Solicitor (Civil Litigation Unit)
Greater Manchester Police, Headquarters
- Expired
Greater Manchester Police is one of the largest police forces in the UK and is responsible for keeping its diverse population of almost three million people safe. Greater Manchester is a vibrant region in the Northwest, spread over more than 1,200 sq km. Split over 10 metropolitan districts, it is billed as the most diverse city in Europe, whose residents draw on and contribute to its rich cultural legacy and collectively speak up to 200 different languages. Recently awarded the ‘most improved force in the country’ after its latest police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL) inspection in 2023, Greater Manchester Police remains committed to doing the basics of policing brilliantly, protecting the public, supporting victims and ensuring its workforce reflects the communities it serves. GMP recognises that having a diverse workforce makes it more approachable and relevant to the public, and so we welcome applications from everyone. Legal Services provides a critical support service for officers and staff at all levels in GMP. The Branch is made up of circa 50 legally qualified and non-qualified staff split across six units, including four dedicated legal units that specialise in Operational Policing, Civil Litigation, Employment and Misconduct, and Public and Regulatory. Apply at the link below: Calculate your take home pay. Use this service to estimate how much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay for the current tax year. Employment could affect your benefits, find out more here. Turn2us Benefits Calculator.
Members of our teams provide legal advice across the above areas and are key partners in ensuring GMP re-establishes itself as a leading police force who fight and reduce crime, keeps people safe and cares for victims.
Our legal work is interesting, fast-paced and rewarding with no two days being the same. You can expect to be challenged and have the highest level of career fulfilment here, because you can and will make a difference. Every single member of the team understands their role in contributing to the provision of our service, and the business benefits it brings.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within GMP’s Legal Services Branch.
If you are hard-working, motivated and adaptable; want to take a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work as part of a friendly and supportive team and can demonstrate the attributes and behaviours that GMP expects of its police staff and officers, we welcome your application.
We are looking for an experienced defendant solicitor to handle a caseload of litigated public liability, employer’s liability and motor claims against the Chief Constable and to provide Force-wide advice in order to minimise exposure to risk.
You will be a confident and effective communicator with a strong understanding of civil procedure and police-related legislation and will be capable of handling high-value and complex litigation, acting always in the best interests of the Chief Constable and demonstrating awareness of the wider impact of your decision-making.
*The salary attracts an additional £5000 market supplement (which is subject to review every three years, or sooner if market conditions change)
This post is politically restricted under the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act, 1989. Your post is defined as 'politically restricted' and you must not, therefore, engage in political activities. Further information about such activities can be found in the Politically Restricted Posts Policy available on the Greater Manchester Police intranet site.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo security vetting.
Benefits:
As well as offering the chance of a rewarding career, there are other benefits to working for GMP.
Generous annual leave entitlement of 24 days, plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years, and 32 after 10 years of service.
A competitive salary
Annual pay rise
Generous Pension
Maternity/paternity leave
Healthcare and wellbeing support
Opportunity to join GMP’s Sports and Social Club which offers a range of sporting activities
Emergency services blue light card discount
Cycle Scheme
Car Lease Scheme - Fleet Solutions offer the leading salary sacrifice lease car scheme for the NHS and other public sector organisations please paste this link into your browser for further details
Fleet solutions (nhsfleetsolutions.co.uk)Supporting Documents
↗ Job Description & Person Specification
Location
Force Headquarters, Central Park Complex, Northampton Road , Manchester , M40 5BP, United Kingdom
Job ID
14528
Supporting You Through Every Step of Your Journey
We want every candidate to feel welcomed, informed and confident when applying for a role with us.
This section brings together everything you need to succeed - from guidance on writing an authentic application to and understanding how to use AI responsibly.
You’ll also find information about our Greater Manchester commitments, including our inclusive employment schemes and standards, as well as tools to help you explore your potential pay, benefits and entitlements. We’re here to ensure you have the support you need at every stage.
Working for a local authority in Greater Manchester
Local authorities across Greater Manchester are proud to be part of a shared commitment to widening access to employment and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
These commitments span a number of long‑standing schemes and initiatives designed to open doors, remove barriers and ensure all applicants feel valued and respected throughout their employment journey.
Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter
Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter
Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment
Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment
Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards
Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards
Your Pay, Your Benefits, Your Future
Explore easy‑to‑use tools that help you understand your take‑home pay and how different employment situations may affect the financial support available to you and your household.
Calculate Your Take‑Home Pay
Use this salary calculator to estimate your net pay after tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions.
Estimate your Income Tax for the current year (Gov.uk)
Check Your Benefits Entitlement
See how changes in employment, hours or salary may affect your benefits and household income.
Turn2us Benefits Calculator
Applying Authentically With AI: Our Greater Manchester Approach
Across Greater Manchester’s local authorities, we want to hear your genuine experiences, skills and motivations, expressed in your own words.
To keep our recruitment process fair and inclusive, please complete your application personally and follow the instructions carefully. AI can be used to support you - for example, to help structure your answers or as a reasonable adjustment - but your application should still reflect your authentic voice. If you do use AI as a support tool, a brief explanation helps us ensure an equitable selection process.
Applications that depend too heavily on AI‑generated content may not progress to shortlisting.
This guidance outlines acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI, along with suggestions for using it in a way that supports you while keeping your application true to you.
What Is AI and How Do We Use It Across Greater Manchester?
AI refers to technology that can create or refine content, such as text, ideas, summaries, or planning. It can help improve productivity, problem-solving, and creativity.
We’re open to using innovative digital tools where they can help us work smarter and deliver better services for our residents. However, every use of AI is carefully considered to make sure it is ethical, responsible, and aligned with public-sector values.
When it comes to recruitment, we take a human-centred approach.
This means:
A trained hiring manager reads every application
Shortlisting is based on objective criteria required for the job
Interviews are conducted in person or via teams by the hiring manager for the role
All hiring decisions are made by hiring managers, not algorithms
AI does not make decisions in our recruitment process and our managers are being upskilled to spot AI in applications, particularly when this might have been used in a way that doesn’t feel genuine. If something in an application raises a question or concern, we will test this out with assessments or at the interview stage to confirm authenticity.
Our aim isn’t to catch anyone out but to make sure we’re getting to know the real you, giving every candidate a fair chance and finding the right person for the role.
Using AI in Your Application
When it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team.
We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool to support accessibility during the application process. If you choose to use AI for support, please read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.
We’re looking forward to hearing your story.
How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly
Your application is your chance to show us:
Who you are
What you can bring
The values you hold
Why you want to make a difference
AI can help you organise your thoughts or improve clarity but it cannot express your unique voice, experiences, or motivations.
AI is most helpful when used to:
Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria
Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors
Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something
But remember: your honesty, lived experience, and motivations are irreplaceable.
Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process
Do:
Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement
Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure
Use it to brainstorm examples, then rewrite them in your own voice
Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience
Use AI to help with research, but express your understanding yourself
Don’t:
Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application
Let AI exaggerate or invent experience you do not have
Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements
Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice
