We are seeking a professionally qualified and experienced Head of Legal to lead our legal team and provide professional legal advice on employment law matters. The Head of Legal role is pivotal in supporting our Senior Management Team, staff, and members, ensuring that our legal services are effective and aligned with the union's objectives of building union power.
Salary and Location
Band 5, Regional Spine points 23-19
Starting Salary £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689 p.a. in annual increments
PCS Birmingham
Successful candidates for the post of Head of Legal will be able to demonstrate:
Proven experience in employment law and legal management
Strong leadership and people management skills
Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
Commitment to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace
Ability to work collaboratively and manage complex legal issues
The main duties of the Head of Legal role include:
Delivering expert legal guidance and representation on employment law issues
Conducting legal research, drafting claims, and representing members in employment tribunal hearings and negotiating on their behalf
Managing a team of legal professionals, overseeing casework management and ensuring alignment with the union's strategic goals
Building and maintaining relationships with contractors to ensure cost-effective services
As a qualified solicitor/legal executive with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience, you will be able to show how you maintain and share your up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation as the Head of Legal. You will be committed to developing your team through training, appraisal, and the use of technology. An understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions is essential for the Head of Legal role.
Closing date: at 12 midday on Wednesday 12 February 2025
Interviews will be held by Zoom: Wednesday 26 February 2025
Selected applicants may be invited to a second interview on Friday 28 February 2025
About PCS
PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.
Employer Benefits
You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including:
flexible working
(including hybrid working) childcare and family support generous maternity/paternity leave 32 days leave and Christmas closure pension scheme employee assistance programme Learning and Development The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development. PCS Recruiting Process We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified. Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date. CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process. PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people. All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please view our guidance for applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION:
HEAD OF LEGAL Ref: 0125 Grade: Band 5, Regional Salary: Spine points 23 -19 Starting salary £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689 p.a. Location:
Birmingham Purpose of the job: To lead on and deliver professional legal advice, guidance, and representation on employment law matters to the Senior Management Team, Staff, NEC and members. To maintain and build relationships with contractors, ensuring PCS services are fit for purpose and cost effective. To undertake a management role with direct responsibility for staff, ensuring that the work of the team is in line with the wider objectives of the union. Responsible to:
Band 6, Head of Legal & Equality Responsible for:
Band 4 Solicitors/ Legal & Employment Rights Managers/ B3 Legal & Employment Rights Officers Contacts External: PCS Members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. Senior Government Officials, Ministers, MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media. Internal: PCS Staff and managers across Regions, Senior Management Team, National Management Team and other PCS Departments. Main duties and responsibilities 1. Key Areas Conducting legal research into past cases and documents Draft and prepare claims or other legal documents Provide legal advice to SMT, NEC, members Negotiate on behalf of PCS Represent members at employment tribunal hearings Keep up to date with new developments in employment legislation Provide employment law briefings to PCS staff about changes in legislation, the rights of members/workers including issues related to wages, working hours, rest breaks, and other entitlements Advise members and Reps on wrongful termination and unfair dismissal claims, including reviewing dismissal procedures and advocating for members' rights. Assist members and reps in cases of workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on factors such as age, gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics Contribute to the strategic development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process Provide leadership in delivering the unions Legal and Employment Rights strategy Provide support and have direct involvement through the National Management Team (NMT) in the unions bargaining, organising, campaigning, equality, learning and digital agendas Manage people and resources in the Legal and Employment Rights Unit Provide advice to and lead relevant committees including the preparation and presentation of reports Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested Provide input into budgetary processes including bid preparation, monitoring and control where relevant 2. People Management Manage work allocation and workflow, future planning and support for officer team/line manager Motivate and manage individuals and the team as a whole to provide a high standard of service Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks Seek to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team Through induction, the appraisal system and one-to-ones, identify staff training and development needs, train or organise formal/informal training Proactively promote diversity in line with the wider PCS approach Apply the staff conduct policies as and when required e.g. discipline, grievance, capability, dignity at work and IT security policies Provide advice and deal with complex issues related to staff management including disciplinary or grievance in consultation with line Manager Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies Work effectively with lay officials Deputise for Line Manager when required 3. Communication Ensure digitalisation, information & communications methods are effectively implemented and used to generate improvements Draft complex communications including briefs and reports Communicate with members by producing circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc As necessary, represent PCS and liaise with outside bodies 4. Casework Management Advise in the handling of personal casework Oversee liaison with Solicitors, internal and external bodies on the handling of personal casework Represent PCS or PCS members at official bodies such as employment tribunals, Civil Service Appeal Board, etc. Maintain and improve own knowledge of the developments in employment law and practice 5. Team Working Proactively promote team working Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times Provide assistance to team members 6. Equality Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination 7. General Participate and input information into PCS planning and budgeting processes At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy and adhere to the PCS Values Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work Participate in appraisal, training and development systems Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals Staff at this grade may be assigned or transferred to posts within grade. A training & development programme will be provided to assist with this, where required Such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference, where required) Person Specification:
HEAD OF LEGAL Ref:
0125 Date:
January 2025 Location:
Birmingham ESSENTIAL FACTORS QUALIFICATION Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive with 5 years post-qualified experience EXPERIENCE People management including induction, work allocation, appraisal and conduct Leading committees and teams Industrial relations and negotiations Advocacy and representation High level project management, problem solving and decision making TRAINING (including continuous professional development) Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development Commitment to undertake job-related training Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process Commitment to staff development KNOWLEDGE Understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions Budget monitoring and control processes Employment rights, equality legislation, discrimination law and working practices Impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union SKILLS Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally Ability to identify and set standards and priorities Ability to provide strategic and policy implementation advice and guidance High standard of organisational ability OTHER Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety) Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions
#J-18808-Ljbffr
(including hybrid working) childcare and family support generous maternity/paternity leave 32 days leave and Christmas closure pension scheme employee assistance programme Learning and Development The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development. PCS Recruiting Process We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified. Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date. CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process. PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people. All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please view our guidance for applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION:
HEAD OF LEGAL Ref: 0125 Grade: Band 5, Regional Salary: Spine points 23 -19 Starting salary £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689 p.a. Location:
Birmingham Purpose of the job: To lead on and deliver professional legal advice, guidance, and representation on employment law matters to the Senior Management Team, Staff, NEC and members. To maintain and build relationships with contractors, ensuring PCS services are fit for purpose and cost effective. To undertake a management role with direct responsibility for staff, ensuring that the work of the team is in line with the wider objectives of the union. Responsible to:
Band 6, Head of Legal & Equality Responsible for:
Band 4 Solicitors/ Legal & Employment Rights Managers/ B3 Legal & Employment Rights Officers Contacts External: PCS Members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. Senior Government Officials, Ministers, MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media. Internal: PCS Staff and managers across Regions, Senior Management Team, National Management Team and other PCS Departments. Main duties and responsibilities 1. Key Areas Conducting legal research into past cases and documents Draft and prepare claims or other legal documents Provide legal advice to SMT, NEC, members Negotiate on behalf of PCS Represent members at employment tribunal hearings Keep up to date with new developments in employment legislation Provide employment law briefings to PCS staff about changes in legislation, the rights of members/workers including issues related to wages, working hours, rest breaks, and other entitlements Advise members and Reps on wrongful termination and unfair dismissal claims, including reviewing dismissal procedures and advocating for members' rights. Assist members and reps in cases of workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on factors such as age, gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics Contribute to the strategic development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process Provide leadership in delivering the unions Legal and Employment Rights strategy Provide support and have direct involvement through the National Management Team (NMT) in the unions bargaining, organising, campaigning, equality, learning and digital agendas Manage people and resources in the Legal and Employment Rights Unit Provide advice to and lead relevant committees including the preparation and presentation of reports Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested Provide input into budgetary processes including bid preparation, monitoring and control where relevant 2. People Management Manage work allocation and workflow, future planning and support for officer team/line manager Motivate and manage individuals and the team as a whole to provide a high standard of service Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks Seek to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team Through induction, the appraisal system and one-to-ones, identify staff training and development needs, train or organise formal/informal training Proactively promote diversity in line with the wider PCS approach Apply the staff conduct policies as and when required e.g. discipline, grievance, capability, dignity at work and IT security policies Provide advice and deal with complex issues related to staff management including disciplinary or grievance in consultation with line Manager Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies Work effectively with lay officials Deputise for Line Manager when required 3. Communication Ensure digitalisation, information & communications methods are effectively implemented and used to generate improvements Draft complex communications including briefs and reports Communicate with members by producing circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc As necessary, represent PCS and liaise with outside bodies 4. Casework Management Advise in the handling of personal casework Oversee liaison with Solicitors, internal and external bodies on the handling of personal casework Represent PCS or PCS members at official bodies such as employment tribunals, Civil Service Appeal Board, etc. Maintain and improve own knowledge of the developments in employment law and practice 5. Team Working Proactively promote team working Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times Provide assistance to team members 6. Equality Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination 7. General Participate and input information into PCS planning and budgeting processes At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy and adhere to the PCS Values Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work Participate in appraisal, training and development systems Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals Staff at this grade may be assigned or transferred to posts within grade. A training & development programme will be provided to assist with this, where required Such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference, where required) Person Specification:
HEAD OF LEGAL Ref:
0125 Date:
January 2025 Location:
Birmingham ESSENTIAL FACTORS QUALIFICATION Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive with 5 years post-qualified experience EXPERIENCE People management including induction, work allocation, appraisal and conduct Leading committees and teams Industrial relations and negotiations Advocacy and representation High level project management, problem solving and decision making TRAINING (including continuous professional development) Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development Commitment to undertake job-related training Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process Commitment to staff development KNOWLEDGE Understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions Budget monitoring and control processes Employment rights, equality legislation, discrimination law and working practices Impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union SKILLS Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally Ability to identify and set standards and priorities Ability to provide strategic and policy implementation advice and guidance High standard of organisational ability OTHER Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety) Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions
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