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- Tasks: Lead a team to enhance consumer confidence in legal services and build stakeholder relationships.
- Company: LeO is an independent body focused on providing efficient consumer services in legal matters.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for remote work, and a chance to influence public service delivery.
- Why this job: Join a resilient organisation making a real impact in people's lives and fostering an inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience at board level; no legal qualifications required.
- Other info: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of legal services in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 104000 - 186000 £ per year.
Overview
Legal Ombudsman
Chief Ombudsman
Salary: c.£145,000
Location: Birmingham at least 20% of the working week
As an independent body, LeO’s role is to provide consumers with a service that is modern, responsive and efficient. At the heart of this is the need to give people confidence in the services they use at the most significant points in their life – buying a new house, dealing with a separation and access to children, dealing with employment disputes. Our work is varied, and we deliver our services in a multi-faceted and rapidly changing external landscape through our team of over 280 staff and with a total budget expenditure of just under £16m. We have been on a real journey in recent years and, with our current Chief Ombudsman, Paul McFadden, taking up a new role as the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, he leaves a more resilient, responsive and effective organisation performing well on its key metrics in support of consumers.
Role and focus
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join us in continuing this journey, building on the good work done with a focus on the future and without a hint of complacency. You will build effective and fruitful relationships across our stakeholder community, working closely with government, the legal sector and consumers to ensure that our unique insight and constructive feedback drives improvements in the delivery of legal services. Unless LeO has good and valued people it will not be able to deliver the quality of service that is necessary, and we are looking for a Chief Ombudsman who is committed to both performance and people, ensuring that a positive and inclusive culture remains at the heart of LeO’s work.
You will bring a track record of achievement working at board level in a complex organisation, together with the proven ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams and nurture talent. You will bring a demonstrable track record of challenging, persuading and influencing at the highest levels in government, regulators, business leaders, the media and with a range of other cross-sector audiences. Whilst not essential, a knowledge of, and senior level networks within, the Legal Services and Ombudsman sectors would be an advantage. This will be a demanding role and you will need to demonstrate high levels of personal resilience in managing competing pressures. You will bring outstanding judgement and the ability to engender a culture of achievement and continuous improvement. Politically astute, with a demonstrable commitment to high standards of public service delivery, you will be a collaborative team builder, with outstanding interpersonal, communication and influencing skills and the credibility and authority to take on a key national strategic leadership position, which offers the unique opportunity to take an organisation through the next challenging, but critical stage in its development.
Please note, the Chief Ombudsman must be Lay as defined in Schedule 1 paragraphs 2(4) and (5) of the Legal Services Act 2007, so cannot hold any form of legal qualification.
How to apply
To apply and for further details please click on Apply. For a confidential discussion to explore the role and your suitability, please contact our recruitment partners, GatenbySanderson, via matt.malone@gatenbysanderson.com or Duncan.ewart@gatenbysanderson.com.
Closing date: 17.00 on Wednesday 1st October 2025
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Chief Ombudsman employer: Legal Ombudsman
Contact Detail:
Legal Ombudsman Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Ombudsman
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the legal and ombudsman sectors. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, or workshops where you can meet key stakeholders and decision-makers. Building these relationships can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your leadership skills by engaging in discussions about current challenges in the legal services sector. Share your thoughts on how to improve service delivery and consumer confidence, showcasing your ability to think critically and strategically.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and changes in public service delivery. Being well-informed will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to LeO's mission and adapt to the evolving landscape.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising responses to questions about your experience in managing diverse teams and influencing stakeholders. Highlight specific examples that demonstrate your resilience and commitment to high standards in public service.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Ombudsman
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chief Ombudsman position. Familiarise yourself with the Legal Ombudsman’s mission and values to align your application accordingly.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience at board level, particularly in complex organisations. Emphasise your leadership skills, ability to inspire teams, and any experience in the legal or ombudsman sectors, if applicable.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for public service and your commitment to improving legal services. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the key competencies outlined in the job description.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Legal Ombudsman
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Chief Ombudsman role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the Legal Ombudsman’s mission, recent developments, and key metrics. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, particularly in complex organisations. Highlight specific examples where you inspired teams, managed competing pressures, and drove performance improvements. This will showcase your capability to lead effectively in this demanding position.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
The role requires building relationships across various sectors. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with government bodies, regulators, and other stakeholders. Emphasise your ability to influence and persuade at high levels, as this is crucial for the Chief Ombudsman position.
✨Exhibit Resilience and Adaptability
Given the dynamic nature of the role, it's important to demonstrate your personal resilience and adaptability. Share experiences where you navigated challenges or changes effectively, showcasing your ability to maintain high standards of service delivery under pressure.