Principal Legal Officer – Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service

On 1st April 2023, the Police & Crime Commissioner legally became Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), as responsibility for the governance of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) transferred to him following Local Government Reform in Cumbria.

The PFCC now occupies two separate legal entities: The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria (in relation to policing) and the Cumbria Commissioner Fire & Rescue Authority (the Fire & Rescue Authority) for the Fire & Rescue Service.

To help the PFCC fulfil his statutory and regulatory responsibilities across both legal entities, he is supported by the Office of Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner (OPFCC).

The OPFCC has created a new role of Principal Legal Officer to provide a comprehensive legal service to the Fire & Rescue Authority, CFRS and the OPFCC across a broad range and variety of legal work. Reporting to the Chief Executive of the OPFCC and the Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive of CFRS, this influential role is an exciting and varied opportunity for a senior legal professional. The post holder will ensure the Fire & Rescue Authority, Fire & Rescue Service and the OPFCC all receive the expert legal advice and support that they require to act lawfully and fulfil their statutory obligations.

To apply for this role you must be a qualified solicitor, hold a current practicing certificate, and possess detailed knowledge across an array of legal disciplines that are relevant to be able to carry out the functions and responsibilities of the role. The successful candidate must have an understanding of public sector statutory and regulatory framework as well as have a strong political awareness.

We are seeking to appoint a high calibre individual with a proven record of working at a senior strategic level. You must have experience of effectively working across professional and organisational boundaries and in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for working with the Legal Services team (provided by Cumbria Constabulary) to ensure that the OPFCC receives the advice and support on relevant legal matters.

As well as being an excellent communicator and having a commitment to all aspects of diversity and inclusion, we are seeking an individual with sound judgement and high levels of integrity. You must have the ability to assimilate and explain complex information, providing constructive challenge and fresh thinking.

If you think you are ready for this new challenge, then we would welcome an application from you.