University Secretary and General Counsel

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

The University of Lancashire (formerly or previously known as the University of Central Lancashire) is an international, multi-campus university tracing its roots back to 1828 and leading the way in modern learning today. One of the largest universities in the UK, with over 39,000 students, the University was named Edufuturists ‘University of the Year’ in 2023, in recognition of our work to ignite change and transform learning for the benefit of society and future generations.

We are just over midway through our seven-year Strategic Plan 2021-2028 with the mission to be recognised as a leading UK university, with national and international influence, delivering real-world, practice-based education from our Preston, Burnley, Blackburn, West Cumbria, and Cyprus campuses.

About the role:

We are seeking an exceptional qualified solicitor or barrister to join the University’s senior leadership team, driving excellence, enabling innovation, and ensuring the highest standards of governance and legal compliance in a dynamic and complex environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and support the delivery of the University's mission and strategic priorities. You will lead our legal and governance services, advise the executive team and governing body on key legal, governance and regulatory issues, and shape institutional strategy through trusted, forward-looking counsel. You will oversee both internal and external legal provision, managing complex portfolios and ensuring that legal risks are anticipated and navigated with agility and insight.

About you:

You will be a UK-qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial post-qualification experience, including delivering legal advice at senior levels in a complex organisation. You will bring a strong track record of strategic leadership, including contract management of specialist legal advisors, and the ability to steer through ambiguity with clarity and confidence.

With outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, you will be a trusted advisor and natural collaborator, able to influence, negotiate and engage across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups. Your legal insight will be matched by your ability to lead high-performing teams, manage risk intelligently, and enable the University’s strategic ambitions and priorities through modern, efficient and effective governance and legal services.

While experience in higher education or the public sector is advantageous, we welcome applications from leaders in other sectors who bring relevant transferable expertise.

This is your chance to make a lasting, strategic impact in an institution with global reach, societal purpose, and academic excellence at its core. You will join a high-trust, collaborative environment where your legal acumen and leadership will directly shape the future of our University, and the communities we serve. 

For further information please download the candidate pack, and for a confidential conversation please contact jacqueline.lau@gatenbysanderson.com or maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com.

Interviews to be held w/c 14 July 2025

What we can offer you:

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.

We are proud to share that we will soon be known as the University of Lancashire. Building upon nearly 200 years of academic excellence, this exciting new chapter reflects our commitment and ambition for Lancashire and beyond. We believe in helping people to seize every opportunity to flourish in education, at work and for life. Together, we’re here to help you achieve great things. 

Where opportunity creates success.