Principal Legal Officer 

Salary: £63,830 (pro rata)

Hours: This role is 37 hours, and is available on a full-time, part-time, or job share basis. We offer other flexible work options, such as compressed hours.

Contract: Permanent

Location: Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Carleton Hall, Penrith. CFRS encourages flexible working which also means working from another station or homeworking.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 16 March 2025

Interviews: Interviews will be held in person on Thursday 27 March 2025. The location will be confirmed with successfully shortlisted applicants, but will likely be Penrith, Cumbria.

THE OPFCC
On 1st April 2023, the Police and Crime Commissioner legally became Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), as responsibility for the governance of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) transferred to him following Local Government Reform in Cumbria.

THE ROLE
Reporting to the Chief Executive of the OPFCC and the Chief Principal Officer of CFRS, this influential role is an exciting and varied opportunity for a senior legal professional. The post holder will ensure the Fire and Rescue Authority, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, and the OPFCC all receive the expert legal advice and support that they require to act lawfully and fulfil their statutory obligations.

To apply for this role you must be a qualified solicitor, hold a current practicing certificate, and possess detailed knowledge across an array of legal disciplines that are relevant to be able to carry out the functions and responsibilities of the role. The successful candidate must have an understanding of public sector statutory and regulatory framework as well as have a strong political awareness.

We are seeking to appoint a high calibre individual with a proven record of working at a senior strategic level. You must have experience of effectively working across professional and organisational boundaries and in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for working with the Legal Services team (provided by Cumbria Constabulary) to ensure that the OPFCC receives the advice and support on relevant legal matters.

As well as being an excellent communicator and having a commitment to all aspects of diversity and inclusion, we are seeking an individual with sound judgement and high levels of integrity. You must have the ability to assimilate and explain complex information, providing constructive challenge and fresh thinking.

If you think you are ready for this new challenge, then we would welcome an application from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the OPFCC or email commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk, to arrange a telephone call with the Chief Executive of the OPFCC/CCFRA and/or the Chief Fire Officer

TO APPLY:
Further information and how to apply for this exciting role can be found on the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service website

To apply for this role, you will need to submit an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement.  Further details of how to apply are on the CFRS website via the link above.