At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a legal team to provide top-notch legal advice on various regulatory matters.
- Company: Join the SIA, a key player in public safety regulation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of shaping public safety standards across the UK.
- Qualifications: Proven legal expertise in public sector or regulatory environments.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity during a transformative period for the SIA.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The SIA exists to protect the public through effective regulation of the private security industry. We are a high performing regulator, working collaboratively with industry, enforcement agencies, Government, and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. We are operating at a time of change and increased public interest in us and our work. Last year Parliament passed new legislation which named the SIA as the new, independent, Martyn’s Law regulator; an important and substantial role that will raise the standards of preparedness and protective security across the UK.
As Deputy Director of Legal Services, you will lead the legal services team to deliver high quality legal advice across the full range of SIA activity spanning criminal prosecutions; regulatory appeals and challenges; judicial review and inquests; commercial contracts; data protection; corporate governance matters; risk management; and regulatory policy matters. As the most senior legal advisor to the SIA, you will also be required to provide legal leadership on our most high profile and sensitive cases, ensuring high risk matters are handled soundly.
As our remit and work on Martyn’s Law develops over the next 3-5 years, you will develop the work and capability of the legal team in support of the new civil regulatory regime, horizon scanning to anticipate changes to our statutory legal obligations and those of the wider private security industry. Your provision of expert, risk-based, qualitative legal advice to a range of internal clients (including the SIA Board, Chair and Chief Executive) will be key to organisational performance and impact, and you will need to build and lead the expertise in the team to support this.
We are looking for a Head of Legal Services with a strong track record of providing authoritative expert legal advice in a UK public sector or regulatory context. Comfortable moving between strategic thinking and technical detail across a range of legal subject areas, your extensive experience of leading teams in a law firm or in house environment will be coupled with accomplished communication and influencing capability. Above all, you will be an authentic, strategic and collaborative leader with the capability to take our already good service levels to the next level while supporting an engaged and talented team at a time of transition and change.
This is both an exceptional career opportunity and an exciting time to be part of the SIA. If you have the necessary skills, expertise, and experience, share our passion for making a real difference to public safety and will embrace our values and culture, we look forward to hearing from you.
Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 13 February 2026
Deputy Director of Legal Services employer: Security Industry Authority
Contact Detail:
Security Industry Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director of Legal Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those connected to the SIA. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the SIA's recent activities and legislation, especially around Martyn’s Law. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about our mission to enhance public safety.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Deputy Director, you'll need to convey complex legal concepts clearly. Try explaining legal topics to friends or family to refine your ability to simplify the jargon.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the SIA.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director of Legal Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Deputy Director of Legal Services role. Highlight your legal expertise and leadership experience in a public sector or regulatory context, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires strong communication and influencing capabilities, don’t shy away from demonstrating these in your written application. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts in the past.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: We want to see your track record of leading teams and driving performance. Share specific instances where you've successfully managed a team, especially in high-pressure situations, to show us you're ready to take our legal services to the next level.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Security Industry Authority
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal areas mentioned in the job description, like regulatory appeals and data protection. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you can lead discussions around them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. This will help illustrate your ability to guide the legal services team effectively.
✨Understand the SIA's Role
Familiarise yourself with the SIA's mission and recent changes, particularly Martyn’s Law. Showing that you understand the context in which the SIA operates will highlight your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the future direction of the legal team or how the SIA plans to adapt to new regulations. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your strategic thinking and engagement with the role.