At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support on charity law, governance, contracts, and data protection.
- Company: Join the Rhodes Trust, a global leader in educational charity.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while supporting innovative global fellowship programmes.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 10+ years of experience in charity law and governance.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Preferably Oxford-based, hybrid (office + remote working)
Contract type: negotiable (flexible hours, by agreement)
Salary: Competitive
Hours: Approx. 1-2 days per week flexibility to suit candidate/organisation needs
Reporting to: Deputy Warden Operations & Finance
The Rhodes Trust is seeking an experienced and pragmatic lawyer to provide general in-house legal support across the organisation. You will be the primary legal adviser on charity, governance, contracts, data protection, employment and regulatory matters. You will work closely with senior leaders, the Board of Trustees and its Committees providing practical and solutions-focused advice that supports the Trust's mission and global operations.
The role
- Provide clear, practical legal advice to the Board of Trustees, Warden and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on charity law, governance, data protection, employment matters and regulatory compliance.
- Manage the relationship with the Trust's solicitors and external counsel to ensure the Trust is receiving effective advice. Monitor and advise on external legal spend to promote financial prudence and cost efficiency.
- Draft and review policies (codes of conduct etc) and contracts (partnerships, consultancy, supplier).
- In conjunction with the Development team, draft, review and negotiate gift agreements and related donor documentation (including restricted and endowment gifts), ensuring terms are clear, feasible, legally robust and aligned with our governance framework.
- In conjunction with the SLT, oversee external disputes and support the investigation of complaints (other than those internal to Rhodes staff).
- Support risk management identify legal risks and propose mitigations and policy updates.
- Prepare and present legal briefings for the SLT/Board/Committees; support the SLT in drafting resolutions and governance papers as required.
- Advise on employment law issues, including contracts, disciplinary processes and redundancy consultations.
- Ensure compliance with data protection (UK GDPR), privacy and information-sharing obligations; advise on donor-data issues.
- Role modelling the Trust's organisational values of commitment, inclusion, belonging, growth and innovation.
- Carrying out any other duties relevant to the role, as requested.
A deep commitment to the values, ethos and mission of the Rhodes Trust.
About you
- You will be a qualified solicitor (or equivalent UK legal professional) with substantial post-qualification experience and the ability to operate confidently in a complex and values-driven organisation.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Qualified solicitor, or equivalent UK legal qualification with entitlement to practise.
- Significant PQE (post-qualification experience), ideally 10+ years, preferably including in-house and/or charity sector experience.
- Strong working knowledge of charity law / governance, contract law, employment law and data protection.
- Proven ability to provide pragmatic legal advice and to draft clear legal documentation.
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and succinctly.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with experience advising senior stakeholders (CEOs, Board members).
- Experience managing external counsel cost-effectively.
- Ability to work independently and prioritise across multiple issues in a limited time allocation.
Desirable skills and experience
- Previous experience working with charities/third sector organisations.
- Familiarity with grant/donor agreements and fundraising regulatory considerations.
About the Rhodes Trust
The Rhodes Trust is an educational charity which offers Rhodes Scholarships to exceptional students from around the world to come and study at the University of Oxford. Our mission is to build a better world through global fellowship programmes that develop and connect compassionate, innovative, and public-spirited people committed to solving humanity's challenges. In recent years, we have also partnered with several other remarkable organisations to create the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, the Atlantic Institute, the Schmidt Science Fellows, RISE and Oxford Next Horizons.
Further Information
To find out more and to apply, please click apply to view the full job description and to find the link to apply. Please send us your CV and a covering letter.
Please note, this advert will close on 26 June 2026.
If you have any issues with submitting your application, please email the Recruitment team.
The Rhodes Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We warmly welcome applications from talented people of diverse backgrounds and appoint without regard to age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, parental status, marital or civil partner status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief.
General Legal Counsel in Banbury employer: The Rhodes Trust
The Rhodes Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a values-driven environment that prioritises commitment, inclusion, and growth. With flexible working arrangements based in Oxford, employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages professional development and collaboration with senior leaders on impactful legal matters. Join us in our mission to build a better world through global fellowship programmes while enjoying competitive remuneration and the chance to make a meaningful difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Legal Counsel in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with charities or governance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of charity law and governance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the Rhodes Trust's mission. Show them you’re not just a lawyer, but a passionate advocate for their values!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for more opportunities! We often post roles that might not be listed elsewhere. Plus, applying directly through us gives you a better chance to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace General Legal Counsel in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that are most relevant to the General Legal Counsel role. Highlight your expertise in charity law, governance, and any in-house experience you have. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the Rhodes Trust's mission and how your background aligns with our values. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Legal Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of your legal work, especially in drafting contracts or advising on compliance matters. We’re looking for someone who can provide practical solutions, so let us know how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Rhodes Trust
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on charity law, governance, and data protection before the interview. The Rhodes Trust is looking for someone who can provide clear, practical legal advice, so be ready to discuss relevant cases or scenarios where you've successfully navigated these areas.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be advising senior stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly. Prepare examples of how you've simplified legal jargon in the past or how you've effectively presented legal briefings to non-legal audiences.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cost Management
The role involves managing external counsel and monitoring legal spend. Think about your previous experiences with cost-effective legal strategies and be prepared to share specific examples of how you've managed budgets or negotiated fees with external solicitors.
✨Align with Their Values
The Rhodes Trust values commitment, inclusion, and innovation. Research their mission and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ethos and support their global operations through your legal expertise.
