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

Our Legal Services Team plays a vital role in upholding these standards, providing expert advice and support across the whole University. As a Paralegal (Maternity Cover) within our small but busy team, you’ll be primarily focused in 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. 

The appointee will also be expected to:

• 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/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/agreement 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.

For further information about the University or to see full job description, please click the 'Apply' button above.

If you have any queries or questions or for an informal discussion, please contact David Edwards, Head of Legal.

All applications should be completed and submitted using the Harper Adams e-Recruitment programme at http://jobs.harper-adams.ac.uk To be completed no later than midnight on Sunday 25 October 2026

Should you require any adjustments to complete your application for this role then please contact vacancies@harper-adams.ac.uk

This position is not expected to meet the criteria required for the University to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship. Applications from candidates who need sponsorship to work in the UK will be assessed in line with the requirements outlined in the recruitment documentation. All hiring decisions will follow the guidance set by UK Visas and Immigration

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