At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal services, ensuring compliance and governance while advising the Executive Team.
- Company: Join SettleParadigm, the largest housing group in the region with a social purpose.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape stronger communities and make a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Senior legal professional with expertise in housing law and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 122173 - 122173 £ per year.
Salary: £122,173 (inclusive of salary supplement) + excellent benefits
Location: Wooburn Green, High Wycombe or Baldock, Letchworth Garden City
Hybrid: 2 days per week working on-site, 3 days per week working from home.
Contract: Permanent
Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose? At SettleParadigm, we are proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising the number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger, we have brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve.
About the Role
Reporting to the Group General Counsel, the Director of Legal Services leads the operational delivery of legal services across SettleParadigm. You will act as a senior adviser to the Executive Team and Board, ensuring the organisation maintains the highest standards of legal compliance, governance and regulatory assurance. You will oversee the design and delivery of legal services to client departments, manage legal risk, and ensure our legal function is responsive, commercially aware and aligned to organisational priorities. As part of the Director leadership group, you will also deputise for the General Counsel when required.
This is a role for an experienced, strategic legal leader who can balance risk with organisational ambition, influence at the highest levels, and shape a modern, proactive legal service.
Strategic Legal Support
- Support the General Counsel in delivering the organisations legal and governance strategy
- Provide high-quality legal advice on complex, high-risk matters
- Contribute to Executive and Board papers, clearly articulating legal, regulatory and risk implications
- Balance legal risk with commercial, operational and customer-focused priorities
Regulatory Compliance & Legal Risk
- Support compliance with regulatory frameworks including Regulator of Social Housing standards, company and charity law, housing law, data protection and health & safety
- Lead the identification, management and escalation of legal risk
- Support regulatory engagement, inspections and reporting
- Assist with responses to serious incidents, disputes and regulatory scrutiny
Legal Services Leadership
- Lead and manage the Legal Services function
- Oversee legal work across housing management, tenancy enforcement, litigation, dispute resolution and commercial contracts
- Manage external legal advisers, ensuring quality and value for money
- Review and optimise delivery models (in-house vs external)
Tenant & Operational Support
- Provide legal advice on building safety, repairs, disrepair, complaints and Housing Ombudsman matters
- Support lawful, fair and transparent service delivery aligned to consumer standards
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with Executive colleagues, senior leaders and operational teams
- Support engagement with regulators, local authorities, funders and partners
- Represent the organisation externally where appropriate
Leadership & Resource Management
- Lead, develop and performance-manage the Legal Services team
- Manage legal budgets and external spend
- Ensure resources align with organisational risk priorities
- Promote a proactive, commercially aware and solutions-focused legal culture
- Deliver KPI and matter reporting to demonstrate efficient, cost-effective legal outcomes
Deputising for the General Counsel
- Provide continuity of leadership across legal and data protection functions
- Support cross-organisational initiatives at senior level
What We're Looking For
You will be a senior legal professional with significant experience gained in-house or in private practice. You will bring strong influencing skills, excellent judgement and the ability to navigate complex legal, regulatory and organisational issues with clarity and confidence. You will be a collaborative leader who can build strong relationships across senior stakeholders, manage a high-performing team and deliver a modern, responsive legal service.
Qualifications:
- Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)
- Significant senior-level experience in private practice or an in-house legal function
- Strong expertise in housing law and/or regulated environments
- Experience advising senior leadership and contributing to Board-level decision making
- Confident communicator able to convey complex issues clearly
- Strong understanding of legal risk management, service delivery and regulatory compliance
- Proven leadership and team management experience
- Pragmatic, commercially aware approach with excellent judgement
Nice to haves:
- Experience within a housing association or similar regulated organisation
- Experience supporting regulatory inspections or engagement
- Company secretarial experience
- Experience in legal work relevant to a large registered provider (landlord & tenant, housing management, contract, non-contentious property)
Key Behaviours:
- Trusted, credible deputy to an Executive-level General Counsel
- Clear, proportionate and solutions-focused advice
- Strong service delivery and legal risk mindset
- Collaborative and influential across senior stakeholders
Benefits
At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.
- £117,237 + £4,936 salary supplement per annum
- 30 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
- Generous pension scheme up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
- Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Health cash plan claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids cover)
- Life cover and income protection
- Flexible working hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging
- Mental Health First Aiders available to support
- Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
- Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
- 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
- Peer-recognition rewards platform
- Paid professional subscription (one per year)
Working Hours
37 hours per week. Monday - Friday
Our Commitment
We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.
Director of Governance and Legal Services employer: Paradigm Housing
At Paradigm, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and community engagement. As a Customer Liaison Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives while benefiting from professional development and growth opportunities in the heart of our commitment to energy efficiency. Join us in a role that not only enhances your career but also contributes to a sustainable future for our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Governance and Legal Services
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Paradigm Housing, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Governance and Legal Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Paradigm Housing, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Paradigm Housing and the specific role of Director of Governance and Legal Services. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Paradigm Housing’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paradigm Housing
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Paradigm Housing.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Paradigm Housing.
