Legal & Compliance Officer (Maternity Cover)
Role Specification
An exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a growing charity which is the leading provider of in-school counselling and mental health services to children in the UK.
Based at the head office in Central London you will be responsible for providing legal and regulatory advice and managing an interestingly diverse range of matters relating to the overall day-to-day operations and strategic development of the Charity. You will be responsible for reviewing the Charity's policies and improving existing processes.
As the first point of contact for employment, legal and compliance matters the role is extremely varied and requires a combination of both strategic thinking and 'hands on' application.
Interaction
You will report directly to Chief Financial Officer and through your role have the opportunity to communicate and negotiate with external parties (stakeholders, regulators, counsel, statutory authorities) creating effective relationships and building trust.
You will have access to expert advisers and pro bono specialists in a range of areas and also our trustee board and corporate partners (including various "Magic Circle" law firms).
Main tasks and responsibilities
* Provide legal advice to the Executive Team and Board of Trustees (where necessary) to ensure legal compliance in all matters.
* Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to help the organisation and stakeholders to focus on minimising and managing strategic and operational risks across the three main systemic areas:
1. Employment matters
2. Data Protection
3. Child Protection
* Maintain the Charity's risk register and provide regular reports to the Executive Team and the Risk Committee.
* Review and provide input into Place2Be's policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date and reflect current legislation. Maintaining the suite of policies and procedures. Ensure the relevant Trustee Committees sign-off as appropriate.
* Keep abreast of all new laws and regulations that impact on Place2Be and its services and ensure that management is kept up-to-date and that the organisation is managing risk effectively.
* Draft, review, negotiate and administer legal and transactional documentation.
* Analyse and identify potential legal risks.
* Liaise with corporate legal partners for advice.
* Advise on various areas of legal compliance including data protection and freedom of information issues, employment/equality, TUPE, regulatory, charity, education law, criminal records bureau matters, pensions.
* Assist with the maintenance of statutory records and returns in accordance with company law.
* Help to train staff in legal matters that impact their work.
Qualifications and Experience
* Qualified lawyer (England and Wales) PQE level (2/3 years).
* Experience of Employment law is essential
* Sound legal training and experience in a well-regarded legal practice. Some in-house experience would be advantageous but not essential.
Skills and Behaviours
* Thrives on making a difference.
* Enjoys both strategic and operational activity and has the ability to deal with diverse legal challenges.
* Possess excellent communication skills and commercial acumen.
* Delivers workable solutions that make a difference in a timely manner.
* Exhibits strong problem-solving and analytical skills with determination and attention to detail.
* Welcomes job stretch and not afraid to take on work or responsibilities outside of own specialist area.
* Shows an awareness of the impact of their actions on others and uses a range of influencing skills to get best results.
* Fosters a culture of sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues and wider staff team.
* A team player able to integrate with the wider business, acting with integrity and professionalism.
* Remains up to date in professional skills and knowledge.
* Demonstrates ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines
An exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a growing charity which is the leading provider of in-school counselling and mental health services to children in the UK.
Based at the head office in Central London you will be responsible for providing legal and regulatory advice and managing an interestingly diverse range of matters relating to the overall day-to-day operations and strategic development of the Charity. You will be responsible for reviewing the Charity's policies and improving existing processes.
As the first point of contact for employment, legal and compliance matters the role is extremely varied and requires a combination of both strategic thinking and 'hands on' application.
Interaction
You will report directly to Chief Financial Officer and through your role have the opportunity to communicate and negotiate with external parties (stakeholders, regulators, counsel, statutory authorities) creating effective relationships and building trust.
You will have access to expert advisers and pro bono specialists in a range of areas and also our trustee board and corporate partners (including various "Magic Circle" law firms).
Main tasks and responsibilities
* Provide legal advice to the Executive Team and Board of Trustees (where necessary) to ensure legal compliance in all matters.
* Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to help the organisation and stakeholders to focus on minimising and managing strategic and operational risks across the three main systemic areas:
1. Employment matters
2. Data Protection
3. Child Protection
* Maintain the Charity's risk register and provide regular reports to the Executive Team and the Risk Committee.
* Review and provide input into Place2Be's policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date and reflect current legislation. Maintaining the suite of policies and procedures. Ensure the relevant Trustee Committees sign-off as appropriate.
* Keep abreast of all new laws and regulations that impact on Place2Be and its services and ensure that management is kept up-to-date and that the organisation is managing risk effectively.
* Draft, review, negotiate and administer legal and transactional documentation.
* Analyse and identify potential legal risks.
* Liaise with corporate legal partners for advice.
* Advise on various areas of legal compliance including data protection and freedom of information issues, employment/equality, TUPE, regulatory, charity, education law, criminal records bureau matters, pensions.
* Assist with the maintenance of statutory records and returns in accordance with company law.
* Help to train staff in legal matters that impact their work.
Qualifications and Experience
* Qualified lawyer (England and Wales) PQE level (2/3 years).
* Experience of Employment law is essential
* Sound legal training and experience in a well-regarded legal practice. Some in-house experience would be advantageous but not essential.
Skills and Behaviours
* Thrives on making a difference.
* Enjoys both strategic and operational activity and has the ability to deal with diverse legal challenges.
* Possess excellent communication skills and commercial acumen.
* Delivers workable solutions that make a difference in a timely manner.
* Exhibits strong problem-solving and analytical skills with determination and attention to detail.
* Welcomes job stretch and not afraid to take on work or responsibilities outside of own specialist area.
* Shows an awareness of the impact of their actions on others and uses a range of influencing skills to get best results.
* Fosters a culture of sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues and wider staff team.
* A team player able to integrate with the wider business, acting with integrity and professionalism.
* Remains up to date in professional skills and knowledge.
* Demonstrates ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines