NHFT is looking for a solicitor or legal professional to become the Trust's first Head of Legal Services. This is an important and influencial leadership role for the organisation, as we respond to a recently expanded portfolio of services in Northamptonshire and across the Midlands region.
The team's primary areas of focus are inquests and claims (e.g., clinical negligence), though the Head of Legal Services will be responsible for re shaping the delivery of legal services more broadly across the organisation. There will be an opportunity to influence the development of legal services across the Trust's partnerships including with its Group Model partner Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide and manage a dedicated legal service including but not limited to attendance at and management of inquests, clinical and non-clinical claim oversight and management. The post holder will work closely with instructed solicitors/barristers and NHS Resolution, liaise with HM Coroners and their officers in the management of inquests, deal with the more complex police enquiries providing support and legal advice to staff, assist in the drafting of documents for legal purposes, respond to other general enquires advising where external legal advice may be appropriate and provide regular information to the relevant meetings and Executive team.
The post holder will ensure that organisational learning from inquests, claims and other relevant processes is shared Trust wide, working closely with colleagues in the Patient Safety Team and Care Delivery Pathways to triangulate information to improve our services.
The post holder will also support the wider activities of the Trust in pursuit of the quality improvement agenda, working closely with clinical and corporate services and provide training in relation to inquests and other legal processes.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of the duties of this job.
Working for our organisation
NHFT is an NHS Community and Mental Health Foundation Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in hospital settings and in the community. We provide over 200 services across the county - as well as some specialist services in bordering and nearby counties. We work together with our partners to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors receives compassionate, person-centred care, regardless of their background or circumstances.
NHFT promotes a culture of learning, to improve the care and safety of our patients and colleagues. We have achieved our ‘outstanding’ rating by encouraging opportunity, innovation, development and growth across our workforce.
At NHFT we believe that work should be rewarded in every sense which is why we are proud to an accredited living wage employer.
We aim to support financial wellbeing and create an environment where are people feel valued and able to thrive.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details about the main responsibilities for this role.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Qualified Solicitor or individual working towards qualification
Experience
- Significant specialist work experience in claims and inquest management within NHS Trusts or similar
Experience
- Extensive experience and specialist knowledge of Inquests/Coronial Law and preparing multiple witnesses for court proceedings
Experience
- Experience of delivering legal training to staff and others
Qualifications
- Postgraduate qualification (minimum Diploma) in claims and risk management or demonstrable evidence of an equivalent level of experience in handling such claims for an NHS Trust
Experience
- Knowledge and experience of working in a mental health legal role
Qualifications
- Educated to a degree level or equivalent with a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice
Employer certification / accreditation badges
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Head of Legal Services in Kettering employer: Nhft
Nhft is an attractive employer due to its commitment to employee development and a supportive work environment. The organization values inclusivity and offers flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal place for healthcare professionals looking to make a difference. With a focus on innovation and quality care, employees can expect to grow in their careers while contributing to meaningful patient outcomes.
