At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on complex governance matters and support decision-making.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a top-performing local authority in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and free gym access.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for an Information Governance Lawyer to join our Legal & Information Governance team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full‑time, Permanent basis. As Information Governance Lawyer, you will proactively implement a consistent, corporate approach to legal advice, acting as an expert advisor on law, best practice, and procedure. Representing the Council's interests, you will conduct significant and politically sensitive legal matters with minimal supervision, ensuring good governance arrangements support effective decision‑making, while deputising for the Principal Lawyer and Team Leader to advise members and officers in public and private meetings.
You'll manage a complex portfolio involving high‑risk legal advice, contractual issues, and service delivery challenges, while contributing to the delivery of the LIGS service plan and coaching staff to develop their skills. Collaborating with internal departments, senior leadership, and external partners, you will ensure officers and members are trained on relevant legal developments, review reports for the Executive and Committees, and utilise case management systems to maintain high legal standards and value for money.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an organised, tenacious, and professionally qualified individual with experience in local government law, particularly in providing expert advice to senior leaders and managing complex legal matters, to join our team.
Staff Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- GP Helpline – Available 7 days a week
- Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 Your Care Helpline
- Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
- Free Onsite Gym – Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – Car and Cycle to Work schemes
- Local & Lifestyle Discounts – Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
- Move through Menopause Course
- Sports & Social Group Activities – Running, football, cricket & more
- Learning & Development Opportunities
- Employee Networks
- And more!
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a senior professional expert delivering high-quality, progressive legal and procedural advice on complex, high-risk, or politically sensitive matters to senior leaders, members, and stakeholders across the Council.
- Conduct significant legal cases and investigations with minimal supervision, ensuring good governance arrangements are in place to support effective decision‑making and the protection of the Council's rights.
- Step in for the Principal Lawyer, Team Leader, and Head of Legal & Information Governance Services to advise members at public and private meetings, and to review and clear officer reports for the Senior Leadership Team and Executive Committees.
- Recommend areas for service improvement based on data and contribute to training officers and members on relevant legal developments, policies, and their implementation in a timely manner.
- Assist in managing, coaching, and supporting lawyers and other officers within the legal team to ensure the delivery of priorities, efficient functioning, and the development of professional skills.
Candidate Requirements
- Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (the latter suitably authorised by CILEX to be able to work unsupervised).
- Adaptable and highly organised to manage projects.
- Comprehensive knowledge of information governance law.
- Competent IT user, team player and confident managing a wide case load.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a range of people both internally and externally.
- Previous Local Government experience is not required, but would be advantageous.
Our Area
Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money. Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We're home to high‑performing schools, international businesses, and an incredible community. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
Information Governance Lawyer in Wokingham employer: Wokingham Jobs
Wokingham Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With generous annual leave, a comprehensive pension scheme, and access to various health and lifestyle benefits, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The Council's commitment to fostering a collaborative environment, alongside its recognition as one of the most productive councils in England, makes it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the legal field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Governance Lawyer in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in local government law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of information governance law and recent developments. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During interviews, highlight your experience in managing complex legal matters and your ability to advise senior leaders. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Wokingham Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Governance Lawyer in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in information governance law. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on demonstrating your knowledge of legal advice and governance arrangements. Use examples from your past work to show us how you’ve handled complex legal matters and supported decision-making.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wokingham Jobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on information governance law and local government procedures. Familiarise yourself with recent legal developments and how they impact the Council's operations. This will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you'd handle complex legal matters or politically sensitive situations. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Information Governance Lawyer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask during the interview to engage your interviewers and show your interest.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with others in the past. Share examples of how you've coached or supported colleagues, as well as how you've contributed to team goals. This will illustrate your ability to fit into their team dynamic.
