Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated candidate to join the legal services team at Bedfordshire Hospitals as Legal services Advisor. The Legal Services Advisor will assist the Head of Legal Services to manage the legal services work within the Trust, which includes inquests, claims, and litigations. The post holder may also be required to provide general legal advice and training to staff on legal issues.
The Legal Services team works closely with the Risk & Safety team, who carry out Patient safety Incident and High Level Investigations. The Legal Services Advisors work closely with this team to ensure that lessons from adverse events are learned and improvement actions implemented.
We are looking for a suitably qualified candidate with experience of and an interest in the legal aspects of delivering healthcare. Someone who is confident and competent at providing advice and support to their clinical colleagues. Someone who is passionate about learning from adverse events in order to implement change and embed learning. Someone who is a team player, a good communicator, organised and reliable.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is responsible for (this includes and is not limited to):
- Assisting the Head of Legal Services and Legal Assistant in the conduct of all Coroner's Inquests, including undertaking preliminary investigations. This is a key part of the role.
- Assisting the Head of Legal Services in the conduct of personal injury claims made against the Trust.
- Supporting the Head of Legal Services in the:
- Provision of a high level and prompt legal advice service; and
- Preparation of administrative work leading up to an Inquest including notification of Inquests to NHS Resolution and preparation of Inquest funding requests.
- Supporting the Head of Legal Services in management of clinical negligence claims.
- Facilitating the functions of the Legal Department and providing advice on matters related to Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Safeguarding and general day to day legal advice that may arise.
- Providing administrative and clerical support in respect of legal matters as needed
- Linking complaints with incidents and claims on the DATIX Risk Management System
- To support the department in sharing the learning throughout the organisation through regular reporting.
- To support the Department Manager in the preparation of reports and papers for the Board (Clinical Quality Operational Board) and all other stakeholders as needed.
- Attending Risk and Governance Meetings to share the triangulation of data obtained from Claims, Incidents and Inquests.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder is responsible for (this includes and is not limited to):
- Assisting the Head of Legal Services and Legal Assistant in the conduct of all Coroners Inquests, including undertaking preliminary investigations. This is a key part of the role.
- Assisting the Head of Legal Services in the conduct of personal injury claims made against the Trust.
- Supporting the Head of Legal Services in the:
- Provision of a high level and prompt legal advice service; and
- Preparation of administrative work leading up to an Inquest including notification of Inquests to NHS Resolution and preparation of Inquest funding requests.
- Supporting the Head of Legal Services in management of clinical negligence claims.
- Facilitating the functions of the Legal Department and providing advice on matters related to Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Safeguarding and general day to day legal advice that may arise.
- Providing administrative and clerical support in respect of legal matters as needed
- Linking complaints with incidents and claims on the DATIX Risk Management System
- To support the department in sharing the learning throughout the organisation through regular reporting.
- To support the Department Manager in the preparation of reports and papers for the Board (Clinical Quality Operational Board) and all other stakeholders as needed.
- Attending Risk and Governance Meetings to share the triangulation of data obtained from Claims, Incidents and Inquests.
The post holder will be expected to work closely with staff at all levels of the organisation. The post holder will be required to work independently, under supervision and as part of a team.
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF THE POST:
Clinical Negligence Claims
To support the Head of Legal Services in the conduct of clinical negligence claims, including providing administrative support as necessary.
This includes responsibility when necessary for typing letters and sending e-mails to Claimants Solicitors, Trust Solicitors, General Managers, Consultants, General Public etc.
The postholder will also support:
- Reporting of claims to NHS Resolution using the Claims Management System within the agreed timescales bearing in mind the penalties for late reporting.
- Requesting comments from clinical staff involved
- Obtaining and providing associated documentation to Trust solicitors and NHS Resolution.
Personal Injury Claims
To assist the Head of Legal Services in the conduct of all personal injury claims by:
- Opening a new DATIX and electronic file for all new Personal Injury claims;
- Retrieving and collating all records necessary for the investigation of the claim and completing the Investigation Pack as required by the NHS Resolution ;
- Management of frequent, unexpected and urgent requests for information and/or assistance from the NHS Resolution and/or their solicitors which may require reprioritisation of work, exercising judgement having regard to the particular circumstances;
- Analysis and assessment of complex factual scenarios (which may be distressing in nature) in the identification of relevant factual witnesses and any key legal, ethical or patient safety issues that may arise out of the personal injury claim.
- Liaising with HR and other departments as needed to obtain all necessary documentation in the claim.
Coroners Inquests
To assist the Head of Legal Services in their conduct of Coroners Inquest cases by completing preliminary and administrative tasks in the preparation of such cases, including:
- Maintaining a professional and amicable working relationship with the various Coroners Officers;
- Management of frequent, unexpected and urgent requests for information and/or assistance from Coroners Officers which may require reprioritisation of work, exercising judgement having regard to the particular circumstances;
- Opening a DATIX and electronic file for all new Inquest matters and maintaining/updating the DATIX and paper file records as the matter develops;
- Identifying all relevant witnesses, and requesting reports and/or statements from the relevant witnesses, ensuring at all times that any time limits imposed by the Coroners Office are met;
- Analysis and assessment of complex clinical and factual scenarios (which are frequently highly distressing) in the identification of relevant factual witnesses and any key legal, ethical or patient safety issues that may arise in the Coroners inquiry;
- Escalating any potentially contentious issues and/or any problems in obtaining witness reports/statements with the Head of Legal Services (as appropriate) and proactive identification of potential solutions;
- Co-ordinating Pre-Inquest Meetings and court hearing appointments for the Head of Legal Services and the relevant witnesses and, if appropriate, NHS Resolution / external panel solicitors/ Counsel;
- Liaising with the Communications team in respect of Inquests that may receive press attention, and preparing statements in advance if required.
- Supporting all Trust staff who are witnesses whilst investigations are on-going through process from request for Statements/ reports to the Inquest itself;
- Ensuring that conclusions are promptly obtained from the relevant Coroners Officers following the conclusion of Inquests and ensuring that the DATIX and paper files are closed and archived as appropriate.
Legal Advice
To support the Head of Legal Services in ensuring the provision of the highest level of prompt and accurate expert advice by:
- Ensuring that all queries, whether in-person, telephone or email queries (including queries by external organisations, including the Police, CCG, PHSO, Luton Borough Council) are promptly received/reviewed and directed to the appropriate member at the Trust to action, as well as the Head of Legal Services;
- Providing administrative support as necessary, including retrieval of medical records, policies and procedures and other documentation as appropriate.
Inquests, Conferences with Counsel, and Trials
To support the Head of Legal Services in the preparation of all legal matters by
- Providing administrative support as necessary, including retrieval of medical records, collation of medical records, reports/statements and court bundles, as appropriate;
- Assisting in the finalisation of documents (including Court documents)
- Providing any other support that may be required including under time-pressured circumstances.
- Preparing summary overview reports and identifying key areas of risk for Inquests
To assist the Head of Legal Services in the preparation reports for clinical negligence, inquests and personal injury claims as necessary and appropriate.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder is responsible for (this includes and is not limited to):
- Assisting the Head of Legal Services and Legal Assistant in the conduct of all Coroners Inquests, including undertaking preliminary investigations. This is a key part of the role.
- Assisting the Head of Legal Services in the conduct of personal injury claims made against the Trust.
- Supporting the Head of Legal Services in the:
- Provision of a high level and prompt legal advice service; and
- Preparation of administrative work leading up to an Inquest including notification of Inquests to NHS Resolution and preparation of Inquest funding requests.
- Supporting the Head of Legal Services in management of clinical negligence claims.
- Facilitating the functions of the Legal Department and providing advice on matters related to Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Safeguarding and general day to day legal advice that may arise.
- Providing administrative and clerical support in respect of legal matters as needed
- Linking complaints with incidents and claims on the DATIX Risk Management System
- To support the department in sharing the learning throughout the organisation through regular reporting.
- To support the Department Manager in the preparation of reports and papers for the Board (Clinical Quality Operational Board) and all other stakeholders as needed.
- Attending Risk and Governance Meetings to share the triangulation of data obtained from Claims, Incidents and Inquests.
The post holder will be expected to work closely with staff at all levels of the organisation. The post holder will be required to work independently, under supervision and as part of a team.
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF THE POST:
Clinical Negligence Claims
To support the Head of Legal Services in the conduct of clinical negligence claims, including providing administrative support as necessary.
This includes responsibility when necessary for typing letters and sending e-mails to Claimants Solicitors, Trust Solicitors, General Managers, Consultants, General Public etc.
The postholder will also support:
- Reporting of claims to NHS Resolution using the Claims Management System within the agreed timescales bearing in mind the penalties for late reporting.
- Requesting comments from clinical staff involved
- Obtaining and providing associated documentation to Trust solicitors and NHS Resolution.
Personal Injury Claims
To assist the Head of Legal Services in the conduct of all personal injury claims by:
- Opening a new DATIX and electronic file for all new Personal Injury claims;
- Retrieving and collating all records necessary for the investigation of the claim and completing the Investigation Pack as required by the NHS Resolution ;
- Management of frequent, unexpected and urgent requests for information and/or assistance from the NHS Resolution and/or their solicitors which may require reprioritisation of work, exercising judgement having regard to the particular circumstances;
- Analysis and assessment of complex factual scenarios (which may be distressing in nature) in the identification of relevant factual witnesses and any key legal, ethical or patient safety issues that may arise out of the personal injury claim.
- Liaising with HR and other departments as needed to obtain all necessary documentation in the claim.
Coroners Inquests
To assist the Head of Legal Services in their conduct of Coroners Inquest cases by completing preliminary and administrative tasks in the preparation of such cases, including:
- Maintaining a professional and amicable working relationship with the various Coroners Officers;
- Management of frequent, unexpected and urgent requests for information and/or assistance from Coroners Officers which may require reprioritisation of work, exercising judgement having regard to the particular circumstances;
- Opening a DATIX and electronic file for all new Inquest matters and maintaining/updating the DATIX and paper file records as the matter develops;
- Identifying all relevant witnesses, and requesting reports and/or statements from the relevant witnesses, ensuring at all times that any time limits imposed by the Coroners Office are met;
- Analysis and assessment of complex clinical and factual scenarios (which are frequently highly distressing) in the identification of relevant factual witnesses and any key legal, ethical or patient safety issues that may arise in the Coroners inquiry;
- Escalating any potentially contentious issues and/or any problems in obtaining witness reports/statements with the Head of Legal Services (as appropriate) and proactive identification of potential solutions;
- Co-ordinating Pre-Inquest Meetings and court hearing appointments for the Head of Legal Services and the relevant witnesses and, if appropriate, NHS Resolution / external panel solicitors/ Counsel;
- Liaising with the Communications team in respect of Inquests that may receive press attention, and preparing statements in advance if required.
- Supporting all Trust staff who are witnesses whilst investigations are on-going through process from request for Statements/ reports to the Inquest itself;
- Ensuring that conclusions are promptly obtained from the relevant Coroners Officers following the conclusion of Inquests and ensuring that the DATIX and paper files are closed and archived as appropriate.
Legal Advice
To support the Head of Legal Services in ensuring the provision of the highest level of prompt and accurate expert advice by:
- Ensuring that all queries, whether in-person, telephone or email queries (including queries by external organisations, including the Police, CCG, PHSO, Luton Borough Council) are promptly received/reviewed and directed to the appropriate member at the Trust to action, as well as the Head of Legal Services;
- Providing administrative support as necessary, including retrieval of medical records, policies and procedures and other documentation as appropriate.
Inquests, Conferences with Counsel, and Trials
To support the Head of Legal Services in the preparation of all legal matters by
- Providing administrative support as necessary, including retrieval of medical records, collation of medical records, reports/statements and court bundles, as appropriate;
- Assisting in the finalisation of documents (including Court documents)
- Providing any other support that may be required including under time-pressured circumstances.
- Preparing summary overview reports and identifying key areas of risk for Inquests
To assist the Head of Legal Services in the preparation reports for clinical negligence, inquests and personal injury claims as necessary and appropriate.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- oEducated to Degree level or equivalent level of experience.
- oA legal qualification/ diploma/ legal practice course/ or previous NHS Claims/ Inquests experience
Experience
Essential
- oExperience working in a legal setting
- oExperience working in an environment with conflicting pressures and changing workload
- oExperience of tracking and monitoring progress and achieving deadlines
- oExperience of producing reports in a professional format using information provided by others
Desirable
- oExperience of working in an NHS setting with clinical and non-clinical staff, or similar
- oExperience of meeting administration and minute taking
Knowledge skills and Abilities
Essential
- oExcellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- oExcellent telephone manner with the ability to deal tactfully, sympathetically and efficiently with all enquiries
- oAbility to represent the Legal Department in a professional manner at all times
- oComputer literate with experience of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel PowerPoint)
- oRobust organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet tight timescales
- oAbility to use own initiative
Desirable
- Knowledge of DATIX or other Risk Management System
Personal Skills
Essential
- oDisplays an enthusiastic nature and a 'can-do' attitude oAttention to detail
- oHighly motivated and resourceful
- oAbility to work within a team as well as independently
- oA flexible approach with the ability to work under pressure and deal with conflicting demands
- oAttention to detail
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- oEducated to Degree level or equivalent level of experience.
- oA legal qualification/ diploma/ legal practice course/ or previous NHS Claims/ Inquests experience
Experience
Essential
- oExperience working in a legal setting
- oExperience working in an environment with conflicting pressures and changing workload
- oExperience of tracking and monitoring progress and achieving deadlines
- oExperience of producing reports in a professional format using information provided by others
Desirable
- oExperience of working in an NHS setting with clinical and non-clinical staff, or similar
- oExperience of meeting administration and minute taking
Knowledge skills and Abilities
Essential
- oExcellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- oExcellent telephone manner with the ability to deal tactfully, sympathetically and efficiently with all enquiries
- oAbility to represent the Legal Department in a professional manner at all times
- oComputer literate with experience of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel PowerPoint)
- oRobust organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet tight timescales
- oAbility to use own initiative
Desirable
- Knowledge of DATIX or other Risk Management System
Personal Skills
Essential
- oDisplays an enthusiastic nature and a 'can-do' attitude oAttention to detail
- oHighly motivated and resourceful
- oAbility to work within a team as well as independently
- oA flexible approach with the ability to work under pressure and deal with conflicting demands
- oAttention to detail
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
