Internal Solicitor and Legal Services Manager

Job summary

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 post-holder will assist with the provision of an 'in house' legal function, 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.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will assist the Head of Quality and Safety with provision of authoritative advice on the management of claims and inquests to the Board and staff within the Trust and will support the drive to ensure that lessons are learnt and areas for improvements to the care provided are identified, with actions taken as a result of claims and inquest findings.

On behalf of the Head of Quality and Safety the post holder will develop, implement and maintain effective and efficient business management systems and processes which enable the team to deliver their responsibilities and to meet their individual and collective objectives as agreed with the Head of Quality and Safety. 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 lead the development, implementation and management of all relevant strategies, policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines in relation to the management of coronial, civil litigation and insurance provision.

The post holder will have all the necessary specialist qualifications, knowledge and experience required to provide to support the Head of Quality and Safety covering coronial, civil litigation and insurance provision.

About us

We employ 3,500 staff in 63 locations and serve a population of 2,600,000 in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham, and Tees over 3230 square miles.

Many people think the job of the ambulance service is to collect patients and take them to hospital, but we do much more!

Paramedic skills have developed hugely in recent years, meaning we carry out more treatment at the scene and en-route to hospital.

We have a dedicated clinical assessment service that allows us to provide patients with the most appropriate care from the beginning of the patient journey.

We have a specialised branch of the Trust called HART which deal with explosions or terrorist attacks.

Ultimately patients are the heart of everything that we do to support our mission of "safe, effective and responsive care for all".

We value and respect the diversity employees bring to our workplace. We recruit a workforce that reflects the community we serve, and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. To ensure we deliver on our aims in relation to diversity and inclusion we assess ourselves against a range of frameworks. We are ENEI Gold employer, Disability Confident Leader, Dementia Friendly, and part of Mind Blue Light programme and the Race at Work Charter from the Princes Responsible Business Network and are achieving across all objectives in NHS Equality Delivery System.

From 01/04/25 If your role needs a DBS you'll be subject to salary deduction totaling £49.50, spread over first and second pay.

Details

• Date posted: 02 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 8a
• Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year Per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 340-ISLSM
• Job locations: Bernicia House,, Goldcrest Way, N, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NY, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice and support to the Trust on coronial, civil litigation, medico-legal and insurance matters.

• Manage the Trusts response to inquests, civil claims, motor insurance claims and other medico-legal matters, minimising legal and financial risk.

• Represent the Trust in Coroners Courts, Civil Courts and other legal proceedings as required.

• Lead the development and implementation of strategies, policies, procedures and governance arrangements relating to Legal Services.
• Provide expert advice and assurance to senior leaders and support organisational learning arising from claims, inquests and legal investigations.
• Oversee the management, analysis and reporting of legal services activity, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with key external stakeholders including Coroners, NHS Resolution, insurers, legal representatives and partner organisations.
• Lead and support staff within the Legal Services function, ensuring effective performance, professional development and service delivery.
• Support the Head of Quality and Safety in identifying, managing and mitigating legal, financial and reputational risks across the Trust.