University Secretary

The University of Lancashire (formerly 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 contact: jacqueline.lau@gatenbysanderson.com or maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com.

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