Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority

Senior Legal Adviser

This job is now closed

Job summary

Are you keen to be part of an evolving organisation at the leading edge of regulation, where the intellectual challenge is high and the potential to make a difference is immeasurable?

An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen for an exceptional senior legal adviser to lead on the provision of high-quality legal advice in one of the most complex and contested areas of healthcare law.

Main duties of the job

You will be responsible for providing legal advice to the Chair, Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, leading on compliance and licensing matters and providing support and guidance to the Legal Adviser on policy matters. You will be expected to work with regulatory and policy staff across the HFEA and play a full role in the wider corporate leadership of the organisation.

Youll be a qualified solicitor or barrister with a background in public law.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 28 February at Redman Place, London.

About us

The HFEA is the UK's independent regulator overseeing safe and appropriate practice in fertility treatment and embryo research. We license and monitor clinics carrying out IVF, donor insemination, and human embryo research.

This post is offered as either office based (in which case you will need to attend the office at least one day per week) or home based (in which case office attendance will be specified by your line manager based on business need). Our office is in Stratford, east London, in attractive new premises on the edge of the Olympic Park, alongside several other health Arms Length Bodies. In addition to flexibility and hybrid working we offer generous annual leave and pension arrangements.

The HFEA is a member of the Community Race and Work Charter and the Disability Confident Charter. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment that is free from any form of discrimination. We recognise that there are real benefits of having a diverse community of staff and aim for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society. Additionally, we adopt a culture that hopes to attract and retain talented individuals that want to work with us.

Date posted

05 February 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£60,000 to £68,000 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

G0002-24-0001

Job locations

2nd Floor

2 Redman Place

London

E20 1JQ

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Senior Legal Adviser will be responsible for ensuring the provision of high-quality legal advice across the HFEAs regulatory functions. The postholder will lead a small team (providing support to, and line management of, the Legal Adviser and legal service business support) that will be expected to provide advice to the HFEA Chair and Chief Executive, the Senior Management Team and staff on the organisations core issues, notably regulation and policy. The legal team will also engage with Counsel in respect of litigation and specialist legal advice on commercial matters, data protection and so on.

The Senior Legal Adviser will have a particular focus on licensing and compliance issues, but have oversight of the full range of advice, working closely with the Legal Adviser who will lead on policy issues.

The postholder will also play an active part in the corporate leadership of the HFEA.

Responsibilities

1. To ensure the provision of a high quality legal service to the Authority and the Chief Executive.

2. To lead on legal advice in respect of compliance and licensing matters, working with colleagues on the formation of inspection recommendations, incidents and enforcement, as required.

3. To provide advice and support to the Legal Adviser on matters of policy, as required.

4. To provide advice to the Authority and the Chief Executive in respect of legal challenges to the HFEA, including judicial review.

5. To manage aspects of litigation, including instructing and ongoing liaison with solicitors, Counsel (where appropriate) preparing appropriate documentation and attending court as required.

6. To liaise with DHSC lawyers or external advisers as required.

7. To provide effective oversight and management of the legal budget.

8. To line manage the Legal Adviser and legal business support function member of staff providing support via regular one to one meetings, setting objectives and monitoring performance.

9. To attend internal and external meetings as required.

10. To play a full part in the corporate leadership of the HFEA, including active participation in Corporate Management Group.