Deputy Director of Legal Services

As the Deputy Director of Legal Services, you will serve as the most senior legal authority within the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for steering the legal function during a period of significant expansion, notably the implementation of Martyn’s Law. You will act as the primary advisor to the Board and Chief Executive, ensuring that the SIA operates with legal integrity across criminal prosecutions, regulatory appeals, and corporate governance. If you are a high-caliber legal professional with a track record in UK regulation and a passion for building inclusive, high-performing teams, this role offers the chance to shape the future of private security regulation and public protection.

About the Role

In this senior leadership capacity, you will oversee a diverse and complex legal portfolio. A major focus over the next 3–5 years will be the rollout of Martyn’s Law, where you will lead the development of a new civil regulatory regime, providing guidance on premises and event requirements and establishing investigatory and enforcement capabilities. You will manage the SIA’s litigation strategy—covering everything from Proceeds of Crime recovery to Judicial Reviews—while ensuring value for money when instructing external counsel. Beyond the courtroom, you will be a strategic partner to the Executive Director, contributing to the annual Business Plan and championing organizational transformation to improve public trust and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Expert Legal Counsel: Provide authoritative advice on complex matters with significant financial or commercial implications, shaping the organization’s strategic direction.

• Litigation Oversight: Manage the SIA’s litigation portfolio, including high-profile criminal prosecutions, inquests, and regulatory appeals.

• Martyn’s Law Implementation: Lead the legal expertise required to build a new investigatory capability, utilizing a range of civil sanctions and financial penalties.

• Strategic Horizon Scanning: Monitor UK legislation and case law to assess strategic impacts on the SIA’s statutory obligations and the wider security industry.

• Corporate Governance: Oversee legal advice regarding data protection, commercial contracts, and whistleblowing matters.

• Organizational Leadership: Deputize for the Executive Director and work across directorates to ensure the co-ordinated delivery of the SIA’s Strategic Plan.

Person Specification (Requirements & Skills)

Professional Qualifications:

• Applicants must be qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales and must hold a valid Practising Certificate for England and Wales or have full exemption from the relevant professional regulatory body (either the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Bar Standards Board).

• Barristers and Solicitors qualified in a jurisdiction outside of England and Wales will be subject to the rules of the professional bodies and must have completed the Bar Transfer Test or Qualified Lawyer Transfer Scheme.

• If you have qualified through Cilex you must hold a general qualification within the meaning of s71(3)(c) Courts and Legal Services Act 1990.

Experience & Competencies:

• A strong track record of providing authoritative expert legal advice in a UK regulatory context, with significant practice experience in at least one of each of the following two areas:

  • criminal investigation or enforcement, civil litigation, public law or regulatory law (such as judicial reviews and/or regulatory appeals); participation in and/or responding to inquests and/or public inquiries.

  • commercial contracts; information law matters (such as data protection freedom of information, record management); corporate governance matters; regulatory policy matters.

• Significant senior leadership experience gained in a law firm or in house environment, with experience of leading well-respected, high-performing teams.

• The ability to deliver in a demanding environment at pace, exercising sound judgment and a high level of personal integrity.

• An experienced communicator and influencer, with the ability to proactively manage a variety of stakeholders up to and including board level.

• Evidence of sound management of resources and budgets to achieve high performing, value for money service delivery.

• Excellent interpersonal skills – a team player with integrity; resilient under pressure.

Benefits of Joining the SIA

• Strategic Impact: Lead the legal response to major new legislation (Martyn’s Law) that directly improves national security.

• Senior Influence: Direct access to the SIA Board and Chief Executive as the organization’s professional legal lead.

• Professional Growth: Opportunity to drive transformation and build new legal capabilities from the ground up.

• Inclusive Culture: A commitment to nurturing a diverse and talented team in a supportive, high-performing environment.