Significant New Client For Growing Specialist Team

Irwin Mitchell has been appointed to provide employment law and HR support to Leeds City College and the White Rose Academies Trust.

Tracing its roots back to 1824, Leeds City College currently has over 19,000 students and in addition to being one of the largest further education colleges in the UK, is the biggest provider of apprenticeships nationally.

The White Rose Academies Trust is sponsored by Leeds City College and operates Leeds West Academy, Leeds East Academy and Leeds City Academy. Executive Principal Andrew Whitaker was appointed in September 2016, initiating a transformative journey which it is hoped will see all three schools Ofsted rated as outstanding within three years.

Irwin Mitchell has sector expertise in education and a dedicated team of specialist lawyers who support schools, further education colleges and academy trusts through its ‘IM Educate’ service and general employment law services.

As part of the initial three year contract, Irwin Mitchell will advise Leeds City College and the White Rose Academies Trust on the full range of employment legal issues. The leading law firm will also provide regular training to the organisation’s HR team.

Expert Opinion

“We are delighted to be working with Leeds City College and as one of the largest Further Education providers in the local area, it’s an important appointment which clearly demonstrates the strength of Irwin Mitchell’s offering in the education sector.” Samantha Clark - Solicitor

Huw Roberts, HR Director at Leeds City College, said: “We pride ourselves on our forward-thinking and commercial approach and believe this fits extremely well with the way Irwin Mitchell operates.

“I‘ve been very impressed with Irwin Mitchell’s ideas and their willingness to work closely with us, not only in terms of understanding our legal requirements but also in terms of delivering a cost effective and innovative legal solution.”