Head of Legal Services

West Mercia Police; Worcester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days Annual Leave

Health and well-being support

Access to affordable private healthcare

Discounts on Electric Vehicles

Blue light card discounts

Job summary

A regional law enforcement agency is seeking a Head of Legal Services to lead a small team and provide sound legal advice on various matters. Key responsibilities include monitoring legal costs, ensuring compliance in decision-making, and supporting operational activities. Applicants should have experience in legal advisory roles and possess strong leadership skills. Benefits include generous leave, healthcare support, and a commitment to diversity and flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in providing legal advice to senior management.
• Strong understanding of legal compliance and corporate governance.
• Ability to lead a legal team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely legal advice on complex and high-profile matters.
• Monitor legal costs and expenditure efficiently.
• Support legal functions in operational activities.
• Ensure legal compliance in decision-making processes.
• Facilitate training for officers to protect the organization.

Skills

Legal advice provision

Monitoring legal costs

Corporate compliance

Professional judgment support

Operational activity support

Job description

West Mercia Police are looking for an exceptional Head of Legal Services.

The post holder will be responsible for a small Legal Services Team, Insurance Services and the Civil Disclosure Team.

Description

This role requires the post holder to maximise the extent to which communities and the organisation’s reputation are protected by ensuring:

• The Chief Constable, Chief Officers and members of the wider police workforce receive sound and timely legal advice on a wide range of matters including those that are complex and high profile, including representation in various court proceedings.
• Legal services costs and expenditure are monitored and minimised.
• The legal function supports all aspects of corporate and operational activity, responsibilities and reputation.
• Decision-making in respect of day-to-day activity is legally compliant, policies are sound, and officers and staff are supported in exercising professional judgment.
• The organisation is protected from challenge wherever possible through lesson learning, officer training and other activities.
• All mechanisms of legal service delivery are effective and efficient.

We would like you to submit a CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria as detailed on the attached role profile.

The closing date for this post is Midnight on Sunday 8th February 2026

Interviews will be held on the 23rd February 2026 and will involve a presentation as part of the selection process.

Why work for us?

• 28 days Annual leave (increasing to 33 after 5 years’ service) + bank holidays
• Health and well being support through an Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health services and Staff Networks.
• Police Mutual, affordable private healthcare and other savings.
• Discounts on Electric Vehicles and Cycle to work scheme.
• Register for a Blue light card – over 15,000 discounts from large national retailers.

To read more about the added benefits and rewards of working for West Mercia Police, please go to our website.

• We embrace diversity and welcome applications from everyone.
• We are also happy to talk flexible working where it is suitable for the role.

If you require any support to complete your application or you have any questions please contact the recruitment team on 01905 718444 (press option 1 then 5) or email [e-mail]