Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Administration Responsibilities

a.     To perform the duties generally expected of an in-house NHS Trust Healthcare Solicitor / Legal Services manager.

b.     Manage inquests and claims within the Trust, including advocacy at hearings and liaise with Department Leads if a matter requires additional external expertise.

c.      Take responsibility for the day-to-day management of healthcare legal work within the department and work with Department Leads to ensure that claims and inquests are professionally managed.

d.     Oversee and supervise junior staff as directed by Department Leads on all healthcare matters.

e.     With assistance from Department Leads, to manage court applications and Court of Protection matters with additional external expertise where necessary and approved by Department Leads. 

f.      Assist with advisory and any other legal work as directed.

g.     Identify and bring to the attention of Department Leads any immediate concerns about activity of individual staff, including where action may be needed to retrain or otherwise ensure the continuing safety of patients and others.

h.     Arrange and attend meetings (leading where appropriate) and Court hearings involving lawyers and Trust staff to provide information on the matters and to support staff.  

i.       Assist and support staff at all levels across the organisation who are required to prepare statements and / or give evidence at Court on behalf of the Trust.

j.       Arrange and provide training, education and seminars for Trust staff on aspects of healthcare law, including the senior leadership team as appropriate.

k.     Prepare and / or assist in the preparation of reports and briefs as directed by the Department Leads.

2. Leadership

a.     Promote and implement best practice in the management of claims and inquests. Ensure timely investigation and representation at inquests as required.

b.     Assist with the supervision and training of junior staff in respect of healthcare matters.  

c.     Assist the Department Leads to support, motivate and develop junior staff within the department in healthcare law issues, leading and promoting best ethical and professional practice within a multi-disciplinary network.

d.     Assist with the identification of remedial action which may be required to avoid recurrence of adverse events. 

3. Operational Performance

a.     Make representations to the Coroner when necessary, for example when the Trust is named as an Interested Party or there is criticism of the Trust, ensuring that the Trust’s interests are properly represented, and staff are supported.

b.     Present information to staff and external organisations, influencing them on the way that inquests should be taken forward.

c.     Deal as necessary with potentially contentious issues to achieve resolution.

d.     Work and engage constructively with internal and external stakeholders on a range of sensitive issues.

e.     Provide support to staff who may be adversely affected by the process and findings of legal investigations, or by the review of events that in themselves are distressing.

f.      Build and develop key relationships, consult and maintain networks internally and externally.

g.     Liaise proactively with Trust staff, including clinical staff, Patient Safety, Risk, Complaints and Communications, in order that there be effective interaction amongst departments to ensure early identification of any issues.

h.     Work as an ambassador for the Trust with other organisations and the public in promoting and building its reputation or minimising reputation damage. 

i.       Build positive relationships with external advisers and partners.

j.       Have highly developed interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in a hostile or emotive atmosphere and take appropriate action.

4. Research and Development

a. Horizon scan for developments in healthcare law and best practice externally and report with recommendations to the Department Leads.

5. Policy and Process

a.     Proven ability to analyse and interpret complex information and make recommendations for action.

b.     The ability to analyse and challenge multiple strands of information that is provided by senior members of the Trust and sense check it to ensure consistency and rationality.

c.     The ability to interpret regulations and guidance for the benefit of the Trust when dealing with healthcare matters.