LEGAL SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMISSIONER

Finance Ni; Belfast; On-site; GBP 45,000; Part time

Job summary

A government agency in Northern Ireland seeks a Legal Services Oversight Commissioner to oversee the handling of legal profession complaints and advise on regulations. This part-time position requires a commitment of 2 to 3 days per week over a 3-year term, with a remuneration of £44,134 per annum. The ideal candidate must not have previously been a solicitor or barrister. Applications due by 12:00 noon on December 5th, 2025.

Qualifications

• The appointee must not be, and must never have been, a solicitor or barrister.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complaints handling systems for legal profession.
• Provide statutory consultative role regarding regulations.
• Act on departmental requests for examination of regulations.

Job description

LEGAL SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMISSIONER

The way in which complaints against members of the legal profession are handled is changing, to be led by lay people rather than legal professionals themselves. An exciting opportunity exists to be at the forefront of that change, in the role of Legal Services Oversight Commissioner.

The Commissioner will not only oversee complaints handling systems, but also have a statutory consultative role in relation to other aspects of regulation. That includes input into all new rules or regulations made by the Law Society or the Council of the Bar, and acting on departmental requests to examine any matter relating to the regulation or organisation of the relevant professions.

This is a part‑time appointment, with a commitment envisaged to be between 2 and 3 days per week. The term of appointment will be for a period of 3 years, starting on the date of appointment.

The remuneration package will equate to £44,134 per annum.

Important: Under the terms of the Act, the appointee must not be, and must never have been, a solicitor or barrister.

Reference: IRC320208

A Candidate Information Pack containing more detailed information is available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/public-appointment-vacancies and https://irecruit-ext.hrconnect.nigov.net/

All requests must include your name, address and reference number IRC320208.

Completed application forms must be returned to arrive not later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 5th December 2025.

Applicants invited for interview are eligible for reimbursement of reasonable travelling expenses incurred within Northern Ireland. It is anticipated that interviews will be held in Belfast.

Equality of Opportunity:

• The Department is committed to the principle of public appointments within a merit‑based process, with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process.
• The Department is also committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of religious belief, gender, race, political opinion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or dependent status.

Employment Details

• Seniority level: Associate
• Employment type: Part‑time
• Job function: Quality Assurance
• Industries: Government Relations Services