Deputy Legal Services Manager

Integrated Care System; Truro; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Truro is seeking a qualified legal professional to manage inquests and claims for a fixed term of 12 months. The role involves significant advocacy at Coroners Courts and managing a diverse caseload. The ideal candidate will hold a legal degree and be qualified to practice law in England and Wales. Competitive salary of £47,810 to £54,710 per annum pro rata.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive entitled to practice in England and Wales.
• Experience handling contentious inquests, clinical negligence, and personal injury claims.
• Must clear DBS check and possess professional qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy at inquests.
• Offer guidance on inquest processes and claims.
• Collaborate with Trust solicitors and NHS Resolution on claims.

Skills

Advocacy

Healthcare law knowledge

Claims management

Education

Legal Degree

Degree level or equivalent experience

Job description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join a small, friendly, and supportive Legal Team for a fixed term of 12 months, primarily to assist in handling the Inquest portfolio.

The successful candidate must be legally qualified to manage a mixed case load of contentious inquests, clinical negligence, and personal injury claims. The role involves a high level of advocacy representing the Trust at Coroners Courts across the geographical area, as well as assisting in the investigation and management of claims.

The candidate will ensure that inquests and contentious inquests, along with employer's liability, public liability, and clinical negligence claims, are effectively managed in accordance with the Trust's Claims Policy, NHSR Scheme Rules, Civil Procedure Rules, Pre-action Protocols, and Coroners Rules to minimize financial, reputational, and other risks to the Trust.

Main duties of the job

1. Provide advocacy on behalf of the Trust at inquests related to the organization.
2. Offer specialist advice and guidance on all aspects of the inquest process, claims, and healthcare law, based on knowledge, legislation, guidelines, and best practices.
3. Work with NHS Resolution and Trust solicitors to instruct barristers and independent experts on contentious inquests where funding has been granted.
4. Assist with the claims portfolio, collaborating with NHS Resolution and Trust Solicitors on new and ongoing claims.
5. Help prepare and deliver training to staff and managers on inquests and claims processes.
6. Liaise with Trust management, clinical leads, Learning and Development teams, and national groups to develop learning points from claims and inquests into Trust and national practice.
7. Attend relevant meetings to provide insights from inquests and claims, contributing to the development of Trust practices.
8. Assist in developing high-standard qualitative and statistical reports on claims and inquests for various internal and external bodies.

About us

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) provides acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, serving around 500,000 people, with peaks during tourist seasons. Employing approximately 6,700 staff and with a budget of about £580 million, we are a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School.

The Knowledge Spa supports ongoing education for health professionals. We are committed to advancing clinical services, facilities, research, and innovation, maintaining a reputation for excellence in healthcare.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is research-active.

Our South West Clinical School in Cornwall promotes clinical academic careers among nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals interested in research. Find out more through their research paper and website:

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/clinical-schools/royal-cornwall-hospitals-nhs-trust-clinical-school

https://doi.org/10.1177/17449871231209037

Job responsibilities

Note: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please access the supporting document on the right-hand side.

To be an NHS employee, you need to successfully complete the following:

• Identity Checks
• Professional registration and qualification checks
• Employment history and reference checks
• Occupational Health clearance
• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
• Right to work in the UK

Further information is available at:

https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-regulation

We reserve the right to close this advert early.

Flexible working options may be available; please discuss at interview.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent through experience
• Legal Degree

Additional Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive entitled to practice in England and Wales
• Health law qualification

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure check will be required to identify any previous convictions.

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum, pro rata.