Head of Legal Services

We are the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner
PIRC was introduced in 2013 when the single Police Service of Scotland (Police Scotland) was established.
The Commissioner, who is appointed by Scottish Ministers, is independent of the police and delivers a free and impartial service.

As Head of Legal Services, you will provide advice and guidance to the Police Investigations
and Review Commissioner and PIRC’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to ensure the effective delivery of all professional legal matters. As a member of the SLT reporting directly to the Commissioner, you will provide strong leadership and effective direction of the functions exercised by PIRC. You will line manage PIRC’s Principal Solicitor.

• Ensure effective delivery of legal services by providing legal advice and guidance to the Commissioner, SLT and PIRC staff, and execution of legal work, particularly litigation and advice.
• Support, and provide legal and strategic advice to, the Commissioner and SLT regarding the statutory functions of PIRC.
• Represent (including by way of appearance or instruction of suitable Counsel or Solicitor Advocate) the Commissioner’s interests in:

• any civil litigation in the Scottish Courts and Tribunals, including Summary and Statutory Applications to the Court seeking commission and diligence.
• criminal proceedings including Petitions seeking commission and diligence for recovery of documents.
• other forums, such as Public Inquiries.

• Monitor and manage contractual relationships with external legal advisors, including quality assuring their services on an annual basis and managing the legal budget to ensure value for money.
• Provide relevant legal advice on matters arising from investigations relating to misconduct and, if relevant legislation is commenced, present cases at gross misconduct hearings for senior officers.
• Advise on and support the development of PIRC’s role in relation to whistleblowing.
• Advise on the interpretation and implementation of new legislation and policy initiatives, liaising with Bill Teams and providing evidence to Parliament as necessary.
• Advise on and support effective information governance, including in relation to data protection and freedom of information matters.
• Actively promote understanding and appreciation of the work of the Legal Services team.
• Line management of PIRC’s legal services team members.
LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
As a member of the SLT:
• Support effective corporate governance, including the management of risk
• Actively contribute to the development and delivery of PIRC’s Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plans, and support continuous improvement in the service provided by PIRC to the public and referring agencies
• Act on behalf of the Commissioner as required
• Act in accordance with and role model PIRC’s values
• Promote inclusive practice across all aspects of PIRC’s work, ensuring that policies, procedures and decision-making processes actively support equality, diversity and inclusion. This includes fostering a workplace culture that values and respects individual differences, removes barriers to participation and ensures PIRC fulfils its statutory duties, including those under the Equality Act 2010, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024
• Attend CPD and other PIRC events as required.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
• Prepare, review and implement protocols and memoranda of understanding with policing bodies and other stakeholders.
• Establish and develop strong working relationships with external stakeholders and key partners including Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority and other policing bodies operating in Scotland; Scottish Government; Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service; Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Scotland; Scottish Biometrics Commissioner; and other relevant bodies, through collaborative working to support and promote continuous improvement of policing in Scotland.

Experience
• Experience in providing legal advice including the production of sound legal
analysis based on effective legal research.
• Experience of managing litigation efficiently and effectively including the provision of clear, high quality and timely instructions to counsel and preparation of high-quality submissions to court on time.
• Exercise of reliable legal judgment, with a good appreciation of legal risks
• Effective court skills with proven achievements and substantial experience of litigation and advice work.
• Experience of working with a broad range of stakeholders across all levels
• Senior level specialist knowledge/skills in one of the core areas (investigations, complaint reviews) or any relevant aspect of law enforcement or criminal justice.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing – Level 4
• Working together – Level 4
• Managing a quality service – Level 4
• Delivering at pace – Level 4