Paralegal (Full Time, Maternity cover up to 12 months duration)

Our Legal Services Team plays a vital role in upholding standards across the University, providing expert advice and support university-wide. As a Paralegal (Maternity Cover) within our small but busy team, you'll be primarily focused on ensuring our university's adherence to data protection laws, managing responses to Freedom of Information requests, and enhancing overall data security practices.

The role involves working closely with colleagues within the team, as well as the wider Office of the University Secretary, handling legal documentation, conducting legal research, and providing administrative support to help ensure the University's compliance with relevant regulations.

Responsibilities include:

- Manage and coordinate responses to Freedom of Information requests
- Collaborate with relevant University departments to gather information necessary for responses
- Work closely with the Legal team in respect of data protection issues, including the identification, management, and resolution of personal data breaches
- Support the Legal team in conducting assessments and audits to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, including identifying opportunities to simplify and streamline the process using technology
- Work closely with relevant University teams to implement and monitor data security measures, including drafting and advising on data sharing agreements
- Conduct legal research on a range of issues to support the legal team
- Analyse statutes, case law, and legal precedents relevant to issues affecting the University, including horizon scanning and assisting with forward planning

Experience and Qualifications:

- A strong educational background including a good honours degree or significant relevant experience in an information compliance role
- A proven ability to work with other team members by providing well informed advice and guidance and drafting letters, reports, agreements, etc.
- An ability to engage with stakeholders who are not legally qualified to ensure they understand the legal position and can be advised and supported to reach a workable solution to a legal issue