Solicitor / Legal Advisor (Employment)

Goldsmiths is looking to recruit an employment lawyer to provide responsive and pragmatic legal advice and training to Goldsmiths' People and Organisational Development team (POD) and across the wider University. Working within a Higher Education Institution involves dealing with complex and wideranging sets of issues touching on virtually every aspect of employment, trades union and labour relations law. The post holder will be expected to work with a great deal of independence, evaluating complex issues at a rapid pace, and providing fast yet accurate advice taking into account both the specific legal position but also the broader operational context. The post is a hybrid role with wouldn't necessarily require coming into the office every week, and we would also consider applications from candidates who wish to work flexibly, compressed hours, and/or in a job share. Main duties:

• Providing advice on employment and related law which could include: recruitment;
employment contracts; disciplinaries and grievances; harassment and bullying; longterm absences; reasonable adjustments; whistleblowing; reward and recognition; statutory consultation, redundancy and dismissal; settlement agreements; trades unions and industrial action; and TUPE. 2. Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London, SE14 6NW
• Acting as key liaison between Legal Services and Goldsmiths' People and
Organisational Development department, providing strategic advice to ensure employment law matters are appropriately planned for and handled.
• Advising and supporting individuals conducting hearings and investigations under
Goldsmiths' policies and procedures.
• Evaluating matters to assess whether they can be safely dealt with in-house or whether
they need to be referred to external lawyers, and if so selecting, instructing and working with such external lawyers.
• Managing case work in Employment Tribunals and Courts, helping draft submissions
and preparing employees giving evidence.
• Potentially conducting Preliminary Hearings, and supporting external Solicitors and
Counsel at Employment Tribunals.
• Advising on industrial relations issues with Goldsmiths' two recognised unions, and
potentially joining meetings with union representatives.
• Reviewing, amending and advising on employment-related contracts and HR policies
and processes.
• Developing knowledge materials and delivering training to POD and the wider College
around employment law issues such as disciplinaries and grievances, long-term absences, reasonable adjustments, etc. to ensure consistency and help implement best practice.
• Contributing to the development of the Legal Services team, training and mentoring
junior colleagues, assisting in building precedent banks and knowledge materials.
• Undertaking horizon scanning in the areas of employment law and industrial relations
so the College is prepared for upcoming legal and regulatory developments.
• Becoming cognisant with, abiding by, and proactively supporting Goldsmiths' policies
and procedures, particularly around: Health & Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• You will be required to undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.
  
  Degree level legal education (or equivalent) A, C
Qualified solicitor, barrister, or legal executive (or equivalent experience) A, C Desirable Criteria 1 - Qualifications Current practising certificate A, C Essential Criteria 2 - Experience Relevant PQE in employment law A, I Delivery of high-quality advice at pace in relation to specific legal issues A, I within the broader context Desirable Criteria 2 - Experience A, I Experience with HEIs and/or public or third sector organisations A, I Working within large organisations A, I Experience in a highly-unionised environment A, I Working closely with senior leadership A, I Updating employment law related policies and processes A, I, Relevant legal knowledge in associated areas e.g. education and charity A, I law; corporate governance; etc. Knowledge of the broader operating environment in the HEI sector A, I Essential Criteria 4 - Skills Working flexibly, dynamically and accurately A, I, T Evaluating complex data to produce clear pragmatic and strategic advice A, I, T Undertaking detailed legal research into new issues and areas A, I Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to A, I, T summarise complex legal matters for non-lawyers Taking the initiative and looking beyond specific legal issues, thinking A, I , T holistically about the broader context Working constructively and looking to build consensus whilst prepared to A, I stick to one's position and challenge preconceived views Resilient and robust in potentially challenging situations A, I Being approachable and building good interpersonal relationships A, I

Goldsmiths, University of London is a world-leading centre of educational excellence where ground-breaking research meets innovative teaching and thinking. We're looking for inspiring and talented people to help build on our global reputation while also growing personally in a true learning organisation. As a college we are working to tackle inequality in all its forms and are working to promote equality on grounds of race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibilities. We are keen to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds who share our commitment to creating an inclusive culture in which all students and

If you choose to work with us, you'll become part of a learning organisation that is committed to professional and personal development, with comprehensive and innovative staff development and wellbeing programmes. You'll also have access to frequent lunchtime and evening talks, seminars and performances, and annual performance and development reviews. Our other benefits include:
• Competitive salary
• Working in Zone 2, with fantastic transport links and interest free travel to work
loans
• Excellent annual leave entitlement plus additional closure days at Christmas
and Easter
• Membership of USS or LPFA pension scheme, dependent upon grade
• Maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave and pay
• Contractual sick pay provision
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7/365 confidential
and free advice, support, and information service on a range of personal, family, or work-related matters.
• Free eye tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives including the Chaplaincy and Staff Choir
• On-site dining facilities
• Access to University of London facilities such as Senate House Library