Charity Governance & Legal Strategy Lead

Forrest Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Senior Legal Advisor to join a leading charity in Stockport on a permanent basis. You will act as the organisation’s principal legal adviser, supporting governance, regulatory and strategic objectives.

You will work with the Board and senior stakeholders to provide strategic, commercially-focused legal guidance while identifying and mitigating risks across the charity’s operations and international activities.

Qualifications

• A recognised legal qualification such as Solicitor, Barrister, Chartered Legal Executive or equivalent.
• A degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent legal qualification.
• Strong knowledge and experience of charity law, governance and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Act as the charity's principal legal adviser, providing strategic advice to the Board of Trustees, Executive Team and senior leadership.
• Lead on corporate governance matters, including Board effectiveness, trustee responsibilities, constitutional matters and regulatory reporting.
• Develop and maintain a robust legal and governance framework supporting the charity's long-term objectives and international operations.
• Identify emerging legal, regulatory and sector-specific risks and develop proactive strategies to mitigate these.
• Provide advice on charity law, company law, fundraising regulations, data protection and other relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead on complex negotiations, contractual disputes, investigations and other sensitive legal matters, including managing external legal counsel where appropriate.
• Advise on high-value partnerships, funding agreements, commercial arrangements and international collaborations.
• Provide legal oversight across safeguarding, employment, intellectual property and organisational policy development.
• Monitor changes in legislation and developments across the charity sector, ensuring the organisation remains informed and prepared for regulatory change.
• Represent the charity in dealings with regulators, government bodies, donors, partners and other external stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of strong governance, accountability and ethical practice across the organisation through advice, leadership and knowledge sharing.
• Support strategic decision-making by providing clear, practical legal advice that balances risk with operational and organisational objectives.

Skills

Legal advisory

Governance

Regulatory compliance

Education

LLB or equivalent

Job description

Senior Legal Advisor to join a leading charity in Stockport on a permanent basis. You will act as the organisation’s principal legal adviser, supporting governance, regulatory and strategic objectives.

You will work with the Board and senior stakeholders to provide strategic, commercially-focused legal guidance while identifying and mitigating risks across the charity’s operations and international activities.