Deputy Head of Legal Services

Job description

Job responsibilities

Working alongside the Head of Legal Services the post holder will:

Ensure the maintenance of electronic records and databases of all material associated with claims including: correspondence, solicitors and counsels advice, pleadings, expert reports, statements, medical records and any other relevant documents.

Ensure that claims against the Trust are reported to and properly investigated for NHS Resolution, in accordance with the NHS Resolutions Clinical Negligence Scheme Trusts, Liabilities to Third Parties Scheme and Property Expenses Scheme.

Develop and maintain proper systems for obtaining statements to help thoroughly assess and evaluate claims.

Notify and update clinical directors, heads of nursing and general managers in relation to all claims affecting their area of responsibility enabling remedial action not already undertaken to be considered

Ensure all staff are supported, properly briefed, and prepared for attendance in court.

Attend conferences with Counsel, solicitors, experts, clinicians and other staff on behalf of the Trust and take action where appropriate.

Identify the potential for adverse publicity to ensure that the Executive team, Head of Communications and other senior colleagues are briefed and updated and assist in the preparation of media statements where necessary.

Review claims to ensure that the actions are undertaken in a timely manner.

Represent the Trust at meetings and hearings regarding claims

Liaise with the Trusts Complaints and Quality Governance teams, in particular where there are potential wider clinical or corporate governance issues.

Review the Claims Management policy and procedures to ensure they are fully compliant with NHS Resolution claims management standards, the CPR and other best practice guidance.

Ensure that learning is derived from claims and shared throughout the Trust.

Advise on Serious Medical Treatment cases and manage Court of Protection and Family Division proceedings.

Advise and support staff assisting the Police and CPS in criminal proceedings and giving evidence in the Magistrates Court and Crown Court.

Advise on healthcare law matters such as consent, MCA 2005, indemnity.

Respond to FOIA requests eg regarding Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury claims.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Law
• Professional legal qualification eg Legal Practice Course, Bar Training Course, CILEX
• Experience of on-going continued professional development relevant to the role

Desirable

• Master's degree in Medical Law or demonstrable substantial experience as an expert/specialist lawyer in healthcare field

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in an autonomous role and being able to make balanced judgments with limited day to day supervision.
• Substantial experience in clinical negligence and personal injury litigation, inquests and healthcare advisory law
• Experience of managing and leading staff including performance management, appraisals
• Experience of attending and representing Trusts at pre inquest reviews and inquests
• Experience of working with NHS Resolution for the management of claims falling under CNST and LTPS

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to understand, assimilate and analyse complex and sensitive information quickly, and make sound reasoned decisions in relation to matters of law.
• Ability to negotiate and advise on settlement of claims
• Ability to act under pressure and provide timely and clear legal advice, and possible solutions in ambiguous situations
• Excellent written and verbal skills with a proven ability to clearly communicate and explain complex issues.
• Strong organisational skills with a methodical approach to aspects of work.
• Ability to develop and maintain constructive relationships with staff at all levels within the Trust and with varied external organisations.
• Work with minimal close supervision and take responsibility for legal advice given.
• Sound IT skills (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel),
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff who may be angry, aggressive, distressed or emotional

Personal Skills

Essential

• Effective time management skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to deliver presentations and training to varied audiences from non-legal backgrounds
• Strong sense of commitment to their work and to improve safety for both staff and patients.
• Demonstrates approachable and collaborative style
• Political astuteness and ability to represent the Trust and profession, locally and nationally when required

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)