Legal and Democratic Services : Cumbria County Council

The service is led by the Assistant Director Legal and Democratic Services who, as the Council’s Monitoring Officer, is responsible for ensuring the legality of any decisions and the development of members together with ensuring that members are aware of and comply with the members’ Code of Conduct. The Legal service provides professional, high quality legal advice and services across the Council, and providing guidance and supporting major projects such as the Academies Programme. Democratic Services’ main functions are to ensure that the County Council has modern and fit for purpose governance arrangements which enable members to take decisions in a timely way and with all relevant information.

Managing the County Council's political decision-making processes.

Supporting members in carrying out their community and representational roles

Providing administrative and other support for certain external bodies such as Cumbria Sea Fisheries Committee and the School Organisation Committee

Supporting the Chief Executive, as Clerk to the Lieutenancy, in assisting the Lord Lieutenant in his official and ceremonial duties, including his role as Chairman of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee for the Appointment of Magistrates.