Legal Officer, Band 7

Job overview

Legal Officer, Band 7 (32 hours a week)

The role of the Legal Officer is to support the Legal Services team in the provision of a dedicated in-house legal service which includes the following core areas:

- Claims - management of clinical negligence and third-party claims, in line with NHSR's schemes. To work closely with clinicians and Trust Divisions to robustly defend claims and protect the interests of the Trust

- Inquests: support and representation of staff in the Coroner's Court, working closely with local Coroner's Officers on a large portfolio of inquests

- Healthcare advice: including advice for clinical and non-clinical situations

- Disclosure requests: assisting the Coroner, Police, Local Authority, and any other authorized third party as required.

- Training: providing internal and external training on core work areas.

We are looking for a Legal Officer who shares our passion to support staff in the delivery of outstanding healthcare and demonstrates the Trust's values to achieve that aim.

We recognise that working in-house is a niche role and would be keen to hear from candidates with relevant experience who have an interest in developing a fulfilling career in the NHS. We pride ourselves on providing all our advice and inquest representation in-house where possible, being accessible to all Trust staff for advice and support, and for our ability to get the best outcome on claims.

The proposed interview date is: 4th December

Job description

Clinical Negligence Claims

Third Party Claims

Inquests

Disclosure requests

Other Court cases

Healthcare Advice

Reporting

Training

To assist with any other reasonable request by the Head of Legal Services, as appropriate

Job responsibilities

Please see Job Description and person specification for full description of role and main responsibilities.

Contact Details

Caroline Pennels (Head of Legal Services)

Caroline.pennels@nhs.net

0300 422 3555 or 0300 422 3160

About the organisation

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Law degree or equivalent
• Experience managing claims
• Experience of working in a legal environment (e.g solicitors, local authority, insurance

Desirable

• Master's Degree or completion of LPC
• Admission to Law Society or equivalent professional/regulatory body
• Experience of working in the NHS
• Experience in at least one of the team's core values

Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders and provide pragmatic advice
• Excellent written, verbal, communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to draft legal correspondence and explain complex legal issue to lay people sensitively
• Ability to work collaboratively within an in-house legal team working across sites
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a stressful environment, displaying resilience
• Be a reliable point of contact for clinicians who require support
• Display initiative, flexibility and a keenness to learn

Experience

Essential

• Experience in at least one of the team's core areas of work
• Experience managing claims

Desirable

• Experience in preparing for inquests and other court cases
• Experience of providing healthcare legal advice clinic and/or non-clinical
• Ability to supervise junior team members
• Experience of working in-house for a large NHS organisation

Supporting documents

• 318-26-T0710 Job Description & Person Specification.docx (DOCX, 351 KB)