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- Tasks: Join us as a part-time General Counsel, providing legal advice on media law and content regulation.
- Company: The BBFC is the UK's independent body for film classification, promoting safe viewing for families.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and a supportive environment focused on professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of media regulation while protecting children from harmful content in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with at least two years' experience in commercial contracts and media law.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to influence significant changes in the evolving digital landscape.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 54000 £ per year.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and the UK's independent body for issuing age ratings for films and digital content. Our mission is to empower audiences, especially parents, to make informed decisions about what their families watch and to protect children and vulnerable adults from potentially harmful content.
The BBFC is seeking a dynamic part-time General Counsel to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to provide legal advice and support across a broad range of legal and regulatory matters impacting our unique and high-profile organisation. This is a new position which offers the chance to shape the role while working on a variety of commercial contracts, business projects, and general legal matters.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Providing accurate, relevant, and timely advice to the Board, senior management and other members of staff on legal topics relevant to the BBFC such as media law and content regulation, its commercial trading subsidiaries (BBFC Technology Ltd) and our classification products and services. Managing and mitigating legal risks by designing and implementing company policies and procedures. Ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations that apply to the BBFC and its subsidiaries. Promoting legal, compliance and risk management best practice throughout the BBFC and staying up-to-date with any changes to legislation affecting the BBFC and its subsidiaries. Communicating with and managing any external legal advisors.
- Contracts and Commercial: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts with customers (including streamers), coordinating contract renewals for Digital Video Service Licenses, handling commercial work (NDAs, supplier agreements), and drafting/reviewing tenancy contracts. Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating accreditation agreements for BBFC Technology AI products with other territories. Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating other customer agreements, metadata sharing agreements, and providing ad-hoc legal advice for subsidiary companies. Vendor due diligence.
- Intellectual Property: Intellectual Property defense and protection related to BBFC Technology classification and metadata generation products. Handling trademark applications, registrations and infringements for new products and services.
- Employment Law: Providing legal support to HR on employment matters, drafting/reviewing employment contracts for employees and Boards, and advising on new company set up and employee transfers (TUPE) with external support as appropriate.
- Corporate Governance and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the BBFC and its subsidiaries governance structures align with best practices. Legal support for setting up new companies. Advise on ethical policies, including those related to GDPR and data privacy.
- Strategic Business Support including Media Law: Legal support for media law and content regulation matters (POCA, IPSO, Ofcom broadcasting code). Legal support for corporate transactions such as Mergers and Acquisitions. Commissioning and implementing legal advice from external advisors to inform legal requirements for content classification in non-UK territories.
Additional information: The post holder must accept responsibility for ensuring that the policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times. The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means in line with General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) the Data Protection Act 2018.
Person Profile
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and legal drafting skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and concisely to non-legal colleagues.
- Skilled in teamwork with a highly collaborative approach to legal practice.
- Ability to work independently, manage a diverse workload, and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive and commercially focused approach with a strong understanding of business needs.
Qualifications and experience:
- Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales (or equivalent common law jurisdiction).
- At least two years post-qualification experience.
- Strong experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
- Good understanding of intellectual property law.
- Good understanding of EU AI Act and forthcoming UK legal frameworks relating to AI and AI Ethics.
- Good understanding of GDPR and data privacy.
- Experience in media law or content regulation.
- Experience with corporate governance matters is desirable.
Terms of appointment: The appointment is permanent. BBFC is committed to equal opportunities in all its activities and all posts are subject to reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010. The responsibilities of the role may be reviewed from time-to-time by the CFO.
What We Offer:
- Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 FTE (£42,000 - £54,000 pro rata)
- Part time: 0.6 FTE (3 days a week)
- Hybrid working (minimum of 1 day per week in the office)
- 25 days holiday per full year (pro rata)
- Group personal pension plan
- Non-contributory life assurance
- Employee assistance support
- Opportunity to influence the future of media regulation in the UK and protect children from harmful content.
- Be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of film and digital content regulation.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes professional development.
General Counsel (Part-Time) employer: BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION
Contact Detail:
BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel (Part-Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the BBFC's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to protecting audiences, especially children, will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the media law and content regulation sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who may have insights into the BBFC's operations and culture, which can give you an edge in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on recent developments in AI legislation and GDPR compliance. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only prepare you for potential questions but also show your proactive approach to the evolving legal landscape.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with drafting and negotiating commercial contracts. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed legal risks and ensured compliance in previous roles, as this is crucial for the General Counsel position.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel (Part-Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the General Counsel position at the BBFC. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should clearly outline your qualifications, including your legal experience, particularly in media law, intellectual property, and corporate governance. Use bullet points for clarity and ensure it is well-structured.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the BBFC's mission. Highlight specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to provide strategic legal advice and manage compliance effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION
✨Understand the BBFC's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp the BBFC's mission to empower audiences and protect vulnerable groups. This understanding will help you articulate how your legal expertise aligns with their goals, especially in media law and content regulation.
✨Showcase Your Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, as well as your knowledge of intellectual property law and GDPR. Highlight specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage legal risks and provide strategic advice.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a General Counsel, you'll need to explain complex legal issues to non-legal colleagues. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to showcase your interpersonal skills during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions About Future Challenges
Think about the evolving digital landscape and how it impacts the BBFC. Prepare insightful questions regarding upcoming challenges they may face, particularly related to AI compliance and media regulation, to show your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.
