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General Information

Salary
£35,335 - £37,847
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Birmingham, Nottingham
Region
East Midlands, West Midlands
Closing Date
09-Jan-2026
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
HEO
Number of jobs available
3
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
12791

Descriptions & requirements

Job description
Role: Senior Paralegal Caseworker x 3

Business: Office of Public Guardian (OPG)

Location: Cross site: Hybrid working between home and either Embankment House, Nottingham or Victoria Square House, Birmingham. Some travel between either site may be required. Office attendance is required at 40%.

Grade: HEO

Salary:  £35,335 - £37,847

Contract Type: Permanent

Minimum Hours: 29 hours is the minimum requirement for part time

Organisational Overview 

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) protects people in England and Wales who may not have the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, such as about their health and finance. We are an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), set up in 2007 following the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act of 2005.

OPG is responsible for registering lasting powers of attorney (LPA) and enduring powers of attorney (EPA) and supervising deputies who are appointed by the Court of Protection.

OPG is a fantastic place to work offering a range of development opportunities.  The OPG is a disability confident employer and is committed to developing a supportive and inclusive environment that reflects the diverse community we serve.

OPG is currently delivering an ambitious transformation programme. This will change the way we provide services and help us meet the growing needs of our users, partners and our stakeholders. It will make sure our users experience a better level of support and will help us to respond to the changing needs of society. Transformation will ensure we can better support adults at risk and create high-quality services that are accessible and affordable.

Team Overview 

The team – comprising 70 to 80 staff members – is multidisciplinary in nature and aims to provide a high quality and efficient specialist legal service for OPG. We have Senior Lawyers, Lawyers, Senior Paralegals and Paralegals, a Legal Support team as well as an excellent team of legal operations specialists.  

The team has two principal functions:  

(1) to conduct litigation on behalf of the Public Guardian in the Court of Protection, managing the whole litigation process. This involves reviewing cases from colleagues in Operations, Investigations and Supervision, and making a decision as to whether to issue applications covering the following:  
1.    Determination of the lawfulness of certain provisions of LPAs and the severance of unlawful parts;  
2.    Removal of attorneys appointed on the ground they are not acting in accordance with their MCA obligations; and  
3.    Removal of non-compliant deputies. 
 
(2) to provide legal advice across the organisation on a wide range of matters including policy, investigations, complaints and where litigation is threatened/brought against OPG.  

The work is important, rewarding and challenging in ensuring timely action is taken to prevent abuse. Whilst being based across several different offices, the team works well together as a community, team members are well-supported and there is progression at all levels. For paralegals, there are potential opportunities for support with applications to qualify as lawyers.  

We are committed to becoming a Government leader in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance legal operations and service delivery. 

Duties and Responsibilities  

The post holder will be an experienced Paralegal who is confident and capable of working on complex cases and carrying out certain legal tasks independently. The Senior Paralegal role models the behaviours expected of all Paralegals and will be a key link between Lawyers and Paralegals. They will be able to work with autonomy and flexibility whilst having the interpersonal skills to work as part of a team and crucially have the ability to troubleshoot.   

The post holder will work closely with other peer Senior Paralegals, Lawyers and Legal Support staff in addition to Paralegals to maximise performance and will be line managed by Lawyers.
 
The role may include work that could be used as qualifying work experience for SQE candidates.

The scope of the role is flexible in nature, and so if there is a business need, the post holder may also be required to support operational colleagues in the team. 
 
The non-exhaustive range of responsibilities are as follows:

•     Leadership over own caseloads under Lawyer supervision – including less complex legal case reviews, reviewing statements, providing instructions to paralegals, drafting documents, and liaising with counsel, parties and respondents. This will require sound judgment, good understanding of risk and problem solving.  The post holder should feel confident in their ability to deliver consistently quality work in a fast-paced environment. 

•    Litigation support – supporting Lawyers on their complex/multi cases, bundle creation and preparation of briefs to Counsel. Make confident decisions within authority and make well-reasoned recommendations to lawyers with conduct when appropriate.

•    Lead or support training and guidance and process reviews for Paralegals as part of continuous improvement. 
•    Attend hearings on behalf of Lawyers if necessary to assist with minute taking, which may include travel.  

•    Undertake any other duties commensurate with the skillset required for this post and based on business need, which may include management of staff

Agreed Expectations 

The successful candidate will be expected to work from their base location on a weekly basis in line with current Civil Service requirements, outside of any reasonable adjustments. Office attendance is required at 40%.

Occasional travel to other offices is required.

Skills & Qualifications

Essential Skills

•    Experience of working in a legal team alongside Lawyers and legal support staff. Lead criteria. 

•    A proven track record as a Paralegal, with good drafting skills, assessment of risk, attention to detail and confidence in own decision making. Lead criteria. 
•    Willingness to take responsibility for cases and ability to work flexibly according to business need. Lead criteria.  
•    Collaborative approach to working with a range of colleagues – a true team player focused on good performance.  

•    An ability to work under pressure to deadlines with excellent written and verbal communication and prioritisation skills, and flexibility to meet changing demands and priorities.

•    An ability to work independently or as part of an effective team on ad hoc tasks and projects.

•    Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 packages i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, MS Teams, OneNote, Presentations and PowerPoint.

Desirable Skills

•    Experience of working in the area of the Mental Capacity Act and Court of Protection

•    Legal qualification, including but not limited to law degree, Graduate Diploma in Law, CILEx, LPC, BVC/BPTC. 

Application process

This recruitment will follow the Civil Service Success Profile process. Candidates will be expected to provide an up-to-date CV together with a Personal Statement of Suitability of no more than 1000 words where you specifically set out how you meet the above essential and desirable criteria.  

In the event of a high number of applications, the lead criteria will be experience of working in a legal team, proven paralegal track record and willingness to take responsibility for cases and ability to work flexibly (please see essential criteria for full details). 

Technical Test

If you are successful at sift, you will be invited for a practical assessment which will test your 

technical skills.  

The assessment will be held remotely, and a set time will be given to complete it. 
During the assessment, candidates will be provided with written information on a screen to read. Candidates will then be expected to answer questions on this information during the set time. This will take place following the application sift and before the interview. You will be required to pass the assessment to be able to continue to the next stage. 

Interview Process

If you are successful at sift and assessment, you will be invited to an interview which will use the Civil Service Success Profiles. At interview, candidates should expect questions on:
•    Strengths relevant to the role
•    The following Behaviours at Level 3: 
  • Making effective decisions
  • Delivering at Pace
  • Managing a quality service 
All interviews will be held remotely via MS Teams.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

Reasonable Adjustments

At OPG we consider all applications on the basis of merit and want you to feel able to demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. If you require any reasonable adjustments for any aspect of the selection process, do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. If you are applying for a role within OPG and would like to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please indicate this in your application and let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the selection process. 

For further information on benefits of working for OPG, such as our Flexible Working Policy and a FAQ, please check the candidate information pack attached to this advert.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, we may offer you an alternative role at the same or lower grade should one be available. 


Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.


Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 12791

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 12791

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
This recruitment will follow the Civil Service Success Profile process. Candidates will be expected to provide an up-to-date CV together with a Personal Statement of Suitability of no more than 1000 words where you specifically set out how you meet the above essential and desirable criteria.

In the event of a high number of applications, the lead criteria:

• Experience of working in a legal team alongside Lawyers and legal support staff. Lead criteria.

• A proven track record as a Paralegal, with good drafting skills, assessment of risk, attention to detail and confidence in own decision making. Lead criteria.

• Willingness to take responsibility for cases and ability to work flexibly according to business need. Lead criteria.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Expected Early - Mid February 2026
Behaviours
Making Effective Decisions
Delivering at Pace
Managing a Quality Service
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Technical
If you are successful at sift, you will be invited for a practical assessment which will test your technical skills.

The assessment will be held remotely, and a set time will be given to complete it.
During the assessment, candidates will be provided with written information on a screen to read. Candidates will then be expected to answer questions on this information during the set time. This will take place following the application sift and before the interview. You will be required to pass the assessment to be able to continue to the next stage.
Level of security checks required
DBS Standard

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.