Healthcare Lawyer / Legal Services Manager
1. Administration Responsibilities
- Perform duties expected of an in-house NHS Trust Healthcare Solicitor / Legal Services Manager.
- Manage inquests and claims within the Trust, including advocacy at hearings and liaising with Department Leads for external expertise.
- Oversee daily healthcare legal work within the department, ensuring professional management of claims and inquests in collaboration with Department Leads.
- Supervise junior staff on healthcare matters as directed by Department Leads.
- Manage court applications and Court of Protection matters with external support when necessary and approved.
- Assist with legal advisory work and other tasks as directed.
- Identify and report immediate concerns about staff activity to Department Leads, including issues affecting patient safety.
- Lead and attend meetings and Court hearings, providing information and support to staff.
- Support staff in preparing statements and giving evidence in Court.
- Organize training and seminars on healthcare law for Trust staff and senior leadership.
- Prepare reports and briefs as directed.
2. Leadership
- Promote best practices in managing claims and inquests, ensuring timely investigations and representation.
- Supervise and train junior staff in healthcare legal matters.
- Support, motivate, and develop staff, promoting ethical and professional standards.
- Identify actions to prevent recurrence of adverse events.
3. Operational Performance
- Represent the Trust in legal proceedings, such as inquests, ensuring its interests are protected.
- Present information to staff and external bodies, influencing inquest processes.
- Handle contentious issues to achieve resolution.
- Engage with stakeholders on sensitive issues constructively.
- Support staff affected by legal investigations or distressing events.
- Develop relationships and networks internally and externally.
- Coordinate with Trust departments to identify and address issues early.
- Act as an ambassador for the Trust, promoting its reputation.
- Build relationships with external advisors and partners.
- Communicate effectively in challenging situations and take appropriate actions.
4. Research and Development
- Monitor developments in healthcare law and best practices, reporting recommendations to Department Leads.
5. Policy and Process
- Analyze complex information and recommend actions.
- Interpret regulations and guidance to benefit the Trust in healthcare matters.