Solicitor (Civil Litigation Unit) Grade K) (Legal Services Branch (Ref: 115) in Manchester

Greater Manchester Police is one of the largest police forces in the UK and is responsible for keeping its diverse population of almost three million people safe. Greater Manchester is a vibrant region in the Northwest, spread over more than 1,200 sq km. Split over 10 metropolitan districts, it is billed as the most diverse city in Europe, whose residents draw on and contribute to its rich cultural legacy and collectively speak up to 200 different languages.

Recently awarded the ‘most improved force in the country’ after its latest police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL) inspection in 2023, Greater Manchester Police remains committed to doing the basics of policing brilliantly, protecting the public, supporting victims and ensuring its workforce reflects the communities it serves. GMP recognises that having a diverse workforce makes it more approachable and relevant to the public, and so we welcome applications from everyone.

Legal Services provides a critical support service for officers and staff at all levels in GMP. The Branch is made up of circa 50 legally qualified and non-qualified staff split across six units, including four dedicated legal units that specialise in Operational Policing, Civil Litigation, Employment and Misconduct, and Public and Regulatory. Members of our teams provide legal advice across the above areas and are key partners in ensuring GMP re‑establishes itself as a leading police force who fight and reduce crime, keeps people safe and cares for victims.

Our legal work is interesting, fast‑paced and rewarding with no two days being the same. You can expect to be challenged and have the highest level of career fulfilment here, because you can and will make a difference. Every single member of the team understands their role in contributing to the provision of our service, and the business benefits it brings.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within GMP’s Legal Services Branch. If you are hard‑working, motivated and adaptable; want to take a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work as part of a friendly and supportive team and can demonstrate the attributes and behaviours that GMP expects of its police staff and officers, we welcome your application.

We are looking for an experienced defendant solicitor to handle a caseload of litigated public liability, employer’s liability and motor claims against the Chief Constable and to provide Force‑wide advice in order to minimise exposure to risk. You will be a confident and effective communicator with a strong understanding of civil procedure and police‑related legislation and will be capable of handling high‑value and complex litigation, acting always in the best interests of the Chief Constable and demonstrating awareness of the wider impact of your decision‑making.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 24 days, plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years, and 32 after 10 years of service.
• A competitive salary
• Annual pay rise
• Generous Pension
• Maternity/paternity leave
• Healthcare and wellbeing support
• Opportunity to join GMP’s Sports and Social Club which offers a range of sporting activities
• Emergency services blue light card discount
• Cycle Scheme
• Car Lease Scheme – Fleet Solutions offer the leading salary‑sacrifice lease car scheme for the NHS and other public sector organisations.

Important eligibility criteria information

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
• You must have at least 5 years residency in the UK to apply.

Important information before you commence an application

• National Insurance Number
• Identification Detail e.g. passport
• Address information
• Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained
• Tattoos – you will also be requested to provide photos and describe any tattoos you have.

Important information before you commence an application for ALL applicants

• The application system only remains active on a single page for a period of 60 minutes.
• To be eligible to apply for a police staff role in GMP, you need to demonstrate that you have the appropriate right to work in the UK and to carry out the hours or type of work that you are applying for.
• Due to the Equality Act (2010) the sickness will not be checked until the conditional offer stage of the recruitment process and therefore candidates need to ensure that they have a good attendance record for the last 2 years for Staff and officers and for 12 months for apprentices.
• The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against a disabled person in all areas of employment, including recruitment.
• Should you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know during the selection process.

As an equal opportunities’ employer, GMP is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. Candidates with a disability meeting all essential criteria should be progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join GMP.

Policing values are enshrined in the Ethical Policing Principles.