This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose: Assist the Heads of Service and Section Heads to lead, manage and develop Legal Services in the provision of high quality effective and consistent legal advice. Contributing to strategic leadership and management provision, specifically in relation to the appointed Team but also flexibly across the Section and Service in line with Council priorities, adding value by living the Values, knowing how the Council works, making a personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, helping the Council to achieve its goals generally, and playing our part in the legal life of Leeds

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of programmes of strategic significance to the Council to deliver services in line with Council priorities.
• Responsible for development and delivery of the relevant service plans and drive continuous improvement initiatives through leading and contributing to cross Council projects, collaborative working with partners and supporting Directorate management teams.
• To lead on the operational management of Licensing, Communities and Corporate Section
• To undertake a substantial personal caseload of complex and/or sensitive matters, and add value to legal professional work including, but not limited to corporate local government advice, and at least one of the following practice areas within the Section:
  • Adult Social Care
  • Anti-Social Behaviour
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Licensing
  • Prosecutions
  • and other practice areas as required.
• Deputise for the Section Head as and when required.
• Directly support change programmes, including service quality and driving up standards and performance, demonstrating the ability to manage competing priorities whilst ensuring contribution to the delivery on a range of programmes and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Build strong and dynamic relationships and networks and build trust with individuals and partners agencies to deliver better outcomes for Leeds City Council.
• Knowledge and understanding of local government administrative and political systems and practices, and experience of working on politically sensitive issues, including developing productive working relationships with officers at senior levels in other Services and with Members, which demonstrate respect, trust and confidence.
• Work with elected Members, MP’s, service users, trade unions and partner stakeholders in ways which support inclusive open and accountable government through the provision.
• Lead, promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your service delivery, community engagement and human resource areas, focussing on equality of outcome.
• In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework to be responsible and accountable for all financial resources within the service area ensuring value for money and working within financial regulations
• Review and monitor the performance of services, systems, budget, teams and individuals against standards and agreed outcomes in a cost effective and flexible way that is responsive to a dynamic local, political and national context

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate to the grade.

Qualifications

Solicitor or Barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate or FCILEX with practising certificate

Working Context

Post holders will work flexibly both at home and at various locations across the City and region. All colleagues should work in line with our hybrid working principles and spend regular time in the workplace to support service delivery, meeting the needs of the team and the requirements of their individual role. The hours are worked mainly Monday to Friday. However, the post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours, including attendance at evening/weekend meetings or events if required to meet the needs of the service.

Essential requirements

Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that thy meet all the essential requirements.

• Able to manage competing priorities, ensuring delivery on a range of programmes and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Knowledge of applicable, legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of relevant policies, regulations and legislation
• Experience of strategic and operational resource management including the evaluation of competing priorities and managing accountabilities
• Significant experience and commitment in relation to engagement in decision making processes.
• Significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and Corporate Leadership Team
• Substantial experience of delivering a multi-disciplinary service at a senior level that is driven by service user requirements based on delivers customer focused outcomes and excellent customer satisfaction results.

Behavioural & Other Characteristics Required

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Leeds Ambitions of health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving strong communities and a resilient sustainable city
• Be aware of promote and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection.
• Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the behaviours, values and standards of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Understand and observe Leeds City Council approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.