Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority

Legal Adviser

The closing date is 26 May 2025

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Job summary

The HFEA is the UK's independent regulator overseeing safe and appropriate practice in fertility treatment and embryo research. We license and monitor clinics carrying out IVF, donor insemination, and human embryo research.

We are looking for a full-time Legal Adviser to work within our small team. The Legal Adviser plays an active part in the work of the HFEA, particularly in relation to the work of the policy team, by providing legal support and advice on key areas of regulatory activity and being involved in policy projects.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work closely with the Senior Legal Adviser, to help provide a responsive and resilient legal service within the organisation and help with any litigation the HFEA is involved in. The Legal Adviser also supports other colleagues including the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, looking at issues relating to our legislation and regulations as they arise and supporting areas of work across the whole organisation. This includes the ongoing work on updating the HFE Act.

Interviews are likely to take place on Tuesday 10th June. Start date would be as soon as possible.

About us

The HFEA is the UK's independent regulator overseeing safe and appropriate practice in fertility treatment and embryo research. We license and monitor clinics carrying out IVF, donor insemination, and human embryo research.

This post is offered as either office based (in which case you will need to attend the office at least one day per week)or home based (in which case office attendance will be specified by your line manager based on business need). Our office is in Stratford, east London, in attractive new premises on the edge of the Olympic Park, alongside several other health Arms Length Bodies. In addition to flexibility and hybrid working we offer generous annual leave and pension arrangements.

The HFEA is a member of the Community Race and Work Charter and the Disability Confident Charter. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment that is free from any form of discrimination. We recognise that there are real benefits of having a diverse community of staff and aim for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society. Additionally, we adopt a culture that hopes to attract and retain talented individuals that want to work with us.

In November 2024, the HFEA was awarded People Insight's Outstanding Workplace Award 2024.

Details

Date posted

09 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£40,000 to £45,000 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

G0002-25-0005

Job locations

2nd Floor

2 Redman Place

London

E20 1JQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

We are looking for a qualified Solicitor/Barrister or equivalent. Experience of analysing legislation to produce practical legal advice, both written and oral are essential, along with experience in working independently and managing own deadlines. Previous experience in regulatory, healthcare or a public sector environment would be particularly valuable.

This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated individual who has experience in law to put their experience into practice across a broad range of interesting and important subject areas, you will have the chance to make a real and tangible difference to our work. For more information about the work the organisation does, please visit our website.

Job description

Job responsibilities

We are looking for a qualified Solicitor/Barrister or equivalent. Experience of analysing legislation to produce practical legal advice, both written and oral are essential, along with experience in working independently and managing own deadlines. Previous experience in regulatory, healthcare or a public sector environment would be particularly valuable.

This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated individual who has experience in law to put their experience into practice across a broad range of interesting and important subject areas, you will have the chance to make a real and tangible difference to our work. For more information about the work the organisation does, please visit our website.

Person Specification

Knowledge & skills

Essential

  • Good IT skills including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Qualifications

Essential

  • A qualified Solicitor / Barrister or equivalent

Managing work

Essential

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and competing priorities while working to tight deadlines and keeping calm under pressure
  • Excellent planning and organisational skills
  • Clear and succinct written and verbal communication skills
  • Good time management skills and experience in handling multiple projects

Interpersonal skills

Essential

  • Collaborative and a good team player positive and proactive
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to work with and communicate effectively with people at all levels
  • Sensitive and discreet

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in analysing legislation
  • Experience in producing practical legal advice both written and oral
  • Experience in working independently and managing own deadlines

Desirable

  • Experience of advising in healthcare and/or regulation.
  • Litigation experience
  • Experience with data protection law
Person Specification

Knowledge & skills

Essential

  • Good IT skills including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Qualifications

Essential

  • A qualified Solicitor / Barrister or equivalent

Managing work

Essential

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and competing priorities while working to tight deadlines and keeping calm under pressure
  • Excellent planning and organisational skills
  • Clear and succinct written and verbal communication skills
  • Good time management skills and experience in handling multiple projects

Interpersonal skills

Essential

  • Collaborative and a good team player positive and proactive
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to work with and communicate effectively with people at all levels
  • Sensitive and discreet

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in analysing legislation
  • Experience in producing practical legal advice both written and oral
  • Experience in working independently and managing own deadlines

Desirable

  • Experience of advising in healthcare and/or regulation.
  • Litigation experience
  • Experience with data protection law

Employer details

Employer name

Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority

Address

2nd Floor

2 Redman Place

London

E20 1JQ


Employer's website

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority

Address

2nd Floor

2 Redman Place

London

E20 1JQ


Employer's website

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Legal Adviser

Rachel Cooper

rachel.cooper@hfea.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

09 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£40,000 to £45,000 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Flexible working

Reference number

G0002-25-0005

Job locations

2nd Floor

2 Redman Place

London

E20 1JQ


Supporting documents

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