Internal Solicitor and Legal Services Manager

Job overview

Working within the Quality and Safety directorate, this is a key role in the provision and management of Legal Services and will include management of the Coroner and Claims department.

The Postholder will provide specialist legal advice and guidance to senior leaders and managers on complex legal matters, supporting informed decision-making and effective risk management whilst delivering high-quality, solutions-focused and timely legal support, in order to support delivery of the Trust’s business and identify and manage legal risk effectively, minimising the Trust's exposure to liability and representing the Trust in both the Coroners’ and Civil courts as necessary.

In addition to the NHS Resolution indemnity schemes the post holder will support the management of claims falling under commercial insurance provision for the Trust and the wholly owned subsidiary, North East Ambulance Service Unified Solutions (NEASUS). This includes day to day management of motor insurance related claims and liaison with third parties and insurers. The management of claims also includes those classified under special losses and compensation and not related to formal indemnity arrangements.

Please note that this Job Description is currently under Job Evaluation and is subject to amendment following the evaluation process.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will support the Head of Quality and Safety in providing specialist advice on the management of claims and inquests to the Board and senior managers.

On behalf of the Head of Quality and Safety the post holder will support the development, implementation and maintenance of business management systems and processes which enable the Legal Services team to deliver its responsibilities and agreed objectives. This will include the review and updating of the Ulysses integrated risk management system and database, working in conjunction with colleagues in the Regulatory Services functions and wider directorate.

The Internal Solicitor and Legal Services Manager will support the development, implementation and review of policies, procedures and guidance relating to coronial, civil litigation and insurance provision.

The post holder will possess the specialist qualifications, knowledge and experience necessary to support the Head of Quality and Safety in relation to coronial, civil litigation and insurance provision.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Support the Head of Quality and Safety in identifying, assessing and managing coronial, civil litigation, medico-legal and insurance risks in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• Plan, coordinate and monitor the activities of the legal services function, ensuring workloads are managed effectively and statutory and organisational deadlines are achieved.
• To monitor uptake and outcomes of all coronial, civil litigation, motor claims and medico-legal activities and produce reports for audit and evaluation, as well as ensuring ongoing evaluation and review of data and evidence supports service learning and improvement.
• The post holder is required to have the knowledge and professionalism to liaise with all levels of staff within the Trust and to give competent advice in respect to coronial, civil litigation, medico-legal and commercial insurance matters.
• Provide specialist legal advice and guidance on coronial, litigation, insurance and medico-legal matters to managers, senior leaders and external stakeholders ensuring complex legal issues, risks and obligations are clearly understood and appropriately managed.
• The Internal Solicitor and Legal Services Manager is required to support the implementation of service improvements and changes relating to coronial, civil litigation and medico-legal matters.
• To ensure all externally reportable events are reported to the NHS Resolution, Coroners, Insurers, Care Quality Commission and other relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within the Trust, providing specialist legal advice and support to managers and staff and contributing to a positive, open and supportive culture.
• Represent the Trust at local, regional and national meetings relating to the role's portfolio, working collaboratively with partners to share learning, good practice and service improvements.
• Represent the Trust at the relevant Courts of Law as necessary.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of legal services work plans and objectives in line with Directorate Priorities.
• The post holder is required to work in partnership with stakeholders to support the review of policies, procedures and audit findings, providing information and assurance regarding compliance to relevant committees and management groups.
• Ensure that the Legal Services department develop effective networks with external Organisations and external bodies e.g. Coroners, Health and Social Care Organisations, Panel Legal Firms and NHS Resolution.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.