Vacancy: Head of legal services

We are recruiting for a Head of Legal Services to join our Legal team, in a permanent, full-time capacity at our Swindon offices located on key transport links in the town centre.

About the role

This is a pivotal role supporting both the strategic and operational aspects of the Group, contributing to and undertaking the commercial, legal and regulatory elements of the business.

The scope includes key activities within the Institute, BCS L&D and other group subsidiaries. An internal legal specialist within BCS, managing and providing legal services, guidance on legal matters and advice to all sections of the BCS Group including Data Protection, Intellectual Property (IP), Trademark and general commercial matters. Drafting and negotiating commercial and other legal documents, managing potential litigation and liaising with external parties including external lawyers.

Key responsibilities:

• Actively participate as a member of the BCS senior management team, to provide a proactive, efficient and robust legal support service by providing specialist advice on the commercial, legal and regulatory elements of the business;
• Giving competent and timely advice that is also business-minded to business managers and colleagues. Taking responsibility for decisions in conjunction with the BCS Senior Management Team in respect of all legal issues and matters;
• Working with the Head of Compliance to provide BCS with specialist management advice and guidance to ensure that the company and its officers act lawfully and in compliance with legal, regulatory and statutory obligations – including Data Protection, IP,  Trademark and Bribery Act regulations. Ensuring BCS is legally compliant with current regulations and adequately prepared for changes in legislation;
• To formulate and implement strategies as internal legal function to protect BCS internal interest and achieve business advantage in external markets;
• Solve complex or unusual legal and compliance issues and participate in negotiations with customers, suppliers, regulators and third parties (both in amicable and hostile situations), where relevant. To interact closely with BCS business personnel, work within short timelines and participate in business contract negotiations to develop and present remedies to a wide range of stakeholders in the best interest for BCS;
• In conjunction with the Head of Compliance, update BCS Department managers across BCS Group on legal and compliance risks and improving the effectiveness of risk management processes and controls;
• Supports the Information Security agenda and helping to develop a strong security awareness & culture;
• A member of the BCS Crisis Management Team;
• Act as Company Secretary for BCS Subsidiary companies;
• Develop and maintain the contract policy and procedures for BCS Group and provide advice and support to BCS business units within the agreed delegated authorities;
• Assist BCS Departments in prioritising the scope of developing and /or introducing enhanced contract arrangements with customers and suppliers to match requirements of BCS and both internal resources and use of external lawyers;
• Prepare a wide range of legal documents including general commercial contracts, company secretarial documents, licensing agreements, sales contracts, involving consultancy and training services, royalties, accreditations, intellectual property and examinations. This involves working with senior BCS managers, volunteers, third parties and external advisors;
• Exercise control over the financial risk and exposure arising from contractual and litigious matters;
• To ensure that BCS’ name, reputation and intellectual property rights are protected;
• To manage any litigious matters and legal and regulatory proceedings to ensure that such matters are prosecuted or defended in accordance with the strategy and objectives agreed with BCS senior management;
• Provide input into selection and approval of outside counsel in liaison with the BCS Executive Team;
• To instruct, liaise with and manage, including budgetary control over legal costs, and monitor external firms. Co-ordinate the use of external legal advisors on contractual matters;
• To assist with product development and the integration of new businesses. To work alongside the business to assess, evaluate and undertake potential acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and other business developments;
• Monitor Data Protection and Bribery Act compliance issues and process all Subject Access Requests in line with current legislation;
• Support IP and trademark registrations as required;
• Organise training requirements on legal and related matters;
• Advise the business in relation to any contentious complaints;
• Assisting the Finance team with the recovery of bad debt;
• Advise and support the Registrar team in relation to Member disciplinary issues and appeals;
• To be responsible for insurances for BCS and their subsidiaries and to manage the relationship with our insurance broker;
• Oversee Charities Commission filing requirements;
• Lead, coach and motivate the Legal team, including line management and the ongoing development of the team’s skills and capabilities;
• Flexibility is required of all job holders to adjust responsibilities as required from time to time by their Line Manager/Divisional Director;
• The content and reporting lines detailed in this job description may be reviewed and changed from time to time to reflect organisational requirements;
• All employees will live BCS’ values and support our purpose;
• Continually looking at ways to make improvements to systems, processes and procedures.

BCS is dedicated to providing training and development to help all staff realise their potential, and also offer a generous benefit package.

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT are committed to promoting equality at every opportunity as an employer. This statement and our policies are designed to ensure our recruitment and employment practices and procedures actively promote equality of opportunity and value diversity.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK upon application.

PLEASE NOTE: This vacancy may be removed before any listed closing date once a sufficient amount of applications have been received.

In the event that we receive a high number of applications for this vacancy, we may be unable to provide an individual response to every candidate, therefore if you haven’t heard back from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion.