The Head of Legal Services leads the delivery of legal guidance across the University’s academic and commercial operations. The role includes ensuring legal compliance, managing risk, and leading all aspects of the legal and Freedom of Information teams. Responsibilities include tracking legislative changes, briefing leadership, and handling legal matters with discretion. The position reports to the Director of Legal, Governance & Compliance and includes managing relationships with external legal counsel. The role involves making decisions, adapting to change, and working within a regulatory framework.

• Provide legal advice to senior leadership on legislation and compliance.
• Lead legal input into governance, contracts, property transactions, and dispute resolution.
• Oversee engagement with external legal counsel and manage contract negotiations.
• Support legal processes in student and staff casework, including appeals and grievances.
• Advise on Freedom of Information (FOI) processes and responses.
• Work with Risk & Compliance to meet reporting requirements.
• Create legal templates, toolkits, and training materials to support compliance.
• Maintain the University’s central contracts repository.
• Conduct legal due diligence and raise unresolved risks.
• Direct the Legal and FOI teams, set goals, and coordinate training.
• Supervise legal staff and manage the legal services budget.
• Maintain solicitor registration and participate in legal networks.
• Provide legal advice to the Vice-Chancellor on institutional matters.