Simon Byrne
Wellington,WGN
Summary
Results-driven professional with a strong background in legal support and legislative analysis. Proficient in navigating policies across numerous jurisdictions and communicating these very clearly. Recognised for excellent research skills, judgment in anticipating legal issues and mitigating risks, contributing to effective policy development.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Democratic and Electoral Services Team Manager
Gloucester City/Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucester, UK
09.2017 - 07.2024
- Here, I managed a small, diverse team which oversaw the democratic process and was the lead of delivering all forms of electoral events across a large area in the South-West of England
- Key Highlights: Deputy Returning Officer for Gloucester and Police Area Deputy Returning Officer for the Gloucestershire area.
- Providing legal advice on procedural and constitutional matters pertinent to Returning Officers, elected representatives, political parties and candidates;
- Interpreting and applying often complex legislative provisions through detailed research and collaboration with my equivalents in different parts of the country and sharing this knowledge with my team;
- High-level project management: delivering safe and secure elections, seeing through the Council’s annual plan at all levels;
- Liaising with external suppliers, stakeholders and professionals, providing assurance on deliverables;
- Delivering the highest level of customer service and conflict resolution whether this be the public, colleagues or politicians;
- Leading channel shifts to enable local government to continue functioning during the Covid-19 lockdowns and beyond – assisting and educating the public to ‘self-serve’
- Identifying efficiencies and improved ways of working collaboratively as well as dealing with a host of public and business enquiries.
- Agenda collation, minute taking, action points and the provision of governance advice to Council Members – all through both digital technology as well as in person.
Legal Positions
09.2013 - 05.2017
- Following my legal training, I undertook a number of legal positions, both paid and voluntary. These involved managing my own caseloads, liaising with clients, and ensuring the smooth provision of service in high-pressure situations.
- Taylor-Nicholls (Criminal Clerk), London
- Migrant Legal Project, Bristol
- Albion Chambers, Bristol
- Garden Court Chambers, London
Restaurant Manager
O’Malley’s Bar and Restaurant
01.2026 - Current
- Leading a group of new hospitality staff at a new venue in all operations of a successful restaurant.
Duty Manager
Glenorchy Hotel
01.2025 - 10.2025
- Working across the hotel in enabling guests to have a good experience in every aspect of visiting an iconic part of New Zealand as well as the local customer base.
Education
LLB (Hons) - Law
UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Gloucestershire, UK11-2014
GCSEs -
St. Joseph's College
LondonSkills
- Legal analysis and policy development
- Project governance and management
- Strategic planning and policy writing
- Leadership in teams
- Effective problem solving
- Public speaking skills
- Decision-making expertise
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
O’Malley’s Bar and Restaurant
01.2026 - Current
Duty Manager
Glenorchy Hotel
01.2025 - 10.2025
Democratic and Electoral Services Team Manager
Gloucester City/Gloucestershire County Council
09.2017 - 07.2024
Legal Positions
09.2013 - 05.2017
LLB (Hons) - Law
UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE
GCSEs -
St. Joseph's College