Legal Counsel and Company Secretary | Part-time

Your New Company

A leading UK organisation delivering mental health and neurodevelopmental services is seeking a highly skilled Legal Counsel & Company Secretary to join them on a part-time basis (circa 21-28 hours per week). Operating within a regulated healthcare environment, this organisation works across the NHS and private sectors to provide exceptional clinical services.

As the business continues to grow and diversify, this is an exciting opportunity to join the leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping its future.

Your New Role

This is a high-impact role where your expertise will directly influence organisational strategy and growth. Our client is flexible as to how you work the hours, either 3 days or 4 or 5 shorter (maybe school hour) days.

Whilst the role can be largely remote, it is anticipated that you will live within a commutable distance of the South West and London, as you will need to spend approximately 1 day a week in either of these locations to start with (dropping to once a fortnight in the future).

As Legal Counsel & Company Secretary, you will be the organisation's trusted legal advisor, safeguarding legal interests and ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and ethical requirements across all group companies. You will:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial and clinical contracts, including NHS agreements and private medical contracts, as well as supplier and vendor contracts including IT Software contracts, and contracts with commercial entities.
• Advise on tenders, bids, and strategic partnerships to support business development and growth.
• Oversee regulatory compliance, risk management, and data protection (GDPR), working closely with governance and compliance teams.
• Act as Company Secretary, supporting the Board and senior leadership with robust governance, statutory filings, and effective board meetings.
• Provide strategic legal input on expansion plans, new service lines, mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• Collaborate across clinical, operational, and business functions to ensure legal and governance considerations are embedded in decision-making.

What You'll Need to Succeed

We are looking for a qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Barrister with at least 8 years' PQE and a proven track record advising within a CQC-regulated or other healthcare organisation (private, NHS, or mixed-sector). You will be comfortable operating in a high-growth, fast-changing environment, able to work independently and take ownership of legal matters.

You will bring

• Extensive experience of contract drafting, negotiation, and review across a range of commercial and clinical agreements.
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance and experience acting as Company Secretary or governance advisor.
• Familiarity with NHS tenders, procurement processes, and healthcare regulatory frameworks.
• Expertise in data protection, risk management, and litigation.
• Strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• A background in corporate governance, ideally having served or supported a Board or Executive Team as Company Secretary or governance advisor, however this is desirable rather than essential.
• Our client is also keen to hear from candidates with strong commercial experience gained within a regulated sector.

What You'll Get in Return

• A senior leadership role with significant influence on organisational strategy.
• The opportunity to work remotely with flexibility.
• A collaborative, values-driven culture committed to diversity, inclusion, and patient-centred care.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are an experienced legal professional with a passion for governance and healthcare, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of mental health and neurodevelopmental services. Please contact Harriet Chapman at Hays Legal for further information on this opportunity.

Click "Apply Now" to submit your CV and take the next step in your career.

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Salary: GBP 60000 - 84000 per year

Experience: 5 years required