ‘I think it's quite lonely at the top in these statutory roles. There's less room for error in a statutory role.'
What the experts say
‘There's growing momentum behind the idea of launching a professional body for monitoring officers and, in my view, it's long overdue... We sit at and occupy a critical position at the heart of the so-called golden triangle with the chief executive and section 151 officer, yet our statutory responsibilities often lack the visibility, support and protection they warrant.'
Director of legal at Manchester City Council, Asif Ibrahim
‘Monitoring officers need the support, backing, standards and shared authority provided by a professional body now more than ever.'
Head of legal and democracy at Thanet DC, Ingrid Brown
‘The establishment of a professional body for monitoring officers is increasingly vital. Given the public accountability of our responsibilities and the potential reputational risks involved, the need for peer support and professional development through a dedicated body is not only evident – it is urgent.'
Director of legal and governance at Harlow DC, Farida Hussain
