At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team reviewing fitness to practise outcomes and ensure public protection.
- Company: Join the Professional Standards Authority, dedicated to high standards in health and care regulation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive workplace with opportunities for training and professional growth.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave, starting October 2025.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Solicitor, barrister, or CILEX qualified lawyer with a current practising certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 61000 - 73000 £ per year.
About the role
We are looking to recruit a Lead Lawyer to join our Section 29 team within the Regulation and Accreditation Directorate on a 12 month basis to cover the current Lead Lawyer’s maternity leave. The team is responsible for reviewing final fitness to practise outcomes of the 10 regulators we oversee to ensure they are sufficient for public protection.
The Lead Lawyer role involves:
- Leading and managing the team that conducts the initial stage reviews of the PSA’s section 29 process. This will include ensuring targets are met and completed on time, quality assuring the work of the team and providing training.
- Leading on the PSA’s overall approach to learning points identified through the analysis of cases and sent to the regulators to aid quality improvement.
- Conducting detailed reviews of cases that have been identified as requiring further review, making written recommendations for consideration in relation to potential appeals of fitness to practise decisions.
- Acting as a decision-maker on S29 case meetings to determine whether to refer a decision to Court.
- Deputising for the Head of Legal, including assisting with the preparation of cases for appeal under section 29, and preparing and delivering relevant internal and external training.
About you
We are looking to recruit a solicitor, barrister, CILEX qualified lawyer with a current practising certificate who can:
- Lead and manage a small team who review outcomes of fitness to practise hearings to decide whether they require further review.
- Prioritise and confidently manage multiple separate streams of work, and can work in a fast-paced environment and to deadlines.
- Demonstrate strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.
- Quality assure the work of others in an effective and collaborative manner to ensure it meets our quality requirements.
- Produce detailed analyses of fitness to practise cases to make written recommendations as to whether those decisions meet the legal threshold for an appeal under section 29 of the 2002 National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act.
- Communicate complex concepts clearly, providing advice to decision-makers.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of fitness to practise legislation and processes of regulators of health and care professionals.
- Be positive and work collaboratively and flexibly in a small team.
Previous experience of working for health and care professions regulators and knowledge of issues affecting healthcare regulatory bodies would be desirable. You will need a strong commitment to protecting patients and the public. You will also need to share our values of integrity, transparency, respect, fairness and teamwork.
About the Professional Standards Authority
The Professional Standards Authority is a strategic organisation with a key role in ensuring high standards of patient safety through excellence in regulation. We promote the health, safety and wellbeing of patients, service users and the public by raising standards of regulation and registration of people working in health and care. We are an independent body, accountable to the UK Parliament. We are a small organisation that is respected for its expertise. We help to protect the public by raising standards in the regulation and registration of the health and care workforce. We are committed to promoting a fair and inclusive workplace where all our staff can flourish and reach their full potential. We know that a diverse workforce, at all levels, allows for a more creative and productive environment bringing different viewpoints, knowledge and experience. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from everyone irrespective of age, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability, ethnicity and sexual orientation.
As a Disability Confident employer, we will guarantee an interview for people with disabilities who meet all the essential criteria and so if you would like to be considered under this scheme then please let us know.
We will not accept CVs or applications where CVs are attached in place of a personal statement. We are happy for this role to be considered as a secondment opportunity. If you have any questions, or would like reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact the HR team on 0207 389 8050 or email us at recruitment@professionalstandards.org.uk.
The closing date for applications is 29 June 2025 (11.59pm). Interviews will be held on 11 and 14 July 2025. The interview will include an advocacy assessment which you will be given an hour to prepare for and then present during the interview. Please note that it is unlikely that an alternative interview date could be offered should you be unable to attend at this time. We are looking for someone to start with us in October 2025.
Lead Lawyer in London employer: PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AUTHORITY
The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful role as a Lawyer within a collaborative and supportive environment in Blackfriars, London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the PSA provides opportunities for professional development and values diversity, ensuring that all staff can thrive and contribute to the vital work of protecting public health and safety. The hybrid working policy further enhances work-life balance, making it an attractive place for those seeking a rewarding career in regulatory law.
Contact Details:
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AUTHORITY Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Lawyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Professional Standards Authority's work, especially the Section 29 process. Understanding their approach to fitness to practise outcomes will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the advocacy assessment by practising your presentation skills. Focus on clearly communicating complex legal concepts, as this is crucial for the role and will be evaluated during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the health and care regulatory field. Engaging with others who have experience in similar roles can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your ability to quality assure work and train others will align well with the responsibilities of the Lead Lawyer position.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Lawyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Lead Lawyer position. Familiarise yourself with the Professional Standards Authority's mission and values to align your application accordingly.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Craft a personal statement that highlights your relevant experience and skills. Focus on your leadership abilities, analytical skills, and understanding of fitness to practise legislation. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.
Showcase Team Management Experience:Since the role involves leading a small team, emphasise any previous experience you have in managing teams. Discuss how you have successfully led projects, ensured quality assurance, and provided training to others, as these are key aspects of the job.
Proofread and Format:Ensure your application is well-structured and free from errors. Use clear headings and bullet points where appropriate to enhance readability. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AUTHORITY
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the Lead Lawyer position and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the Section 29 process and the key functions of the Professional Standards Authority to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm.
✨Prepare for the Advocacy Assessment
Since the interview includes an advocacy assessment, practice presenting your arguments clearly and confidently. Use real-life examples from your experience to illustrate your points, and ensure you can articulate complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a small team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Highlight instances where you've successfully managed a team, met deadlines, and ensured quality assurance in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Values
The Professional Standards Authority values integrity, transparency, respect, fairness, and teamwork. Be prepared to share examples of how you embody these values in your professional life, as cultural fit is crucial for them.
