Debt Recovery Solicitor/Lawyer (2 Roles)

Job Introduction

Starting salary for this role is £44,075 (pro rata for part-time colleagues) (plus a local market supplement of £8,223 at the start of the band - LMS is reviewed annually)

This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.

Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.

We are seeking to recruit a Debt Recovery Solicitor/Lawyer to undertake specialist, high-quality legal work within Adult Social Care. The ideal candidate will manage their own debt recovery caseload with appropriate supervision, provide clear and practical advice to client teams, and contribute to the effective delivery of Legal Services through an invest-to-save approach focused on recovering outstanding Adult Social Care debt.

An understanding of probate, estate administration and related debt recovery processes, including experience of liaising with personal representatives, executors and administrators, would be advantageous but is not essential, as support and development can be provided.

We are looking to recruit a Solicitor/Lawyer in the following work area:

Adult Social Care Debt Recovery

Role Purpose

To provide high-quality, timely and accurate legal advice, casework and representation in relation to the recovery of Adult Social Care debt owed to BCP Council, ensuring that Legal Services supports lawful, proportionate and effective debt recovery while contributing to organisational priorities and the protection of public funds.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of Adult Social Care debt recovery matters from initial instruction through pre-action correspondence, claim issue, judgment, enforcement and settlement where appropriate.
• Provide clear, accurate and practical legal advice to Adult Social Care, finance and other client teams on recoverability, evidence, proportionality, limitation, vulnerability and case strategy.
• Draft and review letters before action, pleadings, witness evidence, settlement agreements, consent orders and other legal documentation required to progress debt recovery matters.
• Negotiate repayment proposals, settlements and case resolutions, balancing effective recovery with the Council's public law duties and the circumstances of vulnerable adults and their representatives.
• Represent the Council in legal proceedings commensurate with the role's level of responsibility, including County Court debt recovery and related enforcement matters.
• Support senior colleagues on complex, high-value or high-risk recovery cases, including matters involving capacity, estates, deferred payment arrangements, property, insolvency or enforcement considerations.
• Work collaboratively with Adult Social Care and finance colleagues to improve referral quality, evidence gathering, record keeping, debt recovery processes and recovery outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, civil procedure, case law and best practice relating to Adult Social Care charging, debt recovery and enforcement.
• Contribute to training, guidance and updates for officers and client teams on debt recovery processes, legal requirements and risk management where appropriate.
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Personal Qualities & Attributes

• Ability to provide practical, solution-focused and commercially aware advice in debt recovery matters.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to analyse financial records, care charging information and evidential material accurately.
• Confidence in working independently while recognising when to seek support on complex, sensitive or high-risk matters.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy local government environment, managing deadlines, court timetables and competing priorities.
• Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work sensitively with officers, service users, representatives and external parties.

Specific Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified solicitor or barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
• Post qualification experience in debt recovery, civil litigation, local government, Adult Social Care charging, or another relevant area of law.
• Understanding of local government, Adult Social Care, public sector debt recovery or care charging work is desirable.
• Ability to negotiate and influence effectively in debt recovery matters, including repayment arrangements, settlements and disputed claims.
• Experience of County Court procedure, enforcement options and working with vulnerable adults or their representatives is desirable.

Job Requirements

• Must be able to travel, using public or other forms of transport where viable, or by holding a valid UK driving licence with access to own or pool car.

Contact Information

If you would like to discuss the Adult Social Care Debt Recovery position, please contact Litigation Legal Team Leader Johanne McNamara: Johanne.McNamara@bcpcouncil.gov.uk |

Additional Information

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.

We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.

From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.

It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

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Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)

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