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. Staff Benefits
Generous Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays Local Government Pension Scheme GP Helpline – Available 7 days a week Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 Your Care Helpline Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines Free Onsite Gym – Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham Salary Sacrifice Schemes – Car and Cycle to Work schemes Local & Lifestyle Discounts – Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more Move through Menopause Course Sports & Social Group Activities – Running, football, cricket & more Learning & Development Opportunities Employee Networks 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. 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.
Our Area Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money. Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We're home to high‑performing schools, international businesses, and an incredible community. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr