Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic, confident and efficient Legal Services Manager join our Legal Services Department. This role provides comprehensive support to the Head of Legal Services in the day to day management of all Legal aspects within the organisation. The role will involves working closely with both staff within the Trust, and also with external organisations such as Solicitors, Coroner's office staff, Police and Local authorities.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a caseload of inquests, police requests, Employer's Liability and Public Liability claims and CNST (clinical negligence) claims. Providing assistance and support to the Head of Legal Services to ensure that contentious inquests and claims (including employer's liability, public liability, clinical negligence and low value property claims) are managed effectively.
Liaising with staff at all levels and keeping them informed of claim file developments and ensuring that investigations are undertaken thoroughly is an important aspect of the role. Working within agreed timeframes crucial for this role.
Assisting the Head of Legal Services in the provision of the management of reports regarding issues arising from claims is also part of the role.
If you think that you are a good match to the description above please complete the application form. For more information, or to visit the department please contact Karolyn Baker:karolyn.baker@royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Main duties of the job
This is a key role providing healthcare law expertise to ensure the successful running of the Trust's busy Legal Services Department. To be responsible for managing a caseload of inquests, police requests, Employer's Liability and Public Liability claims and clinical negligence claims. To lead on claims management within the Legal Services portfolio. To provide specialist advice and guidance on all aspects of the inquest process, claims and Healthcare law. This will be based on knowledge and experience, legislation and case law, national and local guidelines, and best practice. To assist the junior team members with their work in a supervisory capacity, and to support their personal and professional development. To deputise for the Head of Legal Services as required. The post holder will be expected to work with autonomy and under their own initiative as a specialist in the area. The post holder will be expected to plan their workload in accordance with the demands of the job.
About us
Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.
Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.
If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.
Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a key role providing healthcare law expertise to ensure the successful running of the Trusts busy Legal Services Department.
Details can be found in the job description.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a key role providing healthcare law expertise to ensure the successful running of the Trusts busy Legal Services Department.
Details can be found in the job description.
Person Specification
Written
Essential
- CILEX / equivalent professional qualification; or Law degree (LLB) with relevant experience of medico-legal research and/or work
- Experience in healthcare law i.e. Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury and Coronial law. Experience of complex caseload management.
- Knowledge of and ability to apply the following guidelines, protocols and statutes in a healthcare setting: oCoronial Law including the Coroners and Justice Act oData Protection Act / Access to Health Records Act / Freedom of Information Act oPre Action Protocol for Personal Injury Claims oPre-Action Protocol for the Resolution of Clinical Disputes oMental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act oHuman Rights Act oRelevant NHSR Reporting Guidelines and requirements oManagement of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Good oral and written communication skills, with an excellent grasp of the English language and be able to communicate confidently and effectively at all levels.
Desirable
- Post graduate / masters level law degree (LLM) Qualification in management/leadership/coaching Clinical Risk & Claims Management Diploma
- Line management experience Experience in a position of seniority within a team. Experience of working in an in-house legal department within the NHS/ alternative healthcare setting.
- Presentation skills. Legal research skills. Knowledge of local and national policies. Familiar with DATIX risk/claims management system or similar Familiar with NHS Resolution Extranet
Written
Essential
- CILEX / equivalent professional qualification; or Law degree (LLB) with relevant experience of medico-legal research and/or work Specialist experience of assisting and leading in the management of clinical negligence, personal injury, and inquest caseloads. Relevant legal experience of working within the NHS or with NHS Resolution.
- Experience in healthcare law i.e. Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury and Coronial law. Experience of complex caseload management. Experience of attending inquests and preparing witnesses to do so. Advocacy experience in an inquest setting (or similar). Experience of handling and engaging with complex, sensitive, and confidential information. Experience of working autonomously and to tight deadlines, within a busy environment. Experience of using electronic filing / case management systems. Experience of reviewing and understanding medical records
- Knowledge of and ability to apply the following guidelines, protocols and statutes in a healthcare setting: oCoronial Law including the Coroners and Justice Act oData Protection Act / Access to Health Records Act / Freedom of Information Act oPre Action Protocol for Personal Injury Claims oPre-Action Protocol for the Resolution of Clinical Disputes oMental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act oHuman Rights Act oRelevant NHSR Reporting Guidelines and requirements oManagement of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Good oral and written communication skills, with an excellent grasp of the English language and be able to communicate confidently and effectively at all levels. Ability to communicate with all disciplines of staff, including (but not limited to) Board Directors, the Patient Safety, Complaints and PALS teams, individual members of staff involved in potential litigation or Coroner's inquests, Consultants, staff and Managers of all levels. Ability to communicate with external stakeholders including (but not limited to) the NHSR, Panel and external solicitors, the Coroner and Coroners' Officers, members of the public, patients/Claimants and their solicitors, the police. Ability to communicate potentially complex legal principles and concepts to lay people. Ability to negotiate with and influence staff at all levels of an organisation. Ability to empathise and communicate well with emotionally distressed individuals. Ability to prioritise own workload and work to deadlines Ability to work under own initiative with autonomy. Strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise. Ability to take on, interpret, and assess new information quickly particularly in relation to medico-legal topics. Experience of working in an environment with conflicting pressures and changing workload. Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills. Understanding of basic medical terminology. Fully computer literate. Excellent attention to detail.
Desirable
- Post graduate / masters level law degree (LLM) Qualification in management/leadership/coaching Clinical Risk & Claims Management Diploma Demonstrable interest in medico-legal matters, and evidence of continued professional development in this discipline
- Line management experience Experience in a position of seniority within a team. Experience of working in an in-house legal department within the NHS/ alternative healthcare setting. Competence in managing Court of Protection matters
- Presentation skills. Legal research skills. Knowledge of local and national policies. Familiar with DATIX risk/claims management system or similar Familiar with NHS Resolution Extranet Ability to encourage and empower others to develop and learn.
Person Specification
Written
Essential
- CILEX / equivalent professional qualification; or Law degree (LLB) with relevant experience of medico-legal research and/or work
- Experience in healthcare law i.e. Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury and Coronial law. Experience of complex caseload management.
- Knowledge of and ability to apply the following guidelines, protocols and statutes in a healthcare setting: oCoronial Law including the Coroners and Justice Act oData Protection Act / Access to Health Records Act / Freedom of Information Act oPre Action Protocol for Personal Injury Claims oPre-Action Protocol for the Resolution of Clinical Disputes oMental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act oHuman Rights Act oRelevant NHSR Reporting Guidelines and requirements oManagement of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Good oral and written communication skills, with an excellent grasp of the English language and be able to communicate confidently and effectively at all levels.
Desirable
- Post graduate / masters level law degree (LLM) Qualification in management/leadership/coaching Clinical Risk & Claims Management Diploma
- Line management experience Experience in a position of seniority within a team. Experience of working in an in-house legal department within the NHS/ alternative healthcare setting.
- Presentation skills. Legal research skills. Knowledge of local and national policies. Familiar with DATIX risk/claims management system or similar Familiar with NHS Resolution Extranet
Written
Essential
- CILEX / equivalent professional qualification; or Law degree (LLB) with relevant experience of medico-legal research and/or work Specialist experience of assisting and leading in the management of clinical negligence, personal injury, and inquest caseloads. Relevant legal experience of working within the NHS or with NHS Resolution.
- Experience in healthcare law i.e. Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury and Coronial law. Experience of complex caseload management. Experience of attending inquests and preparing witnesses to do so. Advocacy experience in an inquest setting (or similar). Experience of handling and engaging with complex, sensitive, and confidential information. Experience of working autonomously and to tight deadlines, within a busy environment. Experience of using electronic filing / case management systems. Experience of reviewing and understanding medical records
- Knowledge of and ability to apply the following guidelines, protocols and statutes in a healthcare setting: oCoronial Law including the Coroners and Justice Act oData Protection Act / Access to Health Records Act / Freedom of Information Act oPre Action Protocol for Personal Injury Claims oPre-Action Protocol for the Resolution of Clinical Disputes oMental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act oHuman Rights Act oRelevant NHSR Reporting Guidelines and requirements oManagement of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Good oral and written communication skills, with an excellent grasp of the English language and be able to communicate confidently and effectively at all levels. Ability to communicate with all disciplines of staff, including (but not limited to) Board Directors, the Patient Safety, Complaints and PALS teams, individual members of staff involved in potential litigation or Coroner's inquests, Consultants, staff and Managers of all levels. Ability to communicate with external stakeholders including (but not limited to) the NHSR, Panel and external solicitors, the Coroner and Coroners' Officers, members of the public, patients/Claimants and their solicitors, the police. Ability to communicate potentially complex legal principles and concepts to lay people. Ability to negotiate with and influence staff at all levels of an organisation. Ability to empathise and communicate well with emotionally distressed individuals. Ability to prioritise own workload and work to deadlines Ability to work under own initiative with autonomy. Strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise. Ability to take on, interpret, and assess new information quickly particularly in relation to medico-legal topics. Experience of working in an environment with conflicting pressures and changing workload. Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills. Understanding of basic medical terminology. Fully computer literate. Excellent attention to detail.
Desirable
- Post graduate / masters level law degree (LLM) Qualification in management/leadership/coaching Clinical Risk & Claims Management Diploma Demonstrable interest in medico-legal matters, and evidence of continued professional development in this discipline
- Line management experience Experience in a position of seniority within a team. Experience of working in an in-house legal department within the NHS/ alternative healthcare setting. Competence in managing Court of Protection matters
- Presentation skills. Legal research skills. Knowledge of local and national policies. Familiar with DATIX risk/claims management system or similar Familiar with NHS Resolution Extranet Ability to encourage and empower others to develop and learn.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
