County council named "Employer of the Year" by CILEx

A county council has been named Employer of the Year by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).

The legal team at Buckinghamshire County Council has 53 lawyers, including chartered legal executives as well as solicitors and barristers.

The department currently has six staff following CILEx’s vocational route to qualifying as a lawyer.

The Chartered Institute said: “As an employer, Buckinghamshire County Council assists employees with study fees and also allows them time away from the office for exams. Its aim is to ‘value and empower its employees’ and offer equality of opportunity irrespective of position or professional qualification.

“The team offers regular work experience opportunities for school and university students and it also gives career insights to those considering a career change.”

Anne Davies, head of legal services at the local authority, said: “We’re really proud to have won the CILEx Employer of the Year Award - a tremendous morale-boost for the team, and recognition of the council’s commitment to investing in our people.” 

Noel Inge, managing director of award sponsor CILEx Law School, said: “Buckinghamshire County Council clearly recognises the value of the chartered legal executive training route in creating lawyers of the highest calibre.

“The quality of work handled by chartered legal executives at Buckinghamshire County Council, and the support and development opportunities offered to enable them to achieve their potential, are clear indications that the council is a worthy winner of the Employer of the Year Award.”

In January this year the council and the Bucks and Milton Keynes Fire Authority unveiled plans to set up an alternative business structure.

The new venture, if its application for a licence is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, will be called Buckinghamshire Law +.