Legal Counsel

To support in the provision of timely, outcomes focused and commercially astute legal advice with a focus on contracts, company, intellectual property and procurement, to support the charity and its trading subsidiary, UCAS Media. Taking a risk-based approach to legal advice, you will work with Senior Legal Counsel and Governance teams to ensure legal advice is robust and pragmatic.

Key accountabilities:

As Legal Counsel your role will encompass all areas of law arising in the operation of the business. With a focus which includes the following:

• Identifying legal risks within the company and advising on appropriate ways to manage and mitigate such risks that are relevant and proportionate to UCAS and its activities.

You will support the Legal and Governance teams with:

• Updating/upkeeping effectively completed legal agreements/advice and legal precedents.

• Maintaining our Legal and Regulatory Register, including keeping up to date with legislative changes which may impact on UCAS’ business in terms of compliance.

For a full list of accountabilities see attached role profile.

Skills, qualifications, and experience

• You will be a qualified solicitor or legal executive with a proven track record of drafting and advising on commercial contracts and procurement


• You will have experience of identifying and managing legal risk across a diverse legal portfolio utilizing a risk based approach to delivering pragmatic advice and guidance.


• Ideally you will have experience in an in-house environment.


• Strong technical skills and attention to detail particularly in contractual matters is essential.

• You will be a team player who works collaboratively with a positive and proactive approach which is outcomes focused.

• You will need to have a can-do attitude as well as a willingness to work flexibly not only with your subject matter, but also working with colleagues of differing skills and experience.

• You must be approachable and be able to present your legal advice in a plain and concise manner.

Pacakge

Salary - up to £50,000

Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity

Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academies

Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts

30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave

Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools

Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office

Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders

Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyond
 

If you have any questions and would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team via careers@ucas.ac.uk and one of us will be in touch.

How to apply

Please visit our website by clicking on the Apply Now button to see vacancies and to download and complete our application form.