Employer: Wokingham Borough CouncilSalary: £46,142 - £51,357 Per Annum, Plus Benefits (Pay award pending)Location: Shute End, Wokingham, Wokingham Borough CouncilContract: PermanentWorking Pattern: Full TimeHours: 37 hours per week.DBS Check: NoClosing Date: 05/07/2026 at 23:00Reference: 713429 We have an excellent opportunity for an Information Governance Lawyer to join our Legal & Information Governance team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full‑time, Permanent basis. As Information Governance Lawyer, you will proactively implement a consistent, corporate approach to legal advice, acting as an expert advisor on law, best practice, and procedure. Representing the Council's interests, you will conduct significant and politically sensitive legal matters with minimal supervision, ensuring good governance arrangements support effective decision‑making, while deputising for the Principal Lawyer and Team Leader to advise members and officers in public and private meetings. You'll manage a complex portfolio involving high‑risk legal advice, contractual issues, and service delivery challenges, while contributing to the delivery of the LIGS service plan and coaching staff to develop their skills. Collaborating with internal departments, senior leadership, and external partners, you will ensure officers and members are trained on relevant legal developments, review reports for the Executive and Committees, and utilise case management systems to maintain high legal standards and value for money. This is a fantastic opportunity for an organised, tenacious, and professionally qualified individual with experience in local government law, particularly in providing expert advice to senior leaders and managing complex legal matters, to join our team. Like all of the Council’s Legal Services, we work flexibly with most lawyers working primarily from home, although the successful candidate must be able to attend our offices for in‑person meetings based on business needs. Benefits
Generous Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays GP Helpline – Available 7 days a week Employee Assistance Programme – Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines Free Onsite Gym – Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham Salary Sacrifice Schemes – Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes Local & Lifestyle Discounts – Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more Move through Menopause Course Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more And more!
Key Responsibilities
Act as a senior professional expert delivering high‑quality, progressive legal and procedural advice on complex, high‑risk, or politically sensitive matters to senior leaders, members, and stakeholders across the Council. Conduct significant legal cases and investigations with minimal supervision, ensuring good governance arrangements are in place to support effective decision‑making and the protection of the Council’s rights. Step in for the Principal Lawyer, Team Leader, and Head of Legal & Information Governance Services to advise members at public and private meetings, and to review and clear officer reports for the Senior Leadership Team and Executive Committees. Recommend areas for service improvement based on data and contribute to training officers and members on relevant legal developments, policies, and their implementation in a timely manner. Assist in managing, coaching, and supporting lawyers and other officers within the legal team to ensure the delivery of priorities, efficient functioning, and the development of professional skills.
Candidate Requirements
Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (the latter suitably authorised by CILEX to be able to work unsupervised). Adaptable and highly organised to manage projects. Comprehensive knowledge of information governance law. A competent IT user, team player and confident managing a wide case load. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a range of people both internally and externally. Previous Local Government experience is not required, but would be advantageous.
Alternatively, to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Neil Allen, Head of Legal Services via Neil.Allen@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies). Interview date: TBC AI in Applications: We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation. However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI‑generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected. We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks. We will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer. How to apply Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form. Closing date: Sunday 5 th July 2026 at 11pm #J-18808-Ljbffr