Government Legal Department business plan promises expanded trainee scheme and more legal roles based outside London
The Government Legal Department (GLD) has committed to expanding its trainee scheme and to introducing new solicitor and paralegal apprenticeships in its business plan for 2023-24.
The GLD added that it also intends to increase the number of employees outside of London in order to become a 'national GLD'. As part of this effort, the Department recently opened a new office in Salford, adding to its offices in Bristol, Leeds and London.
The promise to increase its trainee and apprenticeship schemes will see the GLD employ 82 legal trainees, according to the plan.
It has also said it will implement a "new capability-based pay system for our lawyers and continue to develop the experience for all working in GLD, including on development, remuneration and wider benefits".
New legal technology will also be introduced, with the rollout of a web-based legislation drafting and checking tool called 'Lawmaker'.
Alongside these practice management changes, the business plan details some of the legal work the GLD is set to be involved in in the coming year.
According to the plan, the Department will play a role in helping the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities guide the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill through Parliament.
Additionally, the GLD will be providing advice on how devolution settlements impact government policy and public services.
Other legal work mentioned includes work on the Retained EU Law Bill and on the Illegal Migration Bill.
In the foreword to the business plan, Susanna McGibbon, Permanent Secretary and Treasury Solicitor, wrote: “The past year has yet again seen teams across our department rise to the challenge of ensuring the Government has had outstanding legal support, as it has navigated a particularly turbulent period. From the cost-of-living crisis to industrial relations, negotiating the Windsor Framework through to the war in Ukraine, our legal work has been central to the Government’s response – great work delivered by great teams.
“In 2023-24, GLD will continue to play a vital role in ‘helping the government to govern well, within the rule of law’ which remains our core purpose. We will do this working closely with the Attorney General in her role as chief legal adviser to the Government, supporting the Prime Minister in the delivery of his priorities.”
She added: “In the coming year, we have decided to focus on 3 areas – becoming a national GLD that provides rewarding careers for all in an environment that is fit for the future and these are the themes that underpin this business plan.”
A key priority this year will be to develop a new strategy for 2024 onwards, McGibbon added. “We will take this opportunity to develop a clear and ambitious vision for how we deliver our legal services, ensuring government gets the best overall legal support it needs. We also want to ensure we provide the best career offer to all our people, while modernising our technology and offices to support our evolving ways of working.”
She added that she wanted GLD to be a place “where everyone feels welcome – where we support each other whatever our background or role. Diversity and inclusion, including improving social mobility, will continue to be at the heart of my leadership of GLD”.
Adam Carey