50 x EO Paralegals

On behalf of The Home Office we are looking for 50 x EO Paralegals (INSIDE IR35) for an 18 month contract based 1 day per week in Leeds, remainder remote/WFH.

The first duty of Government is to protect the public. Since 1782, the Home Office has led work to keep the country safe from those who seek to do it harm; in doing so, we make a vital contribution to HM Government’s plan for a stronger, fairer, outward-looking and united Britain.

The Home Office covers three systems: Homeland Security, Public Safety and Borders, and Immigration and Citizenship. These systems work collaboratively to deliver our cross-cutting priorities, whilst providing increasingly efficient and secure services for the public. These are difficult areas that can rapidly change in the global environment we work in – this makes us one of the most exciting and stimulating government departments in which to work.

Role Overview

We are seeking experienced Paralegals to support the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, assisting with the review, redaction and disclosure of evidence as part of a major national investigation.

Working within the Inquiry’s Information and Evidence Management (IEM) team, you will help manage large volumes of sensitive documentation, ensuring evidence is reviewed accurately, handled securely and disclosed in line with legal requirements and established protocols.

You will work closely with Review Leads , Review Managers, solicitors and counsel, providing essential legal and administrative support to the Inquiry and its hearings.

Please note: The role involves reviewing sensitive and potentially distressing material relating to child sexual exploitation and abuse. Mandatory safeguarding and enhanced data protection training will be provided.

As an EO Paralegal your main responsibilities will be:

- Review and assess documents submitted to the Inquiry using electronic document management systems.
- Evaluate documents for relevance in line with established guidance and review protocols.
- Accurately record document descriptions, metadata and coding information within the electronic management system.
- Identify and redact confidential, personal and sensitive information in accordance with the Inquiry’s redaction protocols and data protection requirements.
- Support the disclosure of relevant documentation to Inquiry participants.
- Maintain accurate, consistent and secure document management and information handling practices.
- Work collaboratively with the wider paralegal team, proactively raising queries, concerns and potential issues.
- Provide legal and administrative support to the Information and Evidence Management team, including bespoke tasks as required.
- Assist solicitors and counsel with hearing preparation, including the preparation of hearing bundles, where required.
- Potentially support the delivery of substantive hearings, including attendance at the hearing centre if required.
- Manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.
- Undertake general administrative duties and adapt to changing requirements as the Inquiry progresses.

Essential:

- A minimum of 6 months’ experience working as a Paralegal.
- Experience using electronic document management systems (DMS).
- A law degree at 2:1 or above, or another degree at 2:1 or above alongside a law conversion qualification. Overseas qualifications must be equivalent.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work at pace.
- Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to review and process large volumes of documentation accurately.
- A professional and collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively within a team and follow established procedures.
- Applicants without a 2:1 degree will only be considered in exceptional circumstances where equivalent high-level academic or professional achievement can be demonstrated.

Desirable:

- Previous experience working on a public inquiry or a similar investigation.
- Experience supporting disclosure, document review, redaction or evidence management processes.
- Experience working within a legal, regulatory or other highly confidential environment.
- Current or previous CTC or SC security clearance.
- Experience preparing hearing bundles or supporting legal teams with hearing preparation.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, The Home Office encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, The Home Office welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role you acknowledge the following, this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment, and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.