Overview
A major UK charity responsible for the care of 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks, and reservoirs is seeking a Senior Regulatory Lawyer to join their Legal team. This role supports the organisation's governance and compliance with complex statutory frameworks related to health and safety, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, climate, infrastructure regulation, and more.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the lead legal adviser on regulatory law including health and safety, ESG, climate, governance, infrastructure, and related statutory regimes.
- Advise senior leaders and directors on regulatory risk, corporate and director liability, and statutory duties.
- Lead and coordinate legal responses to serious incidents, investigations, and statutory reporting obligations.
- Manage engagement with regulators such as the Police and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding investigations, enforcement notices, interviews under caution, and enforcement proceedings.
- Provide advice on ESG-related regulatory obligations, including statutory reporting, climate and environmental frameworks, and governance.
- Oversee involvement in Coronial Inquests, including liaison with HM Coroner and Police, preparation of documentation, and legal support.
- Advise on compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and manage project and contractor risk.
- Provide legal oversight of regulatory compliance in procurement, contractor safety management, and project delivery.
- Advise on public law obligations, statutory decision-making processes, and regulatory powers affecting operations.
- Support information governance and statutory disclosure matters arising from investigations and operational activities.
- Assist in developing governance frameworks, policies, and training to reduce regulatory exposure and strengthen compliance.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, identify emerging risks, and advise on implementation.
- Provide legal advice on other regulatory matters as required.
Requirements
- Qualified lawyer with at least 10 years post-qualification experience (PQE) or equivalent in regulatory law.
- Broad regulatory experience covering health and safety, environmental regulation, governance, and statutory frameworks relevant to infrastructure, operational, or public-facing organisations.
- Experience in crisis management, investigations, enforcement processes, and regulatory defence.
- Strong understanding of corporate liability, directors’ duties, and organisational accountability.
- Experience advising on Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, contractor risk, and operational infrastructure.
- Proven ability to advise senior leadership and Boards on regulatory risk and strategic implications.
- Ability to provide pragmatic advice and resolve complex regulatory issues in operational settings.
- Ability to work autonomously, manage a varied caseload, and meet tight deadlines.
- Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and commitment to safe working environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience related to heritage, construction, or maritime environments.
- Experience advising on information governance and statutory disclosure obligations, particularly in public sector, charity, or infrastructure contexts.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual salary range: £68,000 - £75,000, depending on experience.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Increasing holiday entitlement.
- A range of employee benefits.
Working Hours & Location
- Full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
- Remote working basis with occasional attendance at main hub locations as required.
Additional Information
- The organisation is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.
- Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process for disabilities, neurodiversity, or health conditions.
- Part-time, flexible, or job share arrangements can be considered.
- A Guaranteed Interview Scheme is in place for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria under the Equality Act 2010.
- The organisation may use AI tools to assist with application analysis, but all hiring decisions are made by hiring managers.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as the vacancy may close once sufficient suitable applications are received.