Head Of Legal Services

Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University is a teaching-intensive and research-inspired University with a focus on an academic experience which delivers excellence in work integrated learning, digital innovation and entrepreneurial skills and behaviours. As Head of Legal Services, you will play a significant, strategic role in supporting our ambitions and supporting the delivery of the University’s Strategic Plan.
We are looking for a Solicitor or Barrister with extensive experience of working as an in-house lawyer across a broad spectrum of Legal topics. Experience of working in Higher Education would be an advantage but is not essential.
Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, and other members of the University Executive and Senior Managers as required, the postholder is responsible for the management of Legal issues across the University. You will be supported by the University’s Assistant Solicitor and will be responsible for managing matters which are outsourced to our external lawyers. This is a varied workload which includes contract and policy drafting, advice on dispute resolution, data protection, freedom of information, and the general legal work involved in protecting the University’s assets, business interests and reputation.
In addition to a competitive salary, the post offers a range of benefits including the opportunity to join a generous defined contribution pension scheme.
Who is Staffordshire University?
Staffordshire University is an award winning, teaching-intensive and research-inspired university with a focus on work integrated learning, digital innovation and enterprise engagement. With over 100 years’ experience, we are a successful, confident and ambitious modern university, with a foundational purpose of providing higher and applied learning opportunities relevant to our region and beyond.
Spread across three main campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London, our future-focused courses and next-level teaching ensure our students can unlock the potential the world needs now to support better futures.
This is a key reason why we are ranked 2nd in the UK for quality education (Sustainable Development Goal 4, THE Impact Rankings 2023) and why we’re in the top 10 of UK universities for career prospects (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023).
As a university it is important that we are at the forefront of research, delivering impact across the globe and informing how and what we teach. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 87% of our research impact is recognised as “outstanding” or “very considerable”, demonstrating how we continue to push further to create a better tomorrow for our local and global communities.
When you join Staffordshire University, you join a highly supportive, supportive, boundary-pushing culture where insight and innovation is celebrated, expertise is valued, and excellence is rewarded. We can’t wait to see the contribution that you make to the continued growth and success of the Institution.
Rewards and Benefits
In return for your dedication we have a competitive benefits package available
• Competitive incremental rates of Pay
• 37 days Annual Leave plus 11 days Bank Holiday and Discretionary days
• Excellent Pension Scheme
• Access to continued professional and personal development
• An opportunity to become part of the wider University community
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted Health & Fitness Facilities on site at the Stoke Campus
• Discounted Travel by Rail or Bus, with the option of season tickets loans
At Staffordshire University, we believe that every student and staff member needs to be carbon literate if we are to help tackle the climate emergency and achieve our One Planet Pledge of carbon neutrality by 2030, and we are proud of our Bronze Carbon Literacy Award status. As part of our ongoing commitment we particularly encourage applications from candidates who have already completed carbon literacy training, or are prepared to undertake this training as part of their ongoing professional development.
We reserve the right to close any vacancies when we are in receipt of sufficient applications. All applicants are advised to complete and submit your applications as soon as possible.
Staffordshire University is committed to promoting and enabling a positive culture where staff, students and visitors are confident to be their authentic selves. We focus on inclusion as a way to ensure equality of opportunity for all our people and to demonstrate our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Human Rights.
We promote applications from all sections of the community, regardless of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits a diverse organisation can bring for the University.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people, who are currently under-represented in the University workforce.