General Counsel

Scottish Rail Holdings – General Counsel

Location: Glasgow (with travel required)

Salary: £95,000 - £100,000

Scottish Rail Holdings Limited (SRH) is a non-departmental public body and a registered limited company owned and controlled by the Scottish Ministers.

SRH was set up with the express purpose of overseeing the governance of rail passenger services by train operating companies in Scotland in accordance with the Scottish Ministers’ duties under section 30 of the Railways Act 1993. SRH acts as the holding company of the owning group of the passenger train operating companies. It provides an interface between Transport Scotland, as strategic policymakers, and the operational oversight of passenger train services delivery for both ScotRail Trains Limited (SRT) and Caledonian Sleeper Limited (CSL).

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced General Counsel to join our executive team. This pivotal role will involve providing accurate, relevant, commercially focused, and timely legal advice to the business. You will act as the primary point of contact for all legal matters, ensuring SRH complies with all governance, financial, and legal requirements while maintaining high standards of corporate governance across the organization and its subsidiaries. Company Secretary activities will also form part of this role, including ensuring accurate minutes of all Board meetings.

At SRH, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Scotland’s rail services. You will work with a dedicated team, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including the Government and Network Rail.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Corporate Strategy – The General Counsel will lead the establishment and implementation of SRH's operating model and associated processes. Collaborating with the rest of the leadership team, you will develop an efficient target operating model for the group’s businesses, aiming to reduce subsidies. Your role includes overseeing legacy contract review and procurement programs, developing strategies for contracting or internalising activities within SRH subsidiaries and drive SRH’s ‘Green Scotland’ strategy.


2. Regulatory Reporting - maintaining statutory books, including registers of directors, shareholders, and charges on assets. Ensuring timely filing of annual returns and other documents at Companies House will be part of your responsibilities. You will inform Companies House of significant company changes and ensure compliance with company registration details on all business stationery and digital platforms. You will organise and manage Board meetings, ensuring good corporate governance and accurate minute-taking, as well as publish agreed Board minutes and maintain high standards of governance.


3. Governance - Providing comprehensive legal advice on various topics, you will act as the primary legal contact. You will manage SRH’s legal expenditure and ensure the security of legal documents. This will include advising directors on their duties and compliance with corporate legislation; you will also support the SRH Chair and Non-Executive Directors, including meeting preparation and expense authorisations.


4. Board Responsibilities - Managing calendar invites, ensuring quorum for all Board and Governance meetings. Preparing and circulating meeting papers and minutes in a timely manner will be essential. You will oversee the follow-up actions from Board meetings and propose changes to the Framework Agreement.

The ideal candidate will be degree educated and a solicitor admitted to practice in Scotland with at least 7 years’ post-qualification experience. You will have experience working in a complex, regulated industry with a focus on service delivery. An in-depth knowledge of contracts, commercial, and public procurement law is essential. You will be able to demonstrate a professional and collaborative approach with strong relationship-building skills.

The role of General Counsel requires a person with the integrity, skills, and judgment necessary to be a proactive Board member. They must possess excellent communication, negotiation, drafting, and organisation skills. Proven problem-solving abilities and a track record of delivering excellence are crucial. Additionally, the ability to navigate unfamiliar legal areas quickly and focus on minimizing business risks is essential for success in this role.

For more information on this opportunity and SRH, please visit www.aspenpeople.co.uk/SRH-general-counsel

For a confidential discussion please contact Catriona Mackie or Katharine Price at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.

To apply for this challenging and rewarding role, please submit your CV and cover letter, detailing your qualifications and experience, as one document to Aspen People via the apply button.

Closing date for applications: Friday 28^th June 2024

Scottish Rail Holdings Limited is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.