Job Description

Job Description & Person Specification

No two days in Torbay are ever the same. Torbay is breath-taking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon. Currently experiencing unprecedented levels of investment and the council’s own ambitious transformation programme have given Torbay the opportunity to capitalise on the area’s profile and many assets. As a small unitary authority, you’ll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition — which is clearly evident by our recent success in being awarded the ‘Most Improved Council’ at this year’s LGC Awards. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high quality services to local people.

To complement this journey, we are now seeking a legal officer to join our Legal Services Team to support our property, planning and environment caseload. This varied role provides a platform to be actively involved, supporting key agendas pertinent to the investment and prosperity of Torbay, its residents, businesses and wider communities. No two days will be the same, for which those already working within local government will attest to and actively thrive upon.

Undertaking the role of legal officer, you will be excited by a fast-paced and varied workload, conscientious and keen to further your professional development. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people, and we are excited for you to join us.

We also understand the importance of an effective work-life balance, therefore offer an enviable hybrid working approach. This is managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings and/or make court appearances in line with the remit of the role.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that is in a great period of change and sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of their ambitious transformation journey.

In return we offer:

• A generous salary.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
• A Career Average Re-Valued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme through Peninsula Pensions.
• A great working environment with flexible hours.
• Family friendly policies.
• A wide range of lifestyle discounts and health and wellbeing benefits.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• A supportive management and team structure.

We would welcome applications from suitable candidates.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/legal-officer-1/

For an informal chat please contact Ian Goldsmith on 01803207157 or ian.goldsmith@torbay.gov.uk.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 20th October 2025.

Skills

Essential:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.

As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Knowledge

Essential:

• A good level of knowledge of the legal system and landlord and tenant law.
• A basic understanding of local government law in relation to property and disposals.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Experience of working within a legal environment.
• 5 x GCSE’s or equivalent, including English and Maths at Grade C or above.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.