Salary: £53,775 - £55,963

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: A variety of locations across the Cumberland district with the option to work remotely

About us
Cumberland Council is an ambitious and forward-thinking authority dedicated to shaping a better future for our communities. We are passionate about creating a vibrant future by addressing inequalities, creating thriving economies that work for our residents and protecting our environment.

At the core of our vision is a commitment to our people, with health and well-being being integral to everything we do, underscoring every initiative and ensuring we provide unparalleled support for all.

We can’t do it without you! Come and embark on the journey to a vibrant future with us, where the work you do will make a real impact. Together, let's shape a community that's as dynamic and inclusive as our landscape. Be a part of the transformation!

#WeAreCumberland

About this opportunity
Cumberland Council is a newly established Unitary Council. This is an opportunity to join us at this exciting time as we embark on our journey to build the new Council and deliver even better services for our residents and businesses. A career as a local government lawyer is rewarding and challenging. This is a unique opportunity to develop your career as we look to create a new, dynamic legal team to support the new Council in its ambitions. Our busy, in-house legal team supports the Council in all aspects of its work, and we are looking for someone who is proactive, innovative and collaborative and who enjoys a varied and interesting workload. If this sounds like you then we want you to apply!

The Role
You will be joining a small team of lawyers dealing with a variety of commercial matters, primarily contracts, grants, procurement and company law. You will handle your own caseload with support of more junior lawyers and legal officers and provide advice to the Council’s officers, councillors and committees. You will also jointly oversee elements of the day-to-day management and supervision of team members and assist the management team in ensuring the provision of high quality, cost effective and innovative legal services and corporate governance.

Who we’re looking for
The ideal candidate for this role will be a qualified barrister, solicitor or legal executive with commercial awareness and an excellent knowledge of contract and procurement law. You will be able to demonstrate experience and knowledge of procurement, contracts, grants and company law, and be familiar with drafting a wide range of contracts.

Please do not be put off if you have not worked in local government before – it is your determination to provide a top-class legal service which will matter most, and whilst local authority experience is desirable it is not essential. In fact, we welcome the skills and experience which you will bring from other backgrounds.

It is a fantastic time to join us as we expand and develop our Services working in new ways to support the newly formed Cumberland Council so if you are looking for a new challenge in a friendly supportive and professionally stimulating environment then we want to hear from you.

Fundamentally, we are seeking individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change and shape a better future for our communities. Your commitment to these principles will be instrumental in delivering services that are vital to the well-being and prosperity of our residents.

If this sounds like you, then please get in touch!

What we offer

• Competitive rates of pay and annual pay increase*
• 25-31 days holiday each year plus bank holiday allowance plus option to purchase up to 2 weeks additional leave and spread the cost over 12 months
• Learning and development opportunities including development time each week (where applicable)
• Flexible working arrangements including the ability to work from home supporting a culture that fits around you (subject to role)
• Opportunity to join the generous Local Government Pension Scheme with defined benefit plans securing your future
• Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise)
• Money off your local gym including Better, Newfield Health, The Gym Group and Lifestyle Fitness
• In house staff support networks
• 20% off a Vodafone mobile phone contract for you and up to 5 family and friends
• Various discount schemes including RAC roadside recovery discount and money off local supportive businesses
• Employee assistance programme and access to in-house Occupational Health service including physio treatment and access to external counselling service
• Tusker car leasing salary sacrifice scheme as well as an esteem car loan scheme for essential car users
• Spec Savers eyecare voucher

*In accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Services

Application and Interview information

Or further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.

Closing date: 13th October 2024 (the closing date may be brought forward if sufficient applications are received)

Interview date: To be confirmed, pending closure of advert for role

Our interview process can accommodate both in-person and virtual formats, with tailored options discussed upon invitation to the interview stage. Preferred for virtual interviews is the use of Microsoft Teams, currently available for new users at no cost. However, should you encounter any challenges accessing this technology, we are open to discussing alternative arrangements prior to the scheduled interviews.

Work-Life balance
Cumberland Council is deeply invested in fostering a work culture that prioritises the well-being and balance of our team members. Embracing flexible and hybrid working models, we empower employees to achieve optimal work-life balance.

Recognising the importance of personal time, we offer a generous holiday allowance, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. Additionally, our flexible working hours, including flexitime arrangements, further contribute to a supportive environment where individuals can effectively manage their professional and personal commitments.

Continuing Professional Development
We are committed to nurturing the ongoing growth and professional advancement of our valued team members to fulfil your potential and advance your career. Our comprehensive career development and training offer emphasises continuous learning as a cornerstone for achieving both individual and organisational goals.

Through our robust Organisational Development initiatives, we offer a suite of support programmes tailored to meet diverse needs, including participation in our esteemed Aspiring to be a Manager programme and access to our enriching Coaching and Mentoring programmes.

Keeping the people we work with safe
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect unwavering commitment to this cause from our employees, volunteers, and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs). Together, we create a secure environment where every individual is safeguarded and respected.

We welcome applications from everyone
At Cumberland Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce, striving to mirror the rich tapestry of the communities we proudly serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are devoted in fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that embraces and appreciates our unique differences.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that applicants with disabilities, meeting the essential criteria for this position, are guaranteed an interview as part of our commitment to equal opportunities. Your diverse perspectives and talents contribute to our collective success.

Reasonable Adjustments: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know on; Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. We will ensure that these adjustments are made to accommodate your needs.

Your Voice Matters; Connect, Engage, and Make Your Voice Heard!
We don't just encourage engagement—we celebrate it. That's why we've cultivated a vibrant community of staff networking groups where every voice matters.

These groups are more than just forums—they're hubs of innovation and inclusion, dedicated to sparking fresh ideas, challenging the status quo, and championing equality and fairness for all. From exploring new perspectives to shaping policies that reflect our diverse workforce, our staff networks play a pivotal role in driving positive change.

Join us and become part of something bigger:
• Race Equality
• Rainbow Alliance
• Menopause Support
• Carers Network
• Shine Community
• Wellbeing/Health Advocates
• Be a Change Champion to shape our council's future through transformative initiatives.