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
* 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.
Areas of Law
* Public administrative law
* Judicial review
* International law
* EU law
* Immigration
* Health
* Education
* Social security
* Housing
Context of Advice
* 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.
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.
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.
Please refer to the Deputy General Counsel information pack for further information about the role and the IMA. Find out what it is like to work for the IMA by watchingourrecruitment video.
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