29 Jan 2026 BBBH62519 Head of Legal Services Up to £61673.00 per annum + hybrid working, annual[...] in Belfast

Are you a seasoned legal leader with a passion for charity law and public service, looking to play a pivotal role in safeguarding public trust and confidence in the charitable sector? MCS Group are delighted to be partnering with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland to hire a permanent Head of Legal Services.

The organisation: The Commission is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Communities and established under the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It regulates the charity sector in Northern Ireland, working to promote public trust and confidence in charities. The Commission's role is to help ensure charities are well run, accountable and able to make a positive difference in people's lives. It does this through proportionate regulation, guidance and advice, and by promoting good governance and best practice across the sector. Its work is guided by clear objectives and values that emphasise integrity, independence, accessibility and effectiveness as a public body.

The role: Lead and manage the Commission's legal function, ensuring accurate, timely, and high-quality legal advice is delivered across the organisation. Undertake and oversee complex, novel, and contentious legal policy, regulatory, and litigation casework. Manage litigation on behalf of the Commission, including representation in courts and tribunals, drafting pleadings, instructing Counsel, and providing advocacy where required. Liaise with sponsor departments and key stakeholders on the development and drafting of primary and secondary legislation. Provide expert advice on charity law and related areas to the Board, CEO, Senior Management Team, and operational teams, including interpretation of legislation and complex or contentious matters. Contribute as a member of the Senior Management Team to strategic objectives, governance, and internal and external policy development, reporting to the Board and Committees. Lead, support, and develop legal staff, managing resources efficiently to ensure value for money and effective service delivery.

The Person: As the successful candidate you will have the following background and experience:

• Essential: Qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to practise in Northern Ireland, with at least five years' post-qualification experience. Strong experience in advising on complex and contentious legal matters, including public and charity law, within politically or legally sensitive environments. Proven litigation and advocacy experience, including instructing counsel and appearing before courts or tribunals. Experience providing high-level legal advice, reports, and briefings to senior leadership and Boards. Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing teams, workloads, risk, and resources. Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Sound knowledge of charity law, relevant legislation, case law, and governance practice.
• Desirable: Advanced advocacy qualification. Experience within a regulatory body. Senior Management Team experience, including strategic planning, budgeting, and driving continuous improvement.

What's in it for you? An annual salary £61,673 - £64,469 NICS pension - employer contribution 34.25% Fantastic annual leave allowance (37 days annually including Public and Bank Holidays) Hybrid and smart working policies Flexible 37 hour (FTE) working week organisation Full range of family leave and well-being support Annual salary awards and pay progression Based in Craigavon area The chance to play a pivotal leadership role in guiding regulatory decisions, leading complex legal and tribunal matters, and safeguarding public trust through strong legal governance of the charity sector.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV and covering note outlining how your experience meets the essential and desirable criteria via the link provided or contact Meghan Hamilton, Senior Recruitment Consultant on 02896935508 or on email at m.hamilton@mcsgroup.jobs.

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation. If you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request. The Charity Commission will also require an equal opportunities monitoring form to be completed alongside CV and cover letter. This will be provided in a recruitment pack.

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs.