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- Tasks: Lead and manage the Legal Services team, ensuring governance and legal compliance.
- Company: Join Royal Greenwich, a vibrant community committed to delivering first-class services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while shaping the future of Legal Services.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with extensive local authority legal practice experience required.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from all community sections are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Job Introduction
Are you an experienced or aspiring Head of Legal Services ready to lead with impact?
We\’re looking for a dynamic and strategic legal professional to join our high-performing in-house team as Head of Legal Services. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for public service, this could be your next career step.
About Royal Greenwich
At Royal Greenwich, we\’re proud of our heritage and excited for our future. Home to a World Heritage Site and a vibrant, diverse community, we are committed to delivering first-class services and unlocking the borough\’s potential – even amidst financial challenges. Our elected members have an ambitious vision, and legal services play a vital role in bringing that to life.
About the Role
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Legal Services to lead and manage one of our Legal Services teams and deputise for the Director of Legal & Democratic Services / Monitoring Officer when required.
This senior leadership role is pivotal in ensuring the Council\’s corporate governance and legal compliance are maintained at the highest standards. You will oversee the lawfulness and fairness of decision-making processes, support the transformation and development of Legal Services, and lead on strategic policy, service planning, and corporate citizenship.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Deputy Monitoring Officer, stepping in as needed to support governance and legal oversight.
- Lead the Council\’s corporate governance to ensure decisions are lawful and fair, overseeing the Constitution and safeguarding democratic processes.
- Provide legal assurance to senior officers, elected members, and stakeholders on governance, ethical, and legal frameworks.
- Manage and develop a Legal Services team of up to 37 directly managed staff and oversee up to 50 consultancy/contracting staff.
- Lead on compliance with information management legislation including FOIA, EIA, and DPA.
- Support the delivery of the Greenwich Legal Services vision, including service transformation and innovation.
- Act as a senior legal advisor to the Leader of the Council, Cabinet, Chief Executive, and General Management Team.
- Represent Legal Services in corporate initiatives, policy groups, and external forums.
- Provide high-level legal advice, supervision, and continuous professional development to legal fee earners.
- Ensure recruitment, appraisal, workload management, and performance are aligned with Council policies.
About You
- Qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive with extensive experience in local authority legal practice.
- Proven track record of providing legal advice and support to senior leaders and key decision-makers.
- Skilled communicator, able to engage effectively with elected members, senior managers, and staff at all levels.
- Experienced in managing legal teams, including performance management of fee earners.
- Politically astute with the ability to navigate a sensitive and complex political environment.
- Knowledgeable about best practice, innovation, and continuous improvement in legal services.
- Commitment to the Council\’s equal opportunities and staff values, promoting a positive and inclusive workplace.
- Desirable: Management qualification and experience in multiple legal practice areas.
Why Join Us?
The Royal Borough of Greenwich offers a supportive, forward-thinking environment where you will have the opportunity to shape and lead our Legal Services as part of a dedicated leadership team. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and professional development, ensuring you can grow your career while making a real impact on the community.
Diversity Statement: Royal Borough of Greenwich values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. We therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community.
Advert Close: All vacancies close at midnight unless otherwise stated.
Early Advert Close: Royal Borough of Greenwich reserves the right to close any job advert earlier than the advertised closing date where there is reason to do so (for example high volume of applications).
How Applications are Scored: Each application is scored according to how well the supporting statements addresses each point on the Person Specification for the role.Candidates will be short-listed for interview on the extent to which they meet the specific points within the Person Specification. The Person Specification is supplied with the job advert.When completing your application, please use the supporting statements section to tell us how you meet each of the points on the Person Specification . We need to have this information in order to consider your application.
Salary: Salaries advertised are for a standard working week of 35 hours unless otherwise stated. Please use this \’Salary Calculator to help you calculate a pro rata salary.
Our Staff Values: Our Staff Values are important to us. Candidates will be continuously assessed against our staff values throughout the recruitment process. Where candidates demonstrate views and behaviours that do not meet the standards of our staff values, we reserve the right to reject their application/ registration.
Attached documents
- Job Description
- Recruitment Pack
- Person Specification
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Head of Legal Service employer: Royal Borough Of Greenwich
Contact Detail:
Royal Borough Of Greenwich Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Service
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks and governance structures relevant to local authorities. Understanding the nuances of public service law will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Royal Greenwich or similar organisations. Engaging with them can provide insights into the council's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing legal teams and providing strategic advice. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and how you've navigated complex political environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent initiatives or changes within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Being informed about their current projects and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description and person specification for the Head of Legal Services position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: In your application, use the supporting statements section to directly address each point in the Person Specification. Provide specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you meet these criteria.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this is a senior leadership role, emphasise your experience in managing legal teams and providing strategic legal advice. Showcase any relevant achievements that illustrate your ability to lead effectively in a complex environment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a skilled communicator is essential for this role, include examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior leaders, elected members, and stakeholders. Highlight your ability to navigate sensitive political environments and foster collaboration.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Borough Of Greenwich
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Legal Services role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with the Council's goals. This will help you articulate how your experience and skills can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this is a senior position, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed teams, navigated complex legal issues, or influenced decision-making processes. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and political astuteness. Think about past situations where you had to provide legal advice under pressure or manage conflicts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Royal Borough of Greenwich values diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you have promoted these values in your previous roles. Share examples of how you've fostered an inclusive environment within your team or organisation, as this aligns with their core values.
