Robert Higgins Email & Phone Number

Cockermouth, Gb

Amsterdam, London, Bristol, Ohio, Toronto, Abu Dhabi

I oversee corporate governance and policy formation, which includes setting standards for business ethics and conducting audits to ensure that the company adheres to compliance and maintains ethical practices. I provide guidance to the group company board on legal and company secretarial matters, helping them make well-informed decisions that align with both legal requirements and organisational goals.I offer multi-jurisdictional legal advice on various complex areas, including acquisitions, joint ventures, contract risk management, and supply chain management. This involves identifying and mitigating potential risks to ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently across different jurisdictions. I also lead corporate projects that involve such as acquisitions, forming new companies or joint ventures, and issuing shares, all aimed at driving strategic growth and expansion for the company.Additionally, I am responsible for developing and protecting the company's brand and intellectual property rights (IPR). This involves creating, registering, and enforcing intellectual property assets to secure and enhance the company's market position and competitive advantage.My role also includes directing legal and corporate supply chain operations, which encompasses overseeing legal, notarial, and insurance services to support and streamline the organisation’s legal framework. I provide multi-jurisdictional human resources (HR) advice on matters such as restructuring, redundancies, dismissals, and disciplinary actions, ensuring that all HR practices comply with legal standards and contribute to organisational efficiency.Furthermore, I ensure that the company adheres to data protection and cybersecurity regulations, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining data integrity. I also design and implement legally compliant incentive schemes for employees and directors to boost motivation and improve retention within the company.

Cumbria

Mission: to deliver independent, balanced and pragmatic advice on complex cross-functional issues involving legal, commercial, security and compliance risks.GCL delivers consultancy projects, advisory services, NED and Interim Executive services. Focus on independent, balanced and pragmatic advice, drawing on legal, technical and engineering credentials from regulated industries associated with complex infrastructure projects. Focussing on cross-functional issues where clients need a broader view of an issue. Currently providing advice to public and private sector clients in nuclear, security, IT and legal areas.

Cumbria/Warrington/London

In my leadership positions as Non-Executive Director (NED) and Chair, I provided essential strategic guidance and oversight to the organisation. My responsibilities included delivering comprehensive legal support and advice to the Board on critical issues such as corporate social responsibility (CSR), legal risks, and strategic initiatives. This ensured that the Board made well-informed decisions that were aligned with both the company's goals and legal requirements.I also worked closely with central government agencies and departments to advocate for the company’s interests and ensure full regulatory compliance. This involved navigating complex regulatory environments and fostering strong relationships with key governmental stakeholders to support the company's strategic objectives.In addition, I provided commercial legal advice to a range of internal clients, which was instrumental in facilitating sound business decisions and mitigating potential legal risks. I played a key role in maximising asset value and supporting business growth by directing and advising NDA Properties Ltd on various transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, and property developments.Furthermore, I optimised operations and managed the legal aspects for NDA group companies, including Sellafield and Magnox. This included leading and advising on the supply chain function to ensure that legal considerations were effectively integrated into operational strategies, thereby enhancing efficiency and compliance.NED Positions: NED on Sellafield Limited Board: SL run the largest industrial site in Europe for NDA Group.Chair of NDA Archive Limited: mission to reduce Group records and to store in purpose built archive.Member of Multi-academy Trust: NDA representative on W Cumbrian educational trust.Chair of Direct Rail Services, a rail freight haulage company.

Legal Director concentrating on the risks inherent in the major project activities of Atkins. I supported major bids, putting together bid and delivery Joint Venture companies and collaborations for PFI and PPP projects. I was Atkins' appointed director on a number of PFI and PPP Special Purpose Vehicle companies and chaired the JVCo delivering the Metronet PPP and managed Atkins' legal and commercial position as that PPP was wound up.I lead the legal support to a major programme of disposal of Atkins subsidiaries, working with internal ckients and external legal and banking advisers to deliver good sale deals on time and within budget.I also managed a portfolio of legal claims of around 30m per annum, liaising with external legal advisers and insurers.

Uk

Solicitor specialising in construction litigation, arbitration and adjudication in UK and overseas.

Uk

Construction projects in rail, highways, water treatment and property development sectors.

Post Graduate Diploma In Law, E&W Law With European Law, Commendation

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Psychology, First Class Honours

Ba (Hons) Humanities, Classical, Ancient Mediterranean And Near Eastern Studies And Archaeology, 2(1)

Activities and Societies: Classics plus Art History

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Civil Engineering, 2(Ii)

3 year civil engineering degree including advanced maths, management in public sector, transport science, economics, technical drawing.

Secondary Education