Legal Adviser

Job description

Job responsibilities

To play an active part in the work of the HFEA, particularly in relation to the work of the policy team, by supporting key areas of activity and giving advice in relation to particular issues.

The post holder will work alongside the Senior Legal Adviser, whose primary area of focus will be licensing and compliance issues.

The Legal Advisor role will support the policy team, other colleagues including the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, looking at issues relating to our legislation and regulations as they arise and supporting areas of work including changes to the Code of Practice; Opening the Register; and changes the HFEA are proposing to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act.

Key responsibilities

To work with colleagues, particularly in the policy team, to offer advice on issues as they arise and to ensure that legal advice is embedded in all policy decisions.

To work with the Senior Legal Adviser as required to support other areas of HFEA activity including any litigation.

To advise on issues arising from inspector enquiries, patient enquiries, Freedom of Information requests and press enquiries.

To translate formal legal advice into workable policy advice.

To review and advise on policy documents from a legal perspective

To contribute to key areas of work including the Code of Practice changes; Opening the Register; and changes the HFEA are proposing to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act.

Working with project managers across the organisation to support projects along with a multi-disciplinary team ensuring any legal advice is provided as needed.

To liaise with DHSC lawyers or external advisers as required.

Attending internal and external meetings as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• An experienced Solicitor or Barrister ideally with 3 years PQE or equivalent

Interpersonal skills

Essential

• Collaborative and a good team player
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to work with and communicate effectively with people at all levels both inside and outside the organisation
• Good time management skills and experience in handling multiple projects
• Sensitive and discreet

Managing work

Essential

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and competing priorities while working to tight deadlines
• Excellent planning and organisational skills

Knowledge & skills

Essential

• Good IT skills including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook Word PowerPoint and Excel

Experience

Essential

• Confidence in giving legal advice to senior colleagues on complex and/or highly sensitive issues, including issues of reputational risk
• Some experience in public law
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Background in Public Law.
• Experience of advising a public body on policy matters preferably in healthcare or regulation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority

Address

2nd Floor

2 Redman Place

London

E20 1JQ

Employer's website

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)