System and Data Officer

Reading Borough Council is looking for a motivated and technically skilled Systems and Data Officer to join our Legal Services team. In this role, you will be responsible for the overall management, enhancement, and integrity of our legal systems and data.

You will act as the primary system owner, ensuring our legal case management system and associated digital platforms are optimised for efficiency and accuracy, while also supporting data analysis and process improvement initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the smooth operation of legal services within a dynamic public sector environment.

Now is the perfect time to join us as we deliver our ambitions to be the best place to practice law in local government; being close to our customers, recruiting the best talent, successfully deploying legal technology and ensuring the continued growth of the business to new customers.

Reading&©s Legal Service provides the Council and its partners with the highest quality professional legal advice and representation which allows them to run their organisations well, and to serve our community.

We host a Joint Legal Team, a long-standing shared legal service for all the Berkshire councils and a recognised centre of excellence for childcare, adults and education law.As well as leading a highly regarded internal Corporate Legal Team, serving the needs of the Council across a wide range of functions.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.

About the role

Are you ready to lead the charge in managing and enhancing systems and data for a forward-thinking team? As Systems & Data Officer, you'll be the driving force behind our legal services systems and data activities. From improving workflows to implementing cutting-edge technologies, your contribution will ensure efficient and high-quality service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary superuser and system owner for Legal Services systems, driving continuous improvement.

• Conduct data analysis and quality assurance, producing valuable insights for stakeholders.

• Train and support users, ensuring full competency in using the legal case management system.

• Collaborate with managers and teams to define data needs and optimize processes.

• Lead process mapping, change control, and system updates, minimizing downtime and enhancing performance.

As a System and Data Officer, you will be responsible for leading and maintenance of legal services systems. You will work closely with the legal operations analyst and the strategic lead for legal operations. You will also work closely with senior leaders, finance teams, and legal service manager to improve efficiency, optimise processes, and ensure financial sustainability.

This role is not suited for those seeking a legal position and applications focused on legal work will not be considered. Previous applicants need not apply.

You&©ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you&©ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance $ú striving to be even better $ú and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

About you

Are you an analytical professional with a keen eye for detail and a strong background in financial analysis, data reporting, and process optimization? Do you excel in collaborative settings and bring expertise to support an innovative and forward-thinking legal or corporate services team? If so, you could be the perfect fit for our progressive Legal Services team.

• Extensive experience managing systems and data in legal or public sector contexts.

• Proficient in case management systems, digital tools (e.g., Teams, SharePoint), and data reporting.

• Skilled in process mapping, change control, and quality assurance

• Strong analytical abilities to interpret and present data effectively.

• Expertise in creating training materials and delivering user training.

• Knowledge of financial data reconciliation and collaboration with finance teams

• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and teamwork.

• Solid understanding of Information Governance and data protection.

• Innovative and proactive in adopting technologies to drive improvements.

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you&©ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave

• A wide range of flexible working opportunities

• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)

• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted

• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work

• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Harjit Bains, Legal Operations Manager at Harjit.Bains@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: 13th July 2025

Interview Date: 21st July 2025

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.