General Counsel, Legal Directorate
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Job Summary
The Legal Directorate (LD) is the Banks in-house legal function responsible for identifying legal risks to the Bank both as a policy maker and a corporate body and providing advice which seeks to mitigate or avoid them.
LD is organised into the following five Divisions:
- Central Banking Legal Division (CBL)
- CBL advises on a diverse range of legal matters critical to the Banks central functions.
- Enforcement & Litigation Division (ELD)
- ELD supports the Banks (including the PRA) delivery of its statutory objectives by conducting investigations of firms and individuals within the Banks supervisory remit providing supervisory intelligence and leading on contentious matters and litigation handling within LD.
- Financial Stability Division (FSD)
- FSD advises on three main areas which directly support the Banks objective of protecting and enhancing UK financial stability being the Banks macro-prudential resolution and FMI policy and supervisory functions.
- Insurance and Deposit Takers Division (IDT)
- IDTs remit mirrors the full spectrum of the PRAs prudential remit in relation to the supervision and regulation of insurers deposit takers building societies credit unions and large investment firms
- International & Domestic Reform Division (IRD)
- IDR provides policy-focussed legal advice across the Banks remit on a range of strategic projects and cross-cutting matters including domestic regulatory and legislative reforms and international relations.
Role Purpose
The position is based in our Leeds office
The General Counsel is the Banks chief legal adviser responsible for leading the Legal Directorate (LD) and for looking after the Banks legal risks. This role provides strategic legal counsel across the full breadth of the Banks regulatory policy-making and operational functions. It is responsible for the Banks legal function and the role of the Banks legal risk custodian and plays a critical role in shaping the Banks response to domestic and international developments.
The General Counsel is a member of the Executive Policy Coordination Committee (EPCC) and Executive Operational Coordination Committee (EOCC) as well as an observer on the Financial Policy Committee (FPC) and the Prudential Regulation Committee (PRC). The General Counsel is also required to attend the Resolution Committee (ResCo) Executive Risk Committee (ERC) and Financial Market Infrastructure Committee (FMIC).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead inspire manage and develop the Legal Directorate (currently comprising approximately 200 staff) through the transformation to a fit for the future Legal Directorate optimising operational efficiency through change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Provide strategic legal advice to the Governor Board/Court Executive Committee and senior leadership on matters of financial regulation banking operations market infrastructure and public/employment law.
- Oversee the Banks legal risk management framework and ensure compliance with UK and international legislation.
- Represent the Bank in high-profile legal matters including litigation regulatory enforcement and legislative reform.
- Engage with external counsel government bodies and international legal counterparts to advance the Banks legal interests.
- Champion legal innovation and continuous improvement within the Directorate fostering a culture of excellence inclusion and wellbeing.
Minimum criteria
- Qualified to practise as a solicitor barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales or equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland. However we may also accept applications from candidates qualified to practise as a lawyer overseas where the candidate can demonstrate that they have legal experience that is directly relevant to the legal work described in this job description
- Significant post-qualification experience in financial services public law or regulatory environments.
- Proven track record of leading complex legal teams and advising at Board or Executive level.
- Deep understanding of UK financial regulation central banking law and international legal frameworks.
- Strong leadership and people management skills with a commitment to diversity equity and inclusion.
- Exceptional judgement integrity and ability to navigate sensitive legal and reputational issues.
Desirable criteria
- Experience in crisis management resolution planning or cross-border legal coordination.
- Familiarity with legislative drafting policy development and regulatory engagement.
Our Approach to Inclusion
The Bank values diversity equity and inclusion. We play a key role in maintaining monetary and financial stability and to do that effectively we believe we need a workforce that reflects the society we serve.
At the Bank of England we want all colleagues to feel valued and respected so were working hard to build an inclusive culture which supports people from all backgrounds and communities to be at their best at work. We celebrate all forms of diversity including (but not limited to) age disability ethnicity gender gender identity race religion sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. We believe that its by drawing on different perspectives and experiences that well continue to make the best decisions for the public.
We welcome applications from individuals who work flexibly including job shares and part time working patterns. Weve also partnered with external organisations to support us in making adjustments for candidates and employees in the recruitment process where theyre needed.
For most roles where work can be carried out at home we aim for colleagues to spend half of their time in the office with a minimum of 40% per month. Subject to that minimum requirement individuals and managers should work together to find what works best for them their team and stakeholders.
Finally were proud to be a member of theDisability Confident Scheme. If you wish to apply under this scheme you should check the box in the Candidate Personal Information under the Disability Confident Scheme section of the application.
Salary and Benefits Information
We encourage flexible working.
This role offers a competitive salary In addition we also offer a comprehensive benefits package as detailed below:
- Currently a non-contributory career average pension giving you a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of your annual salary for every year worked. There is the option to increase your pension (to 1/65th) or decrease (to 1/105th) in exchange for salary through our flexible benefits programme each year. The Bank has the discretion to vary standard accrual rates and dial up and dial down rates at any time and to withdraw dial up and dial down options at any time.
- A discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
- An 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or purchase a wide range of flexible benefits.
- 26 days annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits.
- Private medical insurance and income protection.
National Security Vetting Process
Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (and typically can take between 6 to 12 weeks post offer) and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with the Bank policy. Further information regarding the vetting and security clearance requirements for the role will be provided to the successful applicant and information about how the Bank processes personal data for these purposes is set out in theBanks Privacy Notice.
The Bank of England welcomes applications from all candidates but as a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor we have a responsibility to comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance. As such our ability to employ individuals who require sponsorship for immigration purposes is limited. The Bank cannot guarantee that you and / or the role you are applying for will be eligible for sponsorship and that any application made to UKVI will be successful. Eligibility will therefore be considered on a case by case basis.
The Application Process
We are working with Executive Search firm Michael Page Executive please do not apply here please submit a copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability to Katherine Jackson
Closes to application on 14th December 2025
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- General Counsel
- Legal Case Management
- Legal Drafting
- Litigation
- Intellectual Property Law
- Legal Counsel
- Legal Research
- Securities Law
- Employment & Labor Law
- Real Estate Law
- negotiation
- Contracts
About Company
We are the UK's central bank - and we are a bank like no other; known by our peers for our world-leading thinking on policy and strategy. Our mission is to promote the good of the people of the UK by maintaining monetary and financial stability. We seek to keep prices stable and peopl ... View more
