Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to, a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and offering an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
The role
There is one post available and this is offered as a permanent opportunity - either full-time or at least 0.8 fte part-time.
Reporting to the Deputy Director (Governance) of Legal Services, the In-House Paralegal (known internally as Regulatory and Legal Officer) will provide vital, technically qualified legal support to the University’s Legal Services function. You will play a key role in supporting regulatory and governance compliance, safeguarding the University’s legal position, and collaborating closely with central teams such as the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Procurement, and Finance.
Please Note: As a result of immigration changes that came into effect on 04 April 2024 and 22 July 2025 this role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored skilled worker visa under the points based immigration system.
About the team
Sitting within the Finance and Legal Services directorate, our small but impactful Legal Services team provides professional standards of legal work and supports robust governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance across the University. The team acts as a trusted internal advisor, handling everything from corporate filings to commercial contracts, while managing relationships with external legal counsel to further the University’s strategic ambitions.
What will I be doing?
- As part of the Legal Services team, you will support the legal function of the University in control, maintenance and management of technical processes, business continuity, and assisting with regulatory and compliance issues.
- You will be responsible for accurate and thorough checking, tracking, executing, and documenting of legal processes for a wide range of University activities (including use of the official University seal).
- You’ll help our lawyers with their caseloads by handling technical material, keeping track of deadlines and ongoing legal work, maintaining databases, updating templates, and assisting with the instruction of external legal support.
- You’ll work with colleagues in other areas of the University, like Procurement and Finance, advising them on legal formalities and helping them understand how to record or use technical legal materials correctly (including Companies House materials).
- You’ll help put together reports and data tables for audits and key meetings.
What skills do I need?
Essential
- You hold at least one professionally recognised UK qualification relevant to the role, such as CILEX or NALP.
- You have a demonstrable record of successful, sustained, and proactive management of or responsibility for legally significant workloads in a regulated environment.
- You can read formal legal documents accurately, judge their status (e.g., whether they need the official seal, whether they are completed), and clearly summarise complex information.
- You are confident with digital records, controls, and document protection, with a sharp eye for detail even under pressure.
- You have a logical and enquiring mind, capable of objective analysis.
- You are self-motivated, thorough, and persistent in tracking tasks from start to finish; using a forward diary is second nature to you.
- You are comfortable explaining legal processes and formalities to other teams and have a keen interest in understanding the University’s business context to support its legal function.
- You maintain strict confidentiality, work to the high professional standards expected by regulatory bodies, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and understand that mistakes have consequences.
Interested? For further information or to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Helen Kinghorn (
[email protected])
Interviews for this position are expected to take place on Friday 4th September into w/c 7th September.
About the location
The Legal Services team is based at the Headington Campus. The campus is in Oxford and is generally well-served by public transport. This role is primarily an on-site role based at the Headington Campus. Some remote working can be discussed with the Deputy Director (Governance) of Legal Services.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, together with 8 Bank Holidays plus additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year).
We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme, as well as providing all staff with the opportunity for financial education and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the well-being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team
In addition, all employees have access to:
- Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
- Brookes on-site Nursery.
- Discounted travel options
- TOTUM card discount scheme
- Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
- Training and development opportunities
- Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community, offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
