Legal & Compliance Officer

Location: Edinburgh
Contract Type: Full-Time / Part-Time / Fixed-Term
Reports to: Senior Trustee

About Us:

We are a dedicated children's education charity, committed to providing safe, inspiring spaces where young people can thrive. As we grow and manage multiple office and learning centre properties, we are seeking a capable and proactive Legal & Compliance Officer to support our operations. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organisation while playing a key role in ensuring our legal, property, and health & safety compliance.

Role Overview:

The Legal & Compliance Officer will support the charity in a broad range of legal matters, particularly those relating to commercial property, corporate governance, contracts, and health and safety. While not required to be a solicitor, the successful candidate will have significant experience in corporate and property law, and a sound understanding of compliance in the context of health and safety for multi-site operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal & Property

• Provide guidance on corporate legal matters, including contracts, policies, and governance
• Advise on commercial leases, landlord-tenant issues, property acquisition/licensing, and property compliance
• Review and negotiate contracts with suppliers, service providers, and third parties
• Ensure all property-related documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and legally compliant

Health & Safety Compliance

• Oversee and support the scheduling and completion of health & safety inspections across all charity-owned or occupied sites
• Ensure all sites are compliant with relevant health & safety laws and best practices
• Liaise with external advisors or inspectors where required
• Support the implementation of risk assessments and internal H&S policies

General Compliance & Risk

• Keep abreast of legal and regulatory changes relevant to the charity sector
• Support internal training and awareness for legal and compliance matters
• Work with leadership on risk identification and mitigation strategies

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Strong working knowledge of UK corporate and commercial property law
• Proven experience working in a legal, compliance, or governance-related role (in-house or private practice)
• Practical knowledge of health & safety obligations in an office or educational environment
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Alignment with the values and mission of a children-focused charity

Desirable:

• Previous experience working in or with the charity or education sectors
• NEBOSH or IOSH qualification (or similar)
• Experience managing or coordinating property inspections or facilities compliance

What We Offer:

• The chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people
• A collaborative and supportive team environment
• Flexible or hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development and training