3568 - Principal Barrister (Enforcement), Legal Services

A barrister to advise on enforcement and litigation matters. 

Key responsibilities will include: 

• A key function of the Legal Team is the enforcement of protected site and protected species legislation. The post holder will work with the Natural England’s Head of Legal Services to deliver this work. This will involve:
  • day-to-day management of enforcement cases and legal advice in accordance with Natural England’s Compliance and Enforcement Position and Enforcement Guidance;
  • representing Natural England as advocate in Magistrates and Crown Court settings;
  • acting as the Natural England Legal Services team’s main internal point of enquiry for enforcement legal advice;
  • advising Natural England’s Enforcement Team (or others), on Natural England’s investigative and enforcement powers;
  • working with investigators throughout the enforcement process;
  • advising on the use of Natural England’s civil sanction powers; and
  • keeping abreast of legal developments relevant to Natural England’s enforcement actions.
• The post holder will work with the Enforcement Team on training both internally and externally.
• Leading on legal matters, advocacy and strategy in respect of representing Natural England’s interests in appeals under Part 2 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and appeals under Part 5 of Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (England) (No.2) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
• Advising Natural England Enforcement Officers on PACE compliant interviews and the investigation of wildlife offences.
• Providing legal advice, assessment of legal risk and interpretation of legislation, policy and guidance affecting Natural England to officers, managers/Directors, Chief Officers, and the CEO.
• Advising on the impact and development of new legislation and policy and leading on reviews of Natural England’s Compliance and Enforcement Position and Enforcement Guidance.
• Familiarity with nature conservation issues.
• Instructing Counsel and/or other external legal providers as appropriate.
• Participating in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups as directed from time to time.
• Collaborating with existing Principal Solicitors, the Enforcement team and Access to Information team. Supporting the Head of Legal Services and Chief Officer for Legal and Governance to provide an exemplary legal service to Natural England.
• Supporting the development of the legal team’s profile both internally and externally including improving links with key stakeholders such as the National wildlife Crime Unit, and Office for Environmental Protection and Crown Prosecution Service via their community liaison panel.
• Frequent travel and some overnight stays, mainly in London but also other locations in England to attend meetings and hearings. 

This is a National role and can be based at any of our Natural England offices - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england/about/access-and-opening 

Candidates with disabilities will automatically be put forward to the interview stage provided that they satisfy the minimum criteria for the role. Flexible working patterns will generally be accommodated unless stated otherwise. 

How to apply

We'll assess you against the competencies below during the selection process. When completing the application form you should present relevant examples using the STAR format. STAR stands for:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

We are the Government’s statutory advisor for the natural environment, playing a vital role in delivering the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. This describes an ambitious vision, bringing new opportunities to protect and enhance, and to achieve real outcomes for the environment.

At Natural England, we love what we do. We’re here to make sure people and nature can thrive. A healthy natural environment is fundamental to our wellbeing, prosperity and happiness – that’s why we collaborate with scientists, lawyers, project managers and experts to implement environmental policy and shape decisions.

We work with a wide range of partners, stakeholders and customers on a huge range of projects, from influencing construction, advising farmers and landowners how they can manage their land in a sustainable way for the benefit of the environment, gathering and analysing environmental data, and carrying out vital statutory duties. Across the country, we’re helping nature to support people and our planet.

We are focusing our efforts on six key programmes:

Greener Farming and Fisheries – supporting those who manage land and sea to operate in harmony with the environment

Sustainable Development – creating great places for people to live and work

Connecting People with Nature - promoting health and wellbeing through the great outdoors

Resilient Landscapes and Seas – protecting and restoring wildlife and natural beauty for future generations

Specialist Science and Evidence - an evidence-led organisation that is driven by science

Managing the Organisation – gathering business data to enable decision making

Natural England staff are inclusive, motivated and ambitious to achieve results for our environment, for everyone. We welcome and encourage applications from all communities and we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Wherever possible Natural England accommodates requests for both full-time and part-time hours and other flexible working patterns to help employees achieve a good work/life balance and maintain their health and wellbeing.

From induction to ongoing learning and development, everyone in Natural England is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.

See more about the work of Natural England at:-
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england 

A Rewarding Role

• A unique opportunity to use your litigation skills in the public interest to restore nature in England. Help influence positive environmental outcomes on the ground with your practical legal advice
• Be part of a scientific organisation that is passionate about advising Government and others on the importance of the natural environment
• Join a small collaborative legal team practising in the fascinating and technical area of nature conservation law. This is a rare opportunity to work on high profile, high quality casework in this field
• Natural England has many different powers and duties and the work of its lawyers is incredibly varied offering opportunities to develop expertise in a wide range of areas
• Natural England offers a friendly work environment at various locations across England and welcomes applicants who may be looking to achieve a balance between their personal and professional life.
• Generous benefits package including 33 days leave, 10 training and development days, and civil service pension (pro-rated where relevant).

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks

Contact point for applicants 

Richard Broadbent

Email : Richard.broadbent@naturalengland.org.uk

Telephone : 077682 93669