The Executive Director, General Counsel role is centered around leading the legal function for a client committed to public protection in the UK. This includes overseeing criminal record checking and barring services to aid safer recruitment decisions in crucial sectors like health, education, and social care. The client aims to be a modern, responsive entity, focused on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement to meet the demands of citizens and stakeholders in a rapidly evolving environment. The role requires providing strategic advice at the highest levels, ensuring statutory and regulatory obligations are met, and supporting the Chief Executive, Executive Team, and Board on intricate legal matters.
The General Counsel will report directly to the Chief Executive, ensuring strategic decision-making aligns with legal standards while enhancing governance and compliance across the client. It involves close collaboration with the Board Secretary and engagement with key stakeholders, such as the Home Office, during a time of significant organizational change. The position calls for a qualified Solicitor or Barrister eligible to practice in England and Wales, with substantial experience managing in-house legal teams and advising senior levels in government or complex organizations. Critical areas of expertise include commercial arrangements in government, data protection, legislative interpretation, and regulatory regimes.
Strong presentation skills for conveying complex legal information to boards and governance forums are essential, along with the ability to foster collaborative relationships within the client and with external legal counsel. The ideal candidate will combine technical legal skills with strategic vision to drive innovation in legal support, thus contributing significantly to the clients objectives of enhancing public protection. This position offers a significant opportunity for impact, ideal for someone with the credibility, leadership, and vision to shape the legal foundation of a client that protects millions.