Legal Aid Administrator – Head of Service

Legal Aid Administrator – Head of Service

Remuneration: £90,000 – £110,000 D.O.E.

The States of Guernsey invites expressions of interest from senior legal professionals wishing to take up the independent office of Legal Aid Administrator - Head of Service, appointed under the Legal Aid (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2003.

This is a high‑level contracted role, central to the administration and ongoing development of the Bailiwick’s Legal Aid Schemes. The Administrator will assess applications, apply statutory criteria, grant and review certificates and manage contractual arrangements with solicitors delivering legally aided services. The role also includes monitoring work carried out under the Schemes and overseeing cost assessments to ensure public funds are used reasonably and in accordance with the Rules.

Beyond operational responsibilities, the Administrator serves as the Committee for Employment & Social Security’s principal adviser on legal aid policy and legislation. This includes analysing case law, monitoring international obligations, consulting on proposed changes, and preparing briefing papers to support policy development and legislative amendments. A significant element of the contract involves advising on, and helping to implement, the recommendations of the 2023 independent Legal Aid Review.

Applicants must hold a professional legal qualification and demonstrate substantial litigation experience, excellent communication and research skills, firm but fair decision‑making, commercial understanding, and strong organisational capability.

This is a unique opportunity to hold an influential statutory office and make a direct contribution to access to justice in the Bailiwick.