LEGAL SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMISSIONER

Department of Finance; Belfast; On-site; GBP 39,720 - 48,547; Part time

Job summary

A government department in Belfast is seeking a LEGAL SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMISSIONER to oversee complaints handling for the legal profession. This part-time role requires a commitment of 2-3 days per week for a term of 3 years. Candidates must not have been solicitors or barristers and should have an interest in legal regulation. A remuneration of £44,134 per annum is offered.

Qualifications

• Must not be a solicitor or barrister
• Commitment to a part-time role of 2–3 days per week for a 3-year term

Responsibilities

• Oversee complaints handling systems for members of the legal profession.
• Provide statutory consultative input on new rules or regulations.
• Examine matters relating to regulation or organisation of relevant professions.

Skills

Experience or interest in legal services oversight, regulation, or quality assurance

Job description

Join to apply for the LEGAL SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMISSIONER role at Department of Finance

Overview

The Commissioner will not only oversee complaints handling systems, they have a statutory consultative role in relation to other aspects of regulation. That includes inputting to all new rules or regulations made by the Law Society or the Council of the Bar, and acting on Departmental requests to examine any matter relating to the regulation or organisation of the relevant professions.

The Department of Finance, in consultation with the Lady Chief Justice, is now seeking to identify a person for appointment as the Commissioner. This is a part‑time appointment, with a commitment envisaged to be between 2 and 3 days per week. The term of appointment will be for a period of 3 years, starting on the date of appointment. The remuneration package will equate to £44,134 per annum (Ref: IRC320208).

Responsibilities

• Oversee complaints handling systems for members of the legal profession.
• Provide statutory consultative input on new rules or regulations made by the Law Society or the Council of the Bar.
• Act on Departmental requests to examine any matter relating to the regulation or organisation of the relevant professions.
• Collaborate with the Department, the Lady Chief Justice and other regulatory bodies on oversight matters.

Qualifications

• Must not be, and must never have been, a solicitor or barrister under the terms of the Act.
• Commitment to a part‑time role of 2–3 days per week for a 3‑year term.
• Experience or interest in legal services oversight, regulation, or quality assurance beneficial.

Remuneration

Base pay: £44,134 per annum

Location

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Interviews are anticipated to be held in Belfast. Applicants invited for interview are eligible for reimbursement of reasonable travelling expenses incurred within Northern Ireland.

Application Process

Completed application forms must be returned not later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 5th December 2025. All requests must include your name, address and reference number IRC320208. A Candidate Information Pack containing more detailed information is available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/public-appointment-vacancies and https://irecruit-ext.hrconnect.nigov.net/.

Equality of Opportunity

The Department is committed to the principle of public appointments within a merit‑based process, with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. The Department is also committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of religious belief, gender, race, political opinion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or dependent status.

Accessibility

Alternative formats such as Braille, large print, audio etc. are available on request. All reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate the needs of applicants/candidates with a disability.

Seniority Level

Associate

Employment Type

Part-time

Job Function

Quality Assurance

Industry

Government Relations Services