About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Solicitor / Barrister / Chartered Legal Executive Advocate to join our Child Protection Legal Team. The Child Protection Legal Team are responsible for all aspects of legal work arising from Children’s Social Care with an emphasis on child protection advice and conducting childcare cases through both a pre-proceedings process and the court. The post will involve attending the Family Court at Bristol to undertake advocacy on behalf of the Local Authority.
This is a progression post (Levels 8-10) but applications are only invited from candidates that meet the Level 10 grade.
In this role, you will;
Key Responsibilities:
Provide legal advice and professional support to officers of the Council.
Be the lead professional on allocated cases: Prepare childcare cases for court in compliance with the Council’s Pre-Proceedings Protocol (i.e. consider case papers, interview witnesses, prepare statements, obtain other evidential materials such as police disclosure, research and ascertain law, liaise with multi agency partners and professional experts, devise and advise upon case strategy and arguments) or issue cases immediately if urgent action is required.
Undertake advocacy in the Family Court, tribunals and inquiries on behalf of the Council, and instruct Counsel or private sector solicitors where necessary to do likewise, and where appropriate negotiate settlements or consent orders on the Council’s behalf.
Draft and prepare legal documents to implement decisions of the Council, including communicating with and negotiating agreements with external parties, their lawyers and other external contacts and agencies.
Represent the Council at meetings with outside bodies (e.g. other Councils, external solicitors, experts, voluntary bodies, Regional Committees and consultative bodies) to implement legal commitments and Council objectives.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:
0-1 day in the office
Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about child protection legislation and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
Qualified as a Solicitor or Barrister and hold or be entitled to hold a Practicing Certificate; or Qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive Advocate (Family Proceedings Certificate) and hold or be entitled to hold a Practicing Certificate.
Compliance with any continuing professional development (CPD) requirements / education training in relevant areas of law.
Significant post qualification experience in public law relating to safeguarding children and a thorough understanding and competence of complex cases, preferably acquired in local government or a similar environment.
Comprehensive knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and the Children and Families Act 2014, associated legislation, regulations and guidance. Similarly, in relation to Adoption and Children Act 2002 (particularly placement applications).
Knowledge and experience in the conduct of child protection cases under the Public Law Outline.
Accomplished advocacy, negotiation, communication, analytical, drafting and presentational skills.
Good knowledge and use of ICT.
Reliable and able to work on own initiative and under pressure in a performance orientated environment with the ability to organise own workload to meet deadlines and work with minimum supervision. Able to operate effectively with a team, contribute positively to the legal services section and have good inter-personal skills.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
Competitive salary and benefits
Flexible working arrangements
Local Government Pension
Opportunities for professional development
Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.
How to Apply
If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .