Enforcement General Counsel

DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately‑owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 – and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 23,000 employees, runs over 6,000 services a day and delivers over 450 million customer journeys across its networks every year. This accounts for 26% of total UK passenger journeys and 30% of passenger miles.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape something new. DFTO is setting up a new Enforcement Team, an industry first, which will be responsible for all prosecution activity across the DFTO Group. As DFTO’s Enforcement General Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in influencing DFTO enforcement strategy and policy, and partnering closely with our leadership team to support confident, informed decision‑making. You will establish and lead a new legal team – setting its vision, building capability, and creating a high‑performing, future‑focused legal function from the ground up. This role is ideal for a senior legal leader who thrives on impact, enjoys operating at a strategic level, and is motivated by building teams and shaping culture. A unique opportunity for a criminal law expert who wants to make a lasting difference as we head towards Great British Railways.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set the strategy and vision for the Enforcement function across the DFTO Group, so there is a robust, consistent response to offences that protects the rail network’s reputation and recovers financial losses.
• Build, lead and motivate a high‑performing team of legal professionals and case managers, promoting professional developments, so the team consistently delivers high‑quality outcomes on complex criminal and civil litigation matters.
• Oversee all court proceedings relating to Railway Offences and ensure that all DFTO TOCs are compliantly represented in court.
• Overseeing complex cases and ensuring appropriate management and successful outcomes.
• Where appropriate, lead or oversee settlement negotiations and alternative dispute resolutions.
• Provide high quality, professional and strategic legal advice to the business through the leadership of the Enforcement function, having primary legal responsibility for complex and/or high value Railway Offences, achieving successful outcomes for the business.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with executive and senior leadership within DFTO and TOCs in order to advise and guide effectively.
• Build and maintain relationships within external stakeholders, including DfT, Network Rail, law enforcement, and external counsel, to facilitate collaboration and alignment on enforcement priorities.
• Lead, or provide expert oversight of, the development and implementation of group‑wide policies and procedures relating to Railway Offences, so the railway is protected by clear, compliant, and enforceable frameworks.
• As part of the senior leadership team in the wider legal function, provide expert contributions to group‑level legal initiatives, projects and reporting to facilitate strategic development of the Group legal function.
• Oversee and direct continuous improvement initiatives within the team so effective, consistency and quality outcomes are achieved across the wider group.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of governance and reporting frameworks for all Railway Offence cases, to maintain compliance with statutory reporting obligations.
• Lead engagement with industry forums and government bodies on Railway Offences enforcement matters, so the DFTO Group influences policy and maintains a strong external reputation.
• Own and oversee management of the budget for the Enforcement function, including oversight of external counsel spend and cost‑control measures.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with the authority to conduct litigation, admitted to practice in England & Wales, with proven experience working in a senior leadership role for a reputable law firm/chambers/in‑house organisation.
• Significant post‑qualification experience (10 years+) in criminal litigation, including case preparation and advocacy in complex or high‑value matters.
• Proven experience in civil litigation, particularly in areas such as fraud recovery and debt claims.
• Expert knowledge of criminal law, criminal and civil procedure, and relevant railway regulations.
• Demonstrable ability to lead and manage a legal team, including senior lawyers and case managers, in a high‑pressure, multi‑stakeholder environment.
• Strong advocacy skills, with experience representing organisations or clients in court proceedings and negotiations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
• Proven ability to develop and implement legal strategies, policies, and governance frameworks.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to explain complex legal and risk issues in accessible terms.
• Experience in managing budgets and financial oversight for legal functions.

Vacancy Details:

• Duration: Permanent
• Reports to: Group General Counsel
• Location: Hybrid – London Waterloo, Leeds
• Salary: up to £135,000K
• Closing date: 13th February 2026

DFTO Benefits:

• Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
• DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
• Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry

We are an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don’t always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we’ll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work‑life balance.

Contact Questions or reasonable adjustments – jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk Please do not email any CVs to us – your application must be made by clicking the ‘Apply’ button.