Senior legal advisor jobs in Bristol

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Supervision: Reporting to the CEO
 

Hours: 2.5 days per week (0.5 FTE) (flexible working pattern possible)
 

Venue: Remote based working with some requirements to attend events and key meetings.
 

Salary: £50,000 per annum Pro Rata (pay framework with annual increments in development)
 

Role purpose
The purpose of this role is to provide expert employment law advice and support to Citizens Advice Lewisham leadership and the wider organisation. The HR Lead will ensure the organisation maintains compliance with all employment law obligations, mitigate legal risks, provide specialist guidance on complex HR matters, and support the development of robust HR policies and procedures. This role will work closely with senior management to ensure best practice in all aspects of employment relations.

Principal tasks and responsibilities

Employment Law Advice & Compliance:

• Provide expert employment law advice to senior management and the board on complex HR matters, including dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, and performance management.
   
• Conduct legal risk assessments on proposed HR actions and advise on mitigation strategies.
   
• Ensure the organisation complies with all relevant employment legislation including the Employment Rights Act, Equality Act 2010, GDPR, and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
   
• Advise on and support the handling of employment tribunal claims and disputes.
   

Employee Relations & Dispute Resolution:

• Lead and conduct disciplinary, capability, and grievance matters, ensuring fair and consistent procedures.
   
• Support management in sensitive HR situations including redundancy, settlement agreements, and dismissals.
   
• Provide mediation advice and support for internal disputes.
   

HR Policy Development & Review:

• Develop, review, and update comprehensive HR policies and procedures to ensure they meet legal requirements and reflect organisational values.
   
• Provide guidance on policy implementation across the organisation.
   
• Conduct legal audits of existing policies and recommend improvements.
  Recruitment & Employment Contracts:
   
• Review and advise on employment contract templates to ensure legal compliance and protection of the organisation.
   
• Provide legal guidance on recruitment processes and equal opportunities compliance.
   

Data Protection & Safeguarding:

• Advise on GDPR compliance relating to employee data and HR information.
   
• Support safeguarding policies and procedures relevant to employment.
   

Communication & Collaboration:

• Work effectively with senior management, staff, and external advisors (e.g., ACAS, legal representatives) to resolve HR matters.
   
• Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and accessibly to non-legal stakeholders.
   

Flexibility & General Duties:

• Demonstrate flexibility in supporting the organisation and undertaking duties as required by the line manager.
   
• Support strategic HR initiatives aligned with the organisation's mission and values.
   

Person Specification
Essential:

• Commitment to Citizens Advice Lewisham's aims and principles.
   
• CIPD Level 5, 6, or 7 qualification in HR or equivalent professional qualification demonstrating advanced HR expertise.
   
• Extensive and demonstrable knowledge of UK employment law and regulatory compliance.
   
• Minimum 5 years' experience in HR, with significant specialism or focus in employment law/relations.
   
• Strong experience in policy development and employment relations.
   
• Experience of handling complex HR matters, disciplinary procedures, redundancy, and employment disputes.
   
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
   
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate sound judgment on sensitive matters.
   
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
   
• Proactive, professional attitude with a commitment to continuous learning in employment law.
   

Desirable:

• Understanding of the charity and advice sector

Please note that, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to respond to every applicant individually. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job description

Could you be our next Trainee Housing Adviser?! 

Are you passionate about helping people through difficult situations? Are you a ‘people person’, with good computer skills and a strong attention to detail?

Maybe you’ve lived through housing stress yourself? 

We’re looking for someone with great potential and a commitment to learning. 

Benefits include: 
25 days holiday, flexible/hybrid working, pension scheme, employee wellbeing support.