Overview
In this role you lead the Trust-wide healthcare legal service, shaping robust, auditable frameworks that meet standards and external requirements. You provide expert medico-legal advice across clinical negligence, personal injury, Court of Protection, and related matters, steering policy development and learning from incidents. You will be a trusted, collaborative leader who develops the team and drives service improvements. This is a chance to influence patient safety and governance at scale within a mission-driven NHS Trust.
Pay / Benefits
- HCAS
- permanent contract
- full-time role
Responsibilities
- Provide expert leadership on clinical negligence, inquests, personal injury, and Court of Protection matters
- Develop and implement Trust-wide policies and robust claims management procedures
- Present strategic reports and analysis to Board, committees, and clinical leads
- Lead learning from claims, incidents, complaints, and inquests to improve practice
- Manage high-risk claims and provide settlement authority on significant clinical negligence claims
- Coordinate training for staff and support court appearances and evidence-giving
- Represent the Trust in NHS, community contexts and legal proceedings
- Advise on management of complaints and serious incidents with complex legal issues
- Identify and develop workflows ensuring auditable, best-practice governance across integrated areas
Key requirements
- Masters level education in Law or equivalent senior-level experience in healthcare law
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with extensive PQE
- In-depth knowledge of healthcare law, medical ethics, clinical negligence and personal injuries
- Extensive court appearances and experience with Coroner's inquests, Court of Protection, and High Court
- Proven management experience leading teams and driving change
- Experience drafting legal proceedings and instructing Counsel
- Budgeting and strategic planning capabilities
- UK professional registration and DBS clearance requirements
- Negotiation and persuasion skills
- Trust-building and relationship management
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Healthcare law expertise
- Clinical negligence and personal injury litigation
- NHS processes and interrelated systems
Head of Legal Services in London employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
