Job summary
- Main area
- Legal Services
- Grade
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 210-2026-548
- Employer
- Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Countess of Chester Hospital
- Town
- Chester
- Salary
- £25,760 - £27,476 pa
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 03/08/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Legal Assistant Subject Access Requests
Band 3
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, staff pride themselves on not only leading through clinical excellence, but also by creating an environment where all staff are valued and appreciated. To achieve this, the Trust has embarked on an exciting new strategy focused on continuous improvement.
Our vision is to improve the lives of our community and provide excellence in healthcare, through partnership and innovation
Our High Performance Culture will support everyone to be the best version of themselves by being true to our Trust vision, values and behaviours.
We welcome applications from colleagues from our local and neighbouring communities of all backgrounds and identities, who are currently under-represented within our region such as Black, Asian, Minority ethnic and those with disabilities.
As a region we are reviewing the way we work, and exploring how new working practices that support flexible working can create a positive work-life balance. As part of our recruitment process we will explore how our inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, Trust facilities and services can be of mutual benefit.
Job overview
Working Full time: 37.5 hours per week
The Legal Services Department is responsible for managing a broad range of legal matters on behalf of the Trust. These include inquests, clinical negligence and employer liability claims, as well as Subject Access Requests (SARs). In addition, the Legal team provides legal advice to staff on matters relating to the Trust's operations.
The Legal Services (SARs) Assistant has delegated responsibilities to provide administrative support primarily to the Legal Services Department in handling Subject Access Requests. These requests may come from patients or their relatives, solicitors in relation to accident or potential litigation claims, Trust Solicitors (via Litigation), the Police, the GMC, GDC, Veterans Agency, DWP, Coroner, Complaints Ombudsman (via the Complaints process), Continuing Healthcare Funding (CHC), and other healthcare providers or government bodies.
The postholder must be familiar with the statutory requirements of the Data Protection Act (DPA), the Access to Health Records Act (AHRA), and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure compliance with legal restrictions and to uphold individuals’ rights of access to records.
Main duties of the job
As a Legal Services (SARs) Assistant, you will support the Trust in managing Subject Access Requests (SARs) in accordance with legal and regulatory frameworks, including the Data Protection Act (2018), UK GDPR, Access to Health Records Act, and Access to Medical Reports Act. Your responsibilities will include receiving, assessing, and processing requests for health records from patients, relatives, solicitors, police, courts, and other agencies.
You will ensure all disclosures meet statutory requirements, safeguarding patient confidentiality through careful redaction and secure data handling.
The role involves regular communication with internal departments and external bodies, providing advice and guidance on information access, and prioritising urgent or complex requests. You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records, updating databases, handling sensitive or emotional queries with empathy, and contributing to the smooth, compliant, and efficient running of the Legal Services Department. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset are essential for this varied and important position.
Working for our organisation
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
See Job Description for further details.
Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values. An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the ‘essential’ criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer ‘YES’ to the question: ‘Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?’
Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.
The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
If a DBS is required for your role, you are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee applies which is payable to the DBS Service. Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs will be deducted from their salary over the first three months of employment.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants requiring sponsorship may wish to determine the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship for this position by assessing themselves against the criteria on the gov.uk website - https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
The Trust will not sponsor where the starting salary does not meet immigration rules
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
Good luck with your application.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C (or equivalent) or above
- A-levels (or equivalent) in relevant subjects, or demonstrable equivalent experience in an administrative, compliance, or healthcare setting.
Desirable criteria
- A relevant vocational qualification (e.g., in data protection, information governance, healthcare administration).
- Further education in a related area (e.g., Business Administration, Law, Health and Social Care).
Knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
- Working knowledge of the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, and other relevant legislation, particularly in relation to Subject Access Requests (SARs).
- Experience handling sensitive and confidential information, ideally within a healthcare or legal environment.
- Familiarity with medical terminology and understanding of the structure and content of medical records.
- Proven experience of working in an administrative role involving document management, record-keeping, or compliance-related tasks.
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience in an NHS, healthcare, or information governance role.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Terri Goode
- Job title
- Subject Access Coordinator
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01244 365229
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