JOB
DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: LEGAL
ASSISTANT
RESPONSIBLE TO: Legal
and Operations Manager or in his/her absence to the Chairman
The
National Allotment Society (NSALG) represents and promotes the interests of
allotment and leisure gardeners throughout the U.K. Its main objective is to help all both
nationally and internationally to enjoy the recreation of gardening. It is a membership organisation that represents over 120,000
allotment holders. The Society comprises
of a Management Committee of eleven regional representatives and three local
authority representatives. The Society
also has eight Allotment Development Mentors and a paid staff of seven. It is a National organisation that has
recently undergone a Strategic Review, produced a five year plan and now has a
clear focus on what it wants to achieve over the next five years.
The position is to work in conjunction
with the Legal and Operations Manager, Chairman and Management Committee to
help provide advice on legal and other issues to the Society and its members.
JOB PURPOSE:
· To help to co-ordinate
the work of the Society under the general direction of the Legal and Operations
Manager /Chairman and to support the allotment movement by providing accurate
and concise advice to the membership.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
· To work in
conjunction with the Legal and Operations Manager
· Represent the
National Allotment Society and communicate effectively with members and other
bodies
· Provide a first
rate information and advisory service to members
· Promote NAS at
all levels
· Support other
activities of the Society where appropriate
MAIN TASKS; include:
· Respond to
enquiries from members and others, including advice on legal matters relating
mainly to allotment gardening but to include other legal issues relating to
self-management of allotment sites.
· Assist with the
preparation of articles, and write legal notes for a newsletter and quarterly
magazine.
· Research,
investigate and help prepare reports and construction of legal documents.
· Assist in the
planning of future programmes of work.
· Assist in the
organisation and preparation of the Society's AGM, and Conference and seminars
where appropriate.
· Undertake other duties as agreed with the Legal and Operations
Manager, including attendance at shows,
Allotment Officer Forums and Regional Meetings
· Checking all
literature to ensure correct where legislation changes.
· Updating leaflets and assisting with writing of
leaflets and legal toolki.t
· Monitor,
investigate and report on new legislation affecting allotments or members.
· To develop ideas
for member recruitment and to help with retention of members.
Qualifications:
Essential : Legal Executive
or Law Degree. Desirable : Legal
experience.
Skills:
Clarity
of thinking, argument,
development and presentation are essential
Organisational ability
Excellent communication skills –
written and oral
Experience of Microsoft office products and ability to use word,
excel and power point. Knowledge of
access databases an advantage.
Good IT keyboard skills
Attributes:
Self starter – able to identify what is required and deliver
Sense of humour
Flexibility to respond quickly and effectively
Confident demeanour
Professional business like appearance and conduct
Ability to maintain and demonstrate a high level of technical
ability in assigned area of legal work
Capable of coping and delivering under pressure with an extremely
heavy workload and to be capable of prioritising between conflicting demands on
time, whilst continuing to discharge the overall duties as defined.
Note
This job
description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time
without changing the general character of the duties or the level of
responsibility entailed. Such variations
are a common occurrence and cannot themselves justify a reconsideration of the
salary or post.
|
|
Essential
|
Desirable
|
|
Legal
experience
|
|
X
|
|
Legal Executive or Law Degree
|
X
|
|
|
Strong
verbal and written communication
|
X
|
|
|
Ability
to use IT (Microsoft Office Suite) , email, databases, websites
|
X
|
|
|
Excellent
time management and prioritisation skills
|
X
|
|
|
The
ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team
|
X
|
|
|
Experience
of working for or with community groups
|
|
X
|
|
Experience
of working for or with local authorities
|
|
X
|
|
Experience
of organising and delivering training,
seminars
|
|
X
|
|
Understanding
of how to build and develop supporting networks
|
|
X
|
|
Working
with volunteers
|
|
X
|
|
Flexibility
to adapt to a changing environment
|
X
|
|
|
Research,
investigate and prepare reports and construction of legal documents
|
|
X
|
|
Willingness
to work some unsocial hours with occasional overnight stays
|
X
|
|
|
Ability
and willingness to travel
|
X
|
|
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Knowledge
of allotments and or gardening
|
|
X
|
|
Driving
Licence
|
X
|
|
|
Car
owner
|
X
|
|
|
Assist
with the preparation of articles, and write legal notes for a monthly
newsletter and quarterly magazine
|
X
|
|
CONDITONS OF
EMPLOYMENT
·
This is a full time position
·
The post is based in Corby, Northants
·
Some occasional travel throughout the UK may
be required
·
Office Hours are 9 am – 4.30 pm Monday to
Friday, with half hour for lunch
·
Occasional weekend work may be required
·
20 days holiday per annum in addition to
public holidays and Christmas
·
Salary: depending on experience and
qualifications
·
Private Medical Care (subject to satisfactory
probationary period)
·
Society Pension Scheme
National
Allotment Society
Tel:
01536 266576 Fax:01536 264509 Email: natsoc@nsalg.org.uk
