New association launched to support monitoring officers facing complex and high-pressure duties
Local government lawyers have launched a new professional body to support monitoring officers who say they often struggle with the pressures and risks associated with their statutory role. The Association of Monitoring Officers was formally unveiled at Lawyers in Local Government’s governance conference on Friday.
Monitoring officers hold a central position in council governance. They must ensure that a local authority’s decisions and processes are lawful and fair, and intervene when any proposal, decision or omission may amount to maladministration or breach of an enactment. The role carries significant responsibility, but recent research suggests many monitoring officers feel exposed when carrying out their duties.
A study by the Local Democracy Research Centre, Lawyers in Local Government and law firm Browne Jacobson found that monitoring officers do not feel adequately protected to perform their governance functions without fearing possible repercussions. The findings underline concerns that officers tasked with upholding legality may themselves feel vulnerable when challenging elected members or senior officials.
Embed from Getty Images
At the conference, Lawyers in Local Government president Paul Turner described the position as a tough gig that demands confidence and resilience. Vice-President Helen Bradley recalled feeling imposter syndrome when she was first appointed. She said the organisation’s network gave her a safe environment to share doubts, seek advice and gain reassurance from colleagues with similar experiences.
During her time as national lead for monitoring officers, Bradley introduced an informal “phone a friend” system to support those needing quick reassurance. She said the new association will expand on that idea by establishing a dedicated helpline. She argued that monitoring officers have long been treated as the poor relation of statutory officers despite the weight of their responsibilities.
Former Lawyers in Local Government president Rachel McKoy will serve as executive director of the new association. Addressing the conference, she said the aim is to create a professional voice for monitoring officers, deputy monitoring officers and those aspiring to the role. She emphasised the importance of their work in maintaining integrity, encouraging lawful decision-making and ensuring councils act on behalf of taxpayers.
McKoy acknowledged the difficulty of the position but described it as highly rewarding. She said monitoring officers sit at the centre of governance and often manage complex and sensitive issues that require clear judgment and firm adherence to legal standards.
The Association of Monitoring Officers intends to offer support, guidance and practical resources to those carrying out the role. Its new helpline will begin operating in January, providing a confidential outlet for officers facing challenging circumstances or seeking advice on governance matters.
The launch reflects a growing recognition across local government that monitoring officers need stronger professional backing to carry out their statutory duties effectively and confidently.