About the IMA
The IMA is an independent body that makes sure the rights of EU and EEA EFTA citizens and their family members living in the UK and Gibraltar are upheld following the departure of the UK from the EU.
The IMA has two broad duties as set out in Part 2 of the Withdrawal and Separation Agreements – tomonitorand to promote.
* WemonitorUK public bodies to make sure they adequately and effectively implement the rights provided for by the Citizens’ Rights Agreements.
* We promote the adequate and effective implementation and application of the Agreements by holding public bodies to account where there is not full compliance.
The IMA is an independent arms-length body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.
Further information can be found at: https://ima-citizensrights.org.uk/
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that representsthe wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.
Find out what it is like to work for the IMA by watching our recruitment video
Purpose of the post
As Deputy General Counsel, the post-holder will contribute to the provision of effective legal support at the IMA in the complex, challenging and wide-ranging area of EU citizens’ rights.
They will play a pivotal role in the effective delivery of the IMA’s work, supporting a team of 7 legal staff within the Legal Directorate, and reporting to the General Counsel.
Working closely with the General Counsel and the IMA’s executive team, the post-holder will support leadership of the Directorate and the provision of legal services at the IMA. This is an influential role and one where you will help shape senior decision-making, including strategic planning, governance and organisational risk.
Key responsibilities include
* Leading on the provision of legal advice on complex, novel and contentious legal issues across all aspects of the IMA’s work.
* Providing leadership and direction to Legal Directorate colleagues, supporting skills development and building future capability.
* Overseeing and advising operational colleagues to inform the IMA’s monitoring and promoting work.
* Ensuring effective legal risk management and escalating high-risk matters appropriately.
* Contributing to the design and delivery of the internal training and guidance.
* Building strong relationships with senior colleagues, public authorities and external stakeholders.
* Working with external legal service providers and counsel when required, under the direction and oversight of the General Counsel.
* Leading directorate-wide initiatives aligned with the IMA’s statutory obligations and strategic objectives.
* Contributing to strategy, organisational governance, operational planning, risk management and continuous improvement.
* Representing the Legal Directorate and the IMA at senior stakeholder meetings.
The work will involve advising on the Withdrawal Agreement, but may also engage the following areas of law:
* Public administrative law
* Judicial review
* International law
* EU law
* Immigration
* Health
* Education
* Social security
* Housing
The advice will be provided in the context of:
* A range of litigation: the IMA was successful in a landmark judicial review of elements of the EU Settlement Scheme, and has undertaken important interventions on novel and contentious questions of interpretation of the Withdrawal Agreement before all courts of the UK, from the county court and tribunals, to the Supreme Court.
* IMA inquiries: the IMA has concluded its first inquiry on delays in the issuing of Certificates of Application under the EU Settlement Scheme and has commenced its second on delays in the determination of applications under the EU Settlement Scheme.
* Compliance and intelligence work: the IMA carries out a range of compliance and intelligence work looking at the actions of public authorities, identifying where there are problems but also highlighting good practice. This includes looking at the experience of individuals entering the UK, accessing student finance, healthcare and housing assistance, the experience of looked after children and the rules which govern the immigration status of those citizens within our responsibility.
* legislation from each of the different governments across the UK and Gibraltar which cover a range of subjects including student finance, social security, immigration and the recognition of qualifications.
You can read more about this work and more on our website.
The post-holder will have the support of experienced and dedicated colleagues across the IMA, with access to tailored learning and development to help them thrive in this role and progress their legal career.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post and are not intended to be exhaustive. The Job Holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
This role is offered on a permanent basis, however, applications for a loan or secondment will also be considered. Applicants seeking a loan or secondment must have secured agreement in principle from their current employer to be released before applying.
Person specification
To be successful in this role it is likely that you will be:
* A self-starter with proven experience of working under pressure, with an excellent record for delivering to deadlines and taking decisions, as well as the resilience to providing challenging advice and recommendations to peers and colleagues.
* A strong communicator with strong influencing skills, including the ability to manage complex and senior relationships, to represent the organisation, and to distil complex technical messages.
* An inspiring people leader and manager with the ability to attract, lead, motivate and develop colleagues at all levels to the highest standards.
* An effective and strong team player
Essential skills
* Qualified barrister or solicitor entitled to practise in England and Wales
* Experience on advising on Separation Agreement law and / or free movement law under EU law or demonstrable experience of advising on complex areas of law with the ability to quickly grasp and advise on new/evolving areas of law
* A strong track record of advising on the main features of public and administrative law
* Sound legal judgement, with the ability to identify, manage and elevate legal risk appropriately
* Strong analytical skills and the ability to distil complex legal and technical issues into clear, pragmatic advice
* Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and influence stakeholders at senior levels, both internally and externally
* Experience advising at Board/Executive level or demonstratable readiness for such responsibilities,
* Ability to lead, motivate and develop legal professionals, contributing to a high performing and inclusive legal team
* Ability to contribute to the effective management, delivery and continuous improvement of legal services.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Leadership (lead behaviour)
* Making Effective Decisions
* Managing a Quality Service
* Seeing the bigger picture
* Communicating and Influencing
Please refer to the Deputy General Counsel pack for further information about the role and the IMA
Contact and additional information
Location
Please note that the current HQ is based at the Civic Centre in Swansea.
The IMA currently operates informal, non-contractual hybrid working arrangements with a regular requirement to attend the Swansea office. In person working accounts to around 40% of contractual working hours over the course of a year through a combination of time in our Swansea office, in Government Hubs, or through direct contact operational activity (e.g. meeting with stakeholders and citizens, court attendance). Some of this time is mandated by business activity but the remaining time is not fixed and can be managed in discussions with line managers to provide flexibility at an individual level. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact HR@ima-citizensrights.org.uk
Benefits
We are committed to developing our employees and want to enable you to build a successful career with the IMA and you will benefit from regular performance and development reviews to ensure this development is ongoing. We offer a wider range of benefits, including:
* Learning and development tailored to your role
* Flexible working options, including flexi time
* 25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service. This is in addition to 8 public holidays and a one privilege day entitlement. All entitlements are pro-rated for those who work part time.
* Asupportiveculture encouraging inclusion and diversityand support for your wellbeing
* Civil Service Pension – a competitive contributory pension scheme that you can enter as soon as you join where we will make a significant contribution (an average employer contribution of 27%) to the cost of your pension. Your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken
* Established reward and recognition scheme for staff
* Generous paid maternity, adoption and paternity leave which is notably more than the statutory minimum offered by many other employers
* Interest‑free loans allowing you to spread the cost of an annual travel season ticket or a new bicycle
* Occupational sick pay, employee assistance services and health and wellbeing initiatives such as flu vaccines, a free eyecare scheme and health screening
* We have a range of family-friendly policies, such as part‑time working, job sharing, parental leave and career breaks and a range of leave options for parents. These depend on business needs, but our aim is to help you achieve a positive work‑life balance
* Special offers and discounts – Access to a range of discounts and exclusive offers through our employee benefits portal. Find out what it is like to work for the IMA by watching our recruitment video.
Security
* Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
* Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Check. Successful candidates may be required to undertake CTC security clearance in the future. Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a summary of your job history and previous skills and experience and a personal statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Your personal statement should demonstrate your suitability in no more than 1000 words, highlighting the reason(s) you are interested in the role and how your experience makes you the best candidate with reference to the essential criteria, qualifications and behaviours for the role. Make sure to provide clear examples to show how you meet the requirements.
The selection process includes:
* A sift of applications: We will consider all complete applications. The information you give us in your application is important in deciding whether we will invite you to the next selection stage. Candidates will be assessed at sift on all essential criteria and behaviours as per the person specification. In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the lead behaviour.
* Assessment: At interview, you will be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation, the details of which will be given to you in advance.
* Interview: Candidates invited to a panel interview will be assessed on behaviours and strengths in relation to the person specification. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.
Please note we do not consider CV applications – you must apply for this role through Civil Service Jobs.
Sift and Interview Dates
Sifting is envisaged to take place from w/c 20 April 2026 with panel interviews provisionally scheduled for 11 May 2026.
Interviews will take place in person at the Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN.
Interviews are usually conducted in English.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to be able to attend or undertake an interview, please contact HR@ima-citizensrights.org.uk
Reserve List
If we identify more appointable candidates than we currently have posts available, we will hold applicant details on a reserve list for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. This may include roles at a lower grade but have a potential skills match e.g. Senior Legal Adviser and/or Legal Adviser.
Candidates placed on a reserve list will be informed of this. Those candidates who do not wish to remain on the reserve list should contact HR@ima-citizensrights.org.uk to be removed from the reserve list.
Note to existing Civil and Public Servants
Please note that the IMA is not a Civil Service employer and so any current Civil Servants recruited on a permanent basis will cease to be Civil Servants. We recognise contractual continuity of service for individuals joining the IMA where there is no break in service for those who are either:
* existing members of the current Civil Service Pension Scheme; and/or
* employed by an organisation listed on the Gov.UK list of departments, agencies and public bodies (Departments, agencies and public bodies - GOV.UK(link is external)).
Contractual continuity applies to annual leave, sick leave and pay, entitlement to maternity/adoption/paternity leave up to the IMA maximum entitlements. For more information, contact HR@ima-citizensrights.org.uk.
If you are a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, you will be eligible to continue in this when you join the IMA with no break in service.
Nationality requirements
The job is broadly open to the following groups:
* UK nationals and nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, or their family members, with settled or pre‑settled status or who have applied to the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
Job Contact
Name: Rhys Davies
Email: HR@ima-citizensrights.org.uk
Please contact us using the email address HR@ima-citizensirghts.org.uk if you would like to arrange a date and time for an informal discussion about the role with our General Counsel, Rhys Davies.
If you require any assistance please call 0345 603 7262 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
Please quote the job reference.
#J-18808-Ljbffr