Paralegal (maternity cover)

University of Bedfordshire; Luton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based educational institution is seeking a Paralegal for a temporary position within its Legal Team. The role involves managing contract processes, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and providing training on legal matters. This is a unique opportunity to gain substantial legal experience while covering maternity leave. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the management of the contract process across the University, including reviewing and amending contracts.
• Support the review of new policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance.
• Provide delivery in in-house training on legal matters.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including external legal firms.
• Oversee the FOI and SAR processes.

Job description

Overview

The University of Bedfordshire is looking for a Paralegal to join the Legal Team to cover a maternity leave from November 2025 to October 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on legal experience supporting the Senior Legal Officer (In House Counsel) across a range of legal services.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the management of the contract process across the University, including reviewing and amending contracts.
• Support the review of new policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance.
• Provide delivery in in-house training on legal matters.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including external legal firms.
• Oversee the FOI and SAR processes and support the Head of Governance, Compliance and Data Protection in managing the University's data protection compliance.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of all its workforce and student population. Inclusivity is a key University value, and we are committed to creating an environment in which we celebrate and value the diversity of our staff and student community and provide fair opportunity and outcomes for all. We recognise that diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to benefit from the opportunities that diversity of talent and thought creates. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Bedfordshire's workforce, including people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (particularly in roles in grades 7 and above), disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and women in some senior grades.

Eligibility

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.