Lead Lawyer (MCA Governance)- West Yorkshire Combined Authority

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
37 hours
1
Leeds City Centre (Temporarily Remote)
Permanent
Grade M - £47,695 pa

KIRKLEES COUNCIL ARE ADVERTISING THIS ROLE ON BEHALF OF WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority are seeking to appoint a highly motivated MCA Governance Lawyer who has the skills and ability to take the strategic governance lead to develop and maintain a robust and effective governance framework for the Authority within a fast paced and evolving landscape, with the Authority now being a Mayoral Authority with responsibility for Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) functions.

We bring together local councils and businesses, through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) ensure that our work meets the needs of employers so that everyone in our region can benefit from economic prosperity supported by a modern, accessible transport network, housing and digital connections.

It is an exciting time to be joining the Combined Authority, following the announcement of a £1.8bn devolution deal that has been secured for West Yorkshire. Devolution will enable us to drive up living standards for local communities while tackling the climate emergency and help deliver our commitment to become a net zero carbon city region by 2038.

The Role:

Reporting into Head of Service your key responsibilities will include:

  • Provide high quality legal and procedural advice at all stages of the Combined Authority’s decision making, (including decisions taken by a Mayor and decisions relating to PCC functions), and decision making by the Local Enterprise Partnership and ensure that a strong corporate governance culture is achieved with decision making by Members and Officers meeting the highest standards of ethical and corporate governance.
  • Support the Head of Legal & Governance to ensure that sound procedures are in place to support governance arrangements and develop them to match the changing environment.
  • Proactively horizon scan and build external relationships to anticipate, identify and plan for forthcoming national or local legal regulatory or policy changes as appropriate and play a key role in developing revised or new arrangements in response to such initiatives.
  • Shape, lead and manage the delivery of a customer focussed, high performing and pro-active Governance function, ensuring that the service is efficient, effective and delivers value for money.

About You:

  • You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:
  • You will have an excellent track record of providing pro-active, customer focused and authoritative legal advice and support in relation to this function including advising on large scale projects preferably within a public sector or transport environment, matters of procurement and state aid and negotiating and preparing complex contractual documentation.  
  • You will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practicing certificate or full CILEX (fellowship) qualification. 
  • Whilst experience in the key responsibilities is desirable, we are happy to consider applicants who have transferrable skills and a strong work ethic to enable development into the role.

Our Offer:

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

  • 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Generous employer contribution pension scheme
  • Fully funded travel in West Yorkshire on bus and rail with the MCard
  • Flexible working practises with Health and Wellbeing initiatives to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals.

Applicants are advised that the Combined Authority is currently in consultation with employees and Trade Unions to review the Terms and Conditions of Employment and Staff Benefits.

The detail of the proposals for change, will be discussed with the successful candidate at the point of offer.

To Apply

If this sounds like your next role; please upload your CV to our online application tool. Then complete the supporting information tab linking your relevant work experience back to the role profile, bringing you CV to life.

You can apply online, by 11:55pm on 02 August 2021.

For an informal chat about this role please ring Morna Rajput on 0113 348 1672 or email morna.rajput@westyorks-ca.gov.uk. For more information about the work of the Combined Authority, please visit www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk  

Further Information

Applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met.

The Combined Authority’s aim is to attract people from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture and represent the communities we serve.  We welcome applications from everyone regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We are committed to inclusivity and will consider requests for flexible working including part time and job share arrangements.

Candidates will be notified of invitation to interview by e-mail and interviews will be carried out either by phone or video interview.

Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases, on an annual basis.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Candidate information will be retained by the Combined Authority for six months unless you make a request for this to be deleted.

02 August 2021, 11:55 PM

This vacancy is closed to applications.