JOB DESCRIPTION

							                           J O B       D E S C R I P T I O N

                                INTERIM HEAD OF LEGAL ADVICE

Location:              Lambeth, Central London
Reports to:            Director of Regulatory Services
Job Family:            Grade A

JOB PURPOSE

To advise the Chief Executive, Directors and Managers on all regulatory matters and law that
impacts, or may impact, on the GPhC . To ensure that legal risks affecting hearings are
identified and managed in line with GPhC risk management principles, and to support the GPhC
overall in the identification and management of legal risks to the organisation. To manage the
performance and supervise the work of a legal adviser.


MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES


1.   To advise the Chief Executive, Directors and Managers on the GPhC’s regulatory framework
     and underpinning legislation, and other European and domestic law affecting the GPhC
     (other than employment legislation);

2.   Working with the Head of Governance advise staff across the GPhC on the interpretation of
     pharmacy-related Orders, and procedural rules made under those Orders;

3.   Working with the GPhC’s Governance Team, to monitor the operation of the GPhC’s
     responsibilities under the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts;

4.   To advise on the legal effects on policy proposals;

5.   Where required, to assist in formulation of evidence for submission to inquiries, Select
     Committees and other formal tribunals;
6.   Manage and support the development of a legal adviser reporting to you, ensuring that the
     postholder has clear objectives and development plan;
7.   To take part in and facilitate training and education of staff, on relevant legal
     responsibilities and evidential issues;

8.   Working with the Policy and Communications Directorate, to draft material for publication
     on relevant legal matters and give presentations on legal topics;

9.   To represent the GPhC at seminars, working groups and conferences as appropriate,
     including those organised by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence;

10. To instruct Counsel and external legal advisers on appeals against the decisions of statutory
    committees, section 29 appeals, judicial reviews of decisions and other issues as directed
    by the Chief Executive and Director of Regulatory Services;

11. To maintain a database of legal opinions and advice commissioned by the GPhC;

12. To be responsible for the conduct of litigation on behalf of the GPhC, as instructed by the
    Chief Executive or the Director of Regulatory Services;

13. To undertake other such duties as may be reasonably requested by the Chief Executive and
    Director Regulatory Services.


SUCCESS MEASURES

    High quality and timely legal advice to Chief Executive & Registrar and others.

    All external proceedings are dealt with to high standards of quality and within agreed
     budgets; fixed fees are negotiated in all but complex cases.

    Works within allocated budget, achieving efficiency savings as required.


KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS FOR THIS JOB

    Solicitor or barrister with current practising certificate in England and Wales, or Scotland
     with significant post-qualification experience, gained in a regulatory or similar background;

    Experience of managing people, budgets and processes;

    Excellent communication skills, both written and oral;

    Excellent drafting skills (experience of drafting statutory instruments preferred);
   Confidence and sound judgement; self-reliance;

   Ability to work well within closely knit team;

   Ability to prioritise and work well under pressure;

   Experience in interpreting legislation into practical application;

   Experience in training and communicating legal requirements and procedures;

   Diplomatic and robust personality;

   Strong analytical skills and experience of analysing complex issues;

   IT competency;

   Must have an appreciation of the confidential nature of the work.




 The above is not exclusive or exhaustive and may alter depending on the needs of the GPhC
                                         TERMS AND CONDITIONS


Salary

Salaries for this position start at circa £60,000 pa pro rata. Salaries are normally reviewed in June of
each year.

Hours

The weekly hours are 35 hours.

Holidays

Holiday entitlement for this post is 25 day per annum pro rata, plus all Bank Holidays.

Pension

As a non-contractual benefit, you will be eligible to join the NHS pension Scheme after completion of 3
months service

(The GPhC reserves the right to withdraw this pension plan, and its terms may alter).

Other benefits

Interest free season ticket loans are available to staff after successful completion of a probationary
period. Subsidised staff restaurant facilities are available.

Location

The position is based in the GPhC Headquarters, 129 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7BT, within walking
distance of Waterloo, Lambeth North and Vauxhall stations. The Headquarters is located at Lambeth
Bridge overlooking Lambeth Palace and the Thames. The GPhC operates a ‘non-smoking’ policy
throughout its premises.

Return of applications
Applications should be returned to:

                                  recruitment@pharmacyregulation.org
                                                   or
                                              Recruitment
                                    Human Resources Support Services
                                     General Pharmaceutical Council
                                           129 Lambeth Road
                                                London
                                                SE1 7BT