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About the job
Job summary
The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) legal team operates at the centre of the UKs new system for environmental governance. We work on some of the most stimulating legal matters, tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time, from climate change to biodiversity loss.
We are looking for two newly qualified lawyers or experienced paralegals (one temporary, one permanently) to join our team as Legal Researchers.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute towards environmental protection and improvement, whilst developing your career in this fascinating area of law.
Created by the Environment Act 2021, the OEPs principal objective is to protect and improve the environment. We do this by holding government and other public bodies to account including by:
- reporting on progress against Englands and Northern Irelands environmental improvement plans and environmental targets
- advising government on proposed changes to environmental laws and other matters
- reporting to Parliament/the Assembly about the implementation of environmental law, and
- investigating suspected failures by public authorities to comply with environmental law and, where necessary, taking enforcement action.
Our legal team plays a crucial role in delivering every aspect of this work.
The roles are based in the OEPs General Counsel directorate and will be managed by our Head of Legal Research and Analysis. The successful candidates will also work closely with other members of our legal team, including the General Counsel and our other heads of function – our Head of Litigation and Casework and our Head of Environmental Law.
With a total staff across the OEP of 74, we are a small, friendly and flexible organisation. We offer flexible working arrangements, high profile, dynamic work and the chance to have an impact on improving the state of the environment.
To find out more about the OEP, what we do, who we are and our current work, visit the OEP website.
The OEP is a non-departmental public body sponsored by which means it operates independently from Defra and is not part of the UK Civil Service. Our employees are public servants.
Job description
The legal team provides legal and governance support to all OEP functions and decision making. We work in a flexible way, with members of the team acting across the full range of the OEPs functions. We also work closely with colleagues of other specialisms in multi-disciplinary teams.
Our Legal Researcher roles would be well suited to newly qualified lawyers or to experienced paralegals who wish to gain in experience in environmental and public law. Prior knowledge of these areas of law would be beneficial but is not a pre-requisite; we expect successful candidates to develop in-role.
With support and supervision from other team members, you would be responsible for planning and carrying out research activities both on a standalone basis and embedded within our multidisciplinary teams.
Specific areas you can expect opportunities to work on include:
- undertaking legal research across a range of environmental laws (including in relation to legislation, caselaw, regulatory practice and legal implementation)
- analysing and synthesising your research to draw out themes and identify key findings to inform the OEPs scrutiny of how environmental laws are implemented and the OEPs enforcement approaches
- assisting other OEP teams on non-legal research, but with a legal angle
- assisting in instructing counsel, external solicitors and other contractors to provide advice and undertake specific research and analysis tasks
- providing advice, with appropriate supervision, on aspects of environmental and public law, governance, commercial and other legal issues
- assisting with providing legal input and advice for projects to monitor and report on the implementation of environmental law
- assisting with analysing complaints made to the OEP regarding public authorities failures to comply with environmental law, OEP investigations into such failures and litigation case management, and
- supporting the training of other OEP staff, particularly in matters of environmental and public law.
Information Webinars:
We are hosting a webinar during the application period to provide potential candidates with the opportunity to meet the team, to find out more about the role and to ask questions. For more information, please visit the event page: http://oeprecruitment.eventbrite.com
The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Person specification
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Law degree or equivalent (e.g. Postgraduate Diploma in Law; CILEX Advanced Diploma); qualified to practice as a solicitor, barrister or legal executive in England and Wales an advantage
- Excellent legal research skills; you use appropriate research methods to identify relevant sources of information, with the ability to analyse and synthesise complex factual and legal issues
- Strong communication and influencing skills; you are able to present technical legal and non-legal material in a clear and compelling way, both orally and in writing such as through legal advice and reports
- Motivated by your personal development; you are interested in developing your career in environmental law, and are happy to work in a continuously learning and improving environment, to stretch yourself and embrace your own development, and to put learning into effect to continuously improve in-role
- Deliver at pace; you are resilient and able to work flexibly to produce high quality work to tight deadlines and to balance conflicting demands
- Work well with others; you are flexible and adaptable, and contribute to the team, working collaboratively with colleagues from a range of backgrounds and disciplines, and
- Excellent organisational skills: you are a good planner and manager of your own work, able to take initiative and be highly proactive in progressing work as well as seeking review and steer on a regular basis).
Qualifications
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Developing Self and Others
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Research: You have experience of a variety of legal research methods to gather relevant information. You can understand when to use these methods and how to apply them correctly.
- Analysis and synthesis: You demonstrate the ability to analyse and synthesise complex legal and non-legal material to reach findings which you present in a clear, compelling way.
Benefits
Pension
The OEP offers a generous defined benefit, inflation-proof Civil Service Pension which is a valuable part of your total reward package. Upon joining the OEP, staff can opt to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme which, depending on salary, offers a personal contribution rate of between 4.6% and 7.35%, and an employer contribution rate of between 26.6% and 30.3%. There is also the option to join a partnership scheme. Full details and benefits of the options available to you can be found on the Civil Service Pension Portal.
Leave and Flexible Working
The OEP offers 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days over 5 years for all new entrants.
Additional paid leave is available where necessary to cater for a variety of situations including, but not limited to, family-related leave, volunteering days, exam and study leave, public duties and trade union activities. In addition, we offer a generous enhanced maternity leave, parental leave and shared parental leave policy.
The OEP is supportive of flexible working and has a flexible working policy to allow for variations in individuals working hours where this is compatible with business need.
Performance Management and In Year Bonus Scheme
The OEP is committed to promoting a high-performing culture for all employees. Performance and development management is key to developing trusting relationships between managers and employees so that they can be their best and thrive at work. Every individual will have a performance management plan which will be reviewed on a regular basis.
The OEP has a quarterly In-year Bonus Scheme where individuals and/ or teams can be recognised for outstanding one-off contributions and achievements.
Learning and Development
The OEP is a learning organisation and strongly supports the continuous professional development of all employees through both personal and work related study.
Every employee has access to five days learning and development each year to support professional development. This could be through Civil Service Learning mandatory and voluntary learning, corporate inductions, staff events and welcome days as well as relevant professional qualifications and specific courses.
Staff Wellbeing
Staff wellbeing is extremely important and the OEP strives to provide access to numerous resources to aid the wellbeing of its employees. Current initiatives include:
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free and confidential 24/7 telephone advice and guidance to support employees with both personal and employment issues. This may include personal wellbeing, career development or legal matters such as landlord / tenant disputes.
- Access to an Occupational Health Service to provide a range of support service to help with the way you feel at work.
- Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders and wider Defra Group mental health first aid network and resources.
- Free access to Headspace, a mindfulness, meditation and sleep app.
- Access to a Financial Wellbeing Portal.
- Free eye tests and a contribution to glasses/ lenses if required for VDU use.
Salary Sacrifice, Discounts and SmartTech Benefits
All employees have access to the STaR, Reward Gateway an online platform providing access to hundreds of discounts, offers and cashback options with well-known retailers. They offer a SmartTech scheme, a Cash Healthcare plan and numerous other benefits and services.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV, including qualifications and work history, and a 750 word Personal Statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
The OEP uses the Civil Service Success Profile framework which is made up of five elements: Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical. It is strongly recommend you have a look at the Success Profiles to enable you to make the best application possible. When writing behaviours at application stage or presenting behaviours in interview, the OEP recommends you use the STAR format to present your answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
The personal statement is a very important part of your application. Review the person specification on the job description and outline how you meet it providing specific and relevant examples. These could be from work, volunteering, training or education.
Further details are provided on the application form.
Sift
After the closing date, your application will be assessed against the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Candidates who pass the sift will be progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome shortly after the closing date.
Please note that feedback will not be given to applications at sift stage.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to an interview where you will be assessed on the elements outlined in the advert.
Prior to interview or at interview, you may be required to complete an additional exercise or deliver a presentation. If this is required details will be sent alongside your invite to interview.
Interviews will be held in-person at the Worcester office. Travel and subsistence costs will not be reimbursed for candidates travelling to interview.
Appointments
All appointments will be made in merit order following interview.
Identification
Candidates will need to bring ID to interview for verification in person. Human Resources will contact you to advise what ID you need to bring.
Following interview, ID will need to be checked for Right to Work and BPSS security clearance. This will be done by secure online platforms via the Government Recruitment Service.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. All appointments will be made in merit order.
Near Miss Appointments
On occasion candidates may attend interview for the advertised post but will narrowly miss the standard required at interview. The OEP may, where appropriate, consider such candidates for alternative, similar posts at a lower grade.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Location
These roles are based in Worcester and the successful candidate will be contractually based at the Worcester office.
The OEP supports a blended working model and will support a combination of office and home working which will be dependent on business need and individual circumstances. Worcester based employees are expected to attend the office for 40-60% of the week. Travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to the contractual location.
If the candidate is an internal candidate, they retain the right to their current contractual location unless TUPE restrictions apply. Home working contracts will not be issued for GB based staff.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact the OEP at recruitment@theoep.org.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Criminal Record Check
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service or Access NI on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please note that the OEP is not a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence Sponsor and is unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to the OEP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : OEP Recruitment
- Email : recruitment@theoep.org.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : recruitment@theoep.org.uk
Further information
