Professional development &
lifestyle benefits

The nature of our work requires us all to be at our very best, all the time. We make the most of the resources we have, and that’s why we place such great value on continuous learning and career development.

We value everyone’s contribution, and we’ll support you to achieve your professional goals. Our in-house training programmes are designed to enable your progression. And we also offer flexible working, family-friendly policies and benefits to help you meet your life commitments.

Everyone in all GLD teams contributes to and benefits from an inclusive working environment, where we systematically tackle discrimination, bullying and harassment. And, as a disability confident leader, we’re committed to equality in our workplace.

• Benefits

  • Flexible working and family-friendly policies.
  • Career progression and development opportunities.
  • Annual leave allowance of 25 days, and then 30 days after 5 years’ total service.
  • Attractive pension scheme including generous employer contributions.
  • A variety of benefits accessed through our employee benefits portal.
  • A range of vibrant staff networks.

• Diversity & inclusion

  The Government Legal Department (GLD) has a strong commitment to equality for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

  Externally, GLD’s continued success is dependent upon our ability to anticipate, understand, adapt and respond to the changing needs and expectations of our clients and of society. Having a culturally diverse workforce improves our ability to conduct our business and deliver on our GLD Strategy 2024-2027.

  Our duties under the Equality Act 2010
  When we make decisions, we have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard to the need to:

  • Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
  • Promote equality of opportunity.
  • Foster good relations between people from different groups.

  Diversity statement
  Our four objectives address matters that impact on all of us in GLD. They challenge us to deliver our strategic outcomes and go from being a great department to an outstanding one.

  1. GLD will have inclusive leadership that is inspiring, confident and empowering.
  2. GLD will welcome and support talent from all backgrounds to develop their careers while with us at GLD.
  3. GLD will have an inclusive workplace with ways of working that support people to be at their best, delivering in flexible ways that support the needs of the business.
  4. GLD will have inclusive teams that are collaborative and supportive, where everyone feels they are treated fairly and with respect.

  Our enduring Values, to value and respect each other, are at the heart of making GLD a brilliant place to work where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential.

• Diversity networks

  There are more than 10 vibrant and engaged diversity networks in GLD, each with a senior diversity champion who leads on a particular aspect or characteristic.
  Our diversity networks present a forum to discuss and provide mutual support for those with a common interest. They also support the diversity and inclusion work of the organisation.

• Learning & development provisions

  GLD has a comprehensive learning and development offer for all employees.
  We offer a programme of in-person/hybrid and virtual sessions providing learning on profession-specific, soft skills, technical skills, and different topics. We also support colleagues through a range of different professional qualifications.
  As the lead for the Government legal profession, we offer a tailored programme of development for all Legal Professionals joining the organisation through our Government Legal Training Programme and Legal Learning Framework, which includes:

  • Foundation pathway, to support colleagues in their first 12 months.
  • Practitioner pathways for colleagues in four core areas of work.
  • Core Curriculum.

  We also offer a 2+2 scheme for newly qualified lawyers to gain a broader idea and understanding of the range of work available as a government lawyer.
  Alongside this we support all professions with building their careers and capability aligning with the wider Civil Service offerings for each profession.

  There are also talent and development opportunities offered throughout the year, these include:

  • Senior Leaders and Future Leaders Schemes – cross – Civil Service accelerated development schemes.
  • Beyond Boundaries – cross – government development programme designed to help participants develop the knowledge, skills and networks required to build a satisfying and effective career in the Civil Service.
  • Mentoring and coaching – we encourage all colleagues to share their knowledge, capability, and experience.
  • Apprenticeships – we have a range of apprenticeships on offer across all professions, with the opportunity for all employees to explore a profession-specific apprenticeship to support their development in their role.

• Our locations

  We are a vibrant, inclusive and integrated GLD that is influential and respected in government and beyond. With closely-connected state-of-the-art offices across the country, we enable people in diverse roles and professions, at all levels, to contribute to our success. In all our locations, we reflect the communities we serve and are recognised as leaders in the legal community.

  Our national estate, in London, Manchester, Leeds, Croydon and Bristol, will provide our people with modern, flexible offices so that we all experience the benefits of efficient in-person working. Virtually any role within GLD, at any level, can be performed successfully from any of our locations.

• Our values

  Our values create an environment where all our colleagues play their part in achieving our ambitious strategy, because our people are central to our purpose. So we will continue to ensure we:

  • Value and respect each other.
  • Take pride in the high standards of our service.
  • Embrace new ideas and collaborate.

  Our vision is to be an outstanding legal organisation, committed to the highest standards of service and professionalism, and a brilliant place to work where we can all thrive and fulfil our potential.