Paralegal

NHS; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Leatherhead is looking for a qualified Paralegal to assist in managing legal services related to claims, coroners' inquests, and general healthcare legal matters. This role involves liaising with external stakeholders, managing the progression of claims, and supporting various legal queries and investigations within the Trust. Applicants should hold a relevant degree or paralegal qualification and have prior experience in a legal environment. Salary ranges from £32,602 to £39,686 per year.

Benefits

Flexible working

Staff networks

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent experience/qualifications.
• Experience of working in a legal environment.
• Law degree or paralegal qualification.
• Experience in a healthcare legal role.
• Experience of managing legal files/caseload.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing claims and coroners investigations.
• Liaise with coroners' courts and NHS Resolution.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of inquests and claims.
• Prepare staff for inquests and assist with legal queries.
• Support investigations related to legal matters.

Skills

Team collaboration

Excellent communication

Conflict management

Microsoft Office proficiency

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Understanding of inquest processes

Knowledge of NHS practices

Mental health law knowledge

Education

Degree level qualification or equivalent

Law degree or paralegal qualification

Job description

Paralegal

The closing date is 30 November 2025

The Paralegal assists in the effective management of the Legal Services Team to ensure that Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (the Trust) complies with its legal duties in relation to coroners' inquests, claims and other healthcare legal matters. The role involves day‑to‑day management of inquest and claim progression with appropriate supervision, liaison with external stakeholders such as coroners courts and NHS Resolution, and close collaboration with the Risk & Safety team to keep the coroner updated on PSIRF investigations.

Main duties of the job

• Liaise closely with the Coroner's courts, providing information in accordance with deadlines.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of inquests and claims and manage the Legal Services diary including arranging legal meetings.
• Assist in preparing the Trust and its staff for inquests, including reviewing and advising on witness statements and complying with orders for disclosure.
• Attend inquests and court hearings in a supportive capacity, highlighting emerging risks to the Legal Services Team.
• Develop and maintain effective communication links with external agencies such as Coroner's courts, external solicitors, county councils and the police.
• Report claims to NHS Resolution (NHSR). Consolidate the evidence required to investigate individual claims and liaise with NHSR to handle claims effectively.
• Work closely with the Risk & Safety team, assisting with investigations that may run in conjunction with or contribute to an inquest or claim.
• Support other general legal matters when required at the direction of senior members of the department, which may include assisting and advising on legal queries from across the Trust, reviewing records and reports and drafting legal documents.

About us

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high‑quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.

We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trusts to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.

Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.

Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.

Regrettably, due to UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the role.

Job responsibilities

The Paralegal will assist the Head of Legal Services and Legal Services Managers to ensure the smooth running of the legal services work within the Trust, which includes claims, coroners investigations & inquests and general healthcare legal advice to Trust staff. The role involves day‑to‑day management of the progression of inquests and claims work with appropriate supervision, close liaison with external stakeholders including coroners courts and NHS Resolution, and collaboration with the Risk & Safety team on PSIRF investigations.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree level qualification or equivalent experience/qualifications.
• Experience of working in a legal environment.
• Law degree or paralegal qualification.
• Experience in a healthcare legal role.
• Experience of managing legal files/ caseload.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to work as part of a team and develop effective working relationships.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure managing a caseload.
• Computer literate, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel and Word).
• Ability to analyse clinical and legal information.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• An understanding of the inquest and claims processes.
• Good knowledge of the NHS.
• Experience and understanding of Mental Health law, including the Mental Health Act 1983, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
• An understanding of the laws relating to patient confidentiality and consent.
• An understanding of the NHS Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) and experience of reviewing and understanding PSIRF reports.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

£32,602 to £39,686 a year Incl. 5% Fringe HCAS, pa, pro rata.