The Provision of Legal Services to The City of Liverpool College Group

3.1 The appointed Legal Services Provider will be required to satisfy the Executive and the Board of Governors that they will provide an appropriate level of legal advice, guidance and support to ensure that the college group remains fully legally compliant in all aspects of its work.

3.2 The Legal Services Provider of The City of Liverpool College and its Group will be appointed by the Corporation Board; the appointment will be for an initial period of 3 years with an optional further 1 x year extension. The contract will however be subject to review after a 2 year period with an opportunity for a break in the contract to be applied at that time.

4.0 Role and Responsibilities of The Legal Services Provider

4.1 The Legal Services Provider will give practical advice and support in respect of:

4.1.1 Legal aspects of recruitment;

4.1.2 Statements of terms and conditions of employment;

4.1.3 Disciplinary issues, suspensions, grievances, attendance management, capability management;

4.1.4 Equal Opportunity policy and procedures and issues relating to sexual, disability, racial and other discrimination;

4.1.5 Termination of employment, including disciplinary hearings, redundancies, attendance management hearings and severance payments;

4.1.6 Settlement Agreements, in particular DFE guidance

4.1.7 TUPE;

4.1.8 Pensions;

4.1.9 Employee and Employer exposure to obligations around Data Protection and Freedom of Information;

4.1.10 Whistleblowing allegations;

4.1.11 Regular training on employment law and other HR matters for managers;

4.1.12 Training for the HR team on issues arising in employment law;

4.1.13 Monthly update meetings will take place with senior HR staff;

4.1.14 Termly review of performance management issues with all senior managers.

4.1.15 Guidance on sponsorship and visas in relation to staff from overseas

4.2 In addition there must be a single point of contact with a senior partner who will:

4.2.1 Act as a Relationship Manager directing to other specialist legal advice as necessary, and working to obtain discount on other services;

4.2.2 Be available to provide advice around the clock to HR and the Executive team;

4.2.3 Attend SLT and WLT meetings on request to provide guidance and training on relevant HR topics;

4.2.4 Have a detailed understanding of FE and the intervention process;

4.2.5 Provide advocacy support at all tribunal hearings

4.2.6 Be available to Governors and to attend (on request) Governors meetings in the evenings