SENIOR EDUCATION SOLICITOR

Reading Borough Council is a Unitary Authority that hosts the Joint Legal Team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join the Joint Legal Team who currently provide legal services to the six unitary authorities that formerly made up Berkshire County Council. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service. About the role The Joint Legal Team are looking for a senior education solicitor in its Adult Social Care and Education Team. You will require an excellent working knowledge in key education legislation, in particular an ability to conduct special education needs appeals and be required to manage a small team of legal professionals. You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed About you We are looking for someone to: * Hold a caseload of SEN appeals, Education prosecutions, General Education advice and judicial reviews. * To work as part of a team. * Work well under pressure to meet tight deadlines. * Conduct your own advocacy * Provide advice to a wide range of stakeholders Our offer We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including: * Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave * A wide range of flexible working opportunities * Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading * Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) * On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted * Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work * Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax For more information on this position please contact Recruitment at Reading Borough Council. Closing Date: 28th November 2023 Interview Date: To be confirmed Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment