The Role
Social Work England are the specialist regulator for social work in England, focused on enabling positive change in social work. Every day, social workers support millions of people to improve their chances in life. We are taking a new approach to regulating social workers in their vital roles. We believe in the power of collaboration and share a common goal with those we regulate – to protect the public, enable positive change and ultimately improve people’s lives.
You will be responsible for providing advice on a range of legal areas that an organisation of this size will encounter, including commercial contracts and procurement, risk, governance, data protection, equality and employment laws. You will deal with case-related correspondence from across the judicial system, including employment tribunals and civil claims, and support projects, policy developments and corporate complaints requiring le gal input. This role will focus particularly on commercial contracts, data protection, and employment and equality laws.
What you will do
- Ensure that our documents, processes and actions are legally robust by identifying legal risks early and working with other teams to ensure that those risks are managed appropriately.
- Review case law and legislative developments and share learning and good practice with colleagues.
- Provide advice on internal policies, procedures and processes and ensure legal compliance.
- With support from other members of the legal directorate, particularly the Heads of Legal and Senior Lawyer, undertake complex policy development work.
- Develop strong relationships throughout the organisation, using your legal expertise and knowledge to provide solutions-focused support.
- Support the legal team to deliver its objectives, including the delivery of training and legal awareness.
- Participate in project teams and working groups as necessary to further the work of the legal team and our objectives.
- Review the work of, and potentially line manage, other team members if required.
Your skills, knowledge and experience
- Strong legal analytical skills and judgement and experience of managing caseloads, with the ability to analyse complex issues and present legally sound and focused advice.
- Knowledge and experience of at least one area of law out of data protection, commercial contracts or employment law, preferably in a public sector or regulatory context.
- Excellent written communication skills, ability to draft clear and comprehensive correspondence and to present information on complex issues clearly and succinctly for a range of different audiences.
- The ability to work cross-organisationally, working well with others and responding positively, creatively and supportively to a variety of colleagues while maintaining high and consistent standards.
- Appropriate qualifications and experience as a Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
- The ability to work to tight deadlines, be calm under pressure and flexibly manage competing priorities.
- A track record of respectful, open and honest behaviour including a demonstrable commitment to inclusion and diversity.
The Benefits
In addition to your salary, we also offer:
- Hybrid working
- 25 days annual leave, rising with service to 30 days per annum, plus bank holidays.
- The option to purchase up to an additional 5 days of annual leave per annum.
- A TIDE award-winning inclusive culture, with staff networks, social events and forums.
- A contributory NEST pension, life insurance, an employee recognition scheme and cycle to work scheme.
Details
- Job type: Fixed-term contract until 31st March 2027
- Working pattern: Full time. We offer flexible working subject to business need.
- Salary: £49,358 per year rising to £51,768 per year after successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
- Location: Sheffield/Hybrid
Application
During the application process, you'll be asked to provide answers to three questions from the job description. These answers will be what your application is scored on, please answer in as much detail as possible using examples where necessary.
About us
Join us - Social Work England
Our behaviours and values - Social Work England
What our people say - Social Work England
Pre-Employment Checks
If you are successful at interview, we will carry out a series of routine pre-employment checks. These include verifying your references, confirming your right to work in the UK, and completing a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
These checks are conducted in partnership with our third-party provider, Amiqus, who will guide you through the process.
Please note that all offers of employment are subject to the satisfactory completion of these checks. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our recruitment team via [email protected] and our team will be happy to help.
Contact
If you have any queries about the recruitment process, or would like to discuss the role, please contact [email protected].
How to apply
To apply, complete the application form by the closing date.
Interview
At interview we will seek to further understand your skills, knowledge, experience and motivation and test the key competencies of the role. If you are successful, we will undertake routine pre-employment checks.
Find out more about our application and interview process.
