Legal & Inquest Manager

Job summary

West London NHS Trust is looking to recruit an experienced legal professional, who, through the provision of expert legal advice and guidance, will ensure that we are consistently well prepared for inquests, that staff have access to clear, relevant and up-to-date legal advice, and that there are robust processes in place to work closely both internally and externally with stakeholders, and particularly local Coroners.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-moving environment, who has the experience and resilience to effectively manage periods of high workload and the skills and temperament to work in a collaborative manner across a wide range of internal services. They should be able to handle potentially emotionally challenging inquests and other legal situations, involving distressing detail in relation to patient care. Ongoing learning and improvement of our processes and ways of working is at the heart of how we deliver services and the successful candidate will exemplify this commitment.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be an integral member of the Governance team, closely supporting the Trust Secretariat, clinical service lines and other services.

The role involves collaboration with internal and external colleagues, and stakeholders across the system. The role requires analysis and interpretation of complex information, and contribution to devising strategies and approaches to resolve issues.

The post holder will both contribute to, and lead on the development of reports relating to legal and inquests. They will also advise on all safety and clinical quality issues relating to inquests, that may affect the Trust.

The post holder is expected to have a legal qualification, experience of inquests management and an understanding of the current healthcare policy.

It is envisaged that this role will make a positive impact to clinical governance and patient safety.

About us

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ 4,500 staff, of whom 56% are BME. Our turnover for 2023-24 is £426m.The Trust is rated as 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.