Logo of Huzzle

Senior Legal Services Officer (Subject to banding)

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Legal
    Healthcare
  • Leicester

AI generated summary

  • You need relevant legal qualifications, experience in clinical negligence and liability claims, strong analytical and communication skills, and knowledge of NHS Litigation Authority rules.
  • You will manage litigation claims and inquests, review statements, arrange meetings, attend hearings, instruct solicitors, and liaise with staff to ensure compliance and support throughout the process.

Requirements

  • - Relevant legal qualifications or a law degree.
  • - Significant experience in handling clinical negligence, public liability, and property claims.
  • - Strong analytical skills to identify trends and provide management information.
  • - Experience in managing Coroner’s inquest caseloads.
  • - Ability to review witness statements and reports for accuracy.
  • - Judgement in determining the necessity of obtaining witness statements and in-house opinions.
  • - Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple cases and deadlines.
  • - Strong communication skills to liaise effectively with various stakeholders.
  • - Ability to provide support and training to junior team members.
  • - Understanding of NHS Litigation Authority rules and statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Establish and maintain a procedure for ensuring efficient management of litigation claims and Coroner’s inquests.
  • Proactively manage all claims and inquests and ensure that standards and performance targets are met.
  • Review witness statements/reports for inaccuracy’s and comprehensiveness.
  • Using own judgement as to necessity and appropriateness of obtaining witness statements and in house opinion in order to be able to form an assessment of liability (breach of duty and causation).
  • Arrange and attend pre-inquest meetings to prepare and support staff for giving evidence in court.
  • Attend pre-inquest reviews and respond to any requests from the Coroner.
  • Review cases on an individual basis to determine the need for legal representation and instruct solicitors as required.
  • Attend inquests either alone or with legal representation, report back any operational or media issues that arise during the hearing.
  • Investigate and respond to Prevention of Future Death reports.
  • Liaise with and support all parties involved in claims and inquests, including clinical and non-clinical staff at all levels, throughout the entire process and ensure that all relevant officers are kept informed of pertinent issues.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Senior Legal Services Officer?

The primary responsibility is to investigate and manage clinical negligence, employers/public liability, and property expenses scheme claims against the Trust, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and NHS Litigation Authority rules.

What are the key duties involved in managing inquests?

Key duties include managing the Trust's Coroner’s inquest caseload, gathering initial statements/documents, attending court, and preparing staff for giving evidence.

Will I be required to manage a team?

Yes, you will line manage and provide continuous development for the Legal Services Assistant and Administrator.

Are previous candidates eligible to apply for this position?

No, previous candidates need not apply.

Who can I contact for further information about the role?

You can contact Neila Patel, Head of Legal Services, at neila.patel@nhs.net for further information.

What qualifications or experience are required for this role?

The Job Description and Person Specification, which provide details on qualifications and experience, can be found in the attached documents.

Are there opportunities for flexible working arrangements?

Yes, requests for alternative hours or varied working patterns will be considered in line with our flexible working policy.

Is there a probationary period for new staff?

Yes, all new staff (excluding medical staff) are appointed subject to a 6-month probationary period.

What is the process for applying for this position?

Interested candidates should submit their applications as soon as possible, as the advert may close early if a sufficient number of applicants are received.

Will the cost of the DBS disclosure be covered by the employer?

No, the cost of any required DBS disclosure will be met by the individual and will be deducted from their salary once they start.

Creating high quality compassionate care and well-being for all

Science & Healthcare
Industry
5001-10,000
Employees
2002
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust provides a wide range of mental health, learning disability, and community health services across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Their mission is to deliver high-quality, compassionate care tailored to the needs of individuals and communities. They aim to improve mental health and well-being through integrated care, research, and innovation, focusing on delivering person-centered services that enhance overall quality of life.200