Overview
A major UK charity responsible for maintaining 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 and environmental frameworks.
- Oversee involvement in Coronial Inquests, liaising with HM Coroner and Police, preparing documentation, and supporting colleagues.
- Advise on compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and manage project and contractor risk.
- Provide legal oversight of procurement, contractor safety management, and project delivery compliance.
- 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 operations.
- Assist in developing governance frameworks, policies, and training to reduce regulatory exposure.
- 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 experience across health and safety, environmental regulation, governance, and statutory frameworks relevant to infrastructure, operational, or public-facing organisations.
- Experience in heritage, construction, or maritime environments is advantageous.
- Proven expertise 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.
- Desirable experience in information governance and statutory disclosure, particularly in public sector, charity, or infrastructure contexts.
- Ability to advise senior leadership and Boards on regulatory risk and strategic implications.
- Capable of providing pragmatic advice and resolving complex regulatory issues in operational settings.
- Able to work autonomously, manage a varied caseload, and meet tight deadlines.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting safe working environments for children, young people, and adults at risk.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual salary of £68,000.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Increasing holiday entitlement.
- Range of employee benefits.
Working Hours & Location
- Full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
- Remote working with occasional attendance at main hub locations as required.
Additional Information
- The organisation encourages early applications as the vacancy may close once sufficient suitable candidates are received.
- Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process for disabilities, neurodiversity, or health conditions.
- Part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements can be considered.
- A Guaranteed Interview Scheme is in place for disabled applicants meeting minimum criteria.
Applicants should be prepared to support the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding and safe working practices at all times.