Paralegal Officer (LSD Band 5/EO)

Diverse Perspectives and experiences are critical to our success, and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role. We look forward to receiving your application. 

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. 

We also offer the opportunity to speak to the vacancy holder prior to the advert closing to learn more about the role and the organisation. Please note that these discussions are not part of the formal assessment process, they are intended to give candidates the opportunity to learn about the role and the Civil Service.

If you are interested in participating in a discussion prior to the advert close date, please contact either Krystal Savoie at krystal.savoie@hse.gov.uk, and we will be happy to make arrangements for an informal discussion to take place. 

The Health and Safety Executive is recruiting a Paralegal to join the Legal Services Division. The successful candidate will join a small and expanding team within the division, working on the Building Safety Regulator function of the HSE. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a new regulatory regime and to and support the new team in providing legal advice and assistance on this crucial new regulatory role for HSE. 

Following Dame Judith Hackitt’s Building a Safer Future Report, the Building Safety Act 2022 created the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) as part of HSE, alongside new powers and responsibilities. There are two main operational areas within BSR. The regulation of Higher Risk Buildings and the regulation of the Building Control Profession. Both areas will require legal advice and assistance to support decision making and formal legal action in courts and tribunals, including prosecution for non-compliance with regulatory standards and in relation to incidents. 

The work of the legal team will be wide ranging, interesting and challenging, including both criminal and civil proceedings, appeals against civil sanctions in the context of regulation of the building control profession, and supporting BSR’s role as a statutory consultee in planning applications and Inquiries.  Those involved will be playing a key role in contributing to the protection of people in the places they live and work.

As the successful candidate, the responsibilities of the role will be varied and will include:

• The provision of legal research and advice under supervision
• Assisting lawyers in the preparation of cases in legal proceedings
• Collation and review of evidence
• Arranging and attending case conferences
• Liaison with Counsel, BSR operational colleagues, witnesses, court staff and other Government Departments
• Collaborating with colleagues within the legal team to establish effective policies and procedures
• Arranging Court/Tribunal/Inquiry hearings, and attending as appropriate
• Preparation of Court bundles; legal documents; legal instructions.

Please note, part time working hours are available for this role. We can accept part time applicants who can commit to working a minimum of 0.8 FTE (30 hours per week). 

Travel

The post can be based in any one of our offices in England, Scotland and Wales. We envisage flexible teams which are also based across the country which will require regular travel to HSE’s headquarters in Bootle and, less regularly, to other HSE offices along with travel to Court Centres across the Country. The majority of visits will be ones which can be planned in advance and aren’t routinely/by exception required at short notice.  This may involve overnight stays.

To undertake this role you will have:

• A good working knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and Criminal procedures in relation to prosecutions,
• Knowledge of practice and procedure of the First Tier Tribunals is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience of planning law is desirable.
• Experience in reassessing workloads and priorities
• Experience of working as part of a team
• Experience in maintaining accurate records

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Working Together

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27.1%
• Family friendly policies · and working hours to help balance your home life and career
• Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture
• 25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave
• Parental leave benefits

Allowances

This post is eligible for Excess Fares Allowance. A successful internal candidate currently based at another office may be entitled to Excess Fares Allowance in line with HSE policy (http://intranet/finance/expenses/excess-fares-allowance-policy.htm) 

Job contact :

• Name : Krystal Savoie
• Email : krystal.savoie@hse.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : HR.Resourcing-Team@hse.gov.uk