Governance and Democracy

Mark Hynes, Divisional Director of Governance and Democracy

The Governance and Democracy Division consists of the Legal Services and Democratic Services teams.

The Legal Services team provides legal services and advice to the council using both internal lawyers and a number of key legal external providers through partnership arrangements. The council's statutory monitoring officer role is also discharged by the Director of Legal and Democratic Services. Its functions include:

• Legal Services;
• Corporate and Housing;
• Management of external legal services;
• Land Charges.

The Democratic Services team develops and administers the council's committee arrangements, maintenance of the electoral register and management of all local elections, provides support to the mayor and promotes active citizenship by young people through the Youth Council. Its functions include:

• Committee Services;
• Electoral Services;
• Mayor's Office;
• Youth Council.