Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Associate Director of Legal Services
The closing date is 08 July 2026
The Associate Director of Legal Services leads the strategic delivery of a high‑quality, proactive legal service across the Trust focussing on claims, inquests and Court of Protection. Acting as the senior adviser on legal risk, governance and compliance within this scope, the role provides expert guidance on complex matters, oversees litigation and inquests, and ensures statutory obligations are met.
Working in partnership with clinical and corporate leaders, the post holder supports effective decision‑making, strengthens governance, and drives continuous improvement within Legal Services. The role also leads the development of capacity, systems and processes to ensure a resilient and efficient legal function aligned to organisational and system‑wide priorities with the aim of reaching a sustainable position within 12 months.
Main duties of the job
The Associate Director of Legal Services leads the delivery of expert legal advice to support safe, high‑quality care and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements in relation to claims, inquests and Court of Protection.
Key responsibilities include building strong relationships with senior leaders and external partners, influencing decision‑making, and representing the Trust in high‑profile or sensitive situations. The post holder ensures robust systems, governance frameworks and reporting arrangements are in place.
The role also has accountability for financial management, external legal spend, and workforce development, ensuring a resilient, high‑performing legal function in relation to claims, inquests and Court of Protection.
Job responsibilities
Provide expert legal advice on complex, high‑risk clinical and corporate matters, supporting safe and lawful patient care.
Lead the management of litigation, inquests and legal risk, ensuring effective outcomes and organisational learning.
Advise senior leaders and the Board on legal, financial and reputational risks, supporting informed decision‑making.
Maintain strong governance, reporting and case management systems to ensure compliance and oversight.
Lead strategic planning and development of Legal Services, ensuring capacity, resilience and continuous improvement.
Oversee policy development and implementation to ensure compliance with legislation and regulatory requirements.
Manage the legal services budget and external providers, ensuring value for money and effective resource use.
Lead and develop the Legal Services team, building internal capability and strengthening organisational expertise.
Provide assurance on legal compliance, risk and governance, acting as the Trusts principal legal adviser.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Degree or professional qualification, with additional postgraduate study and/or extensive senior professional experience equivalent to Masters level, supported by ongoing advanced CPD in law, governance, regulation, risk or assurance.
- Extensive senior‑level experience in governance, risk, assurance, regulatory compliance or legal oversight within the NHS or a comparable public sector organisation.
Knowledge
- Advanced knowledge of legal frameworks, statutory duties, governance and regulatory requirements relevant to the NHS or public sector.
- In‑depth understanding of how legal risk, quality governance, regulatory compliance and assurance frameworks operate within a complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of the management of litigation, inquests, claims and regulatory processes, including when to commission and rely on external legal advice.
- Knowledge of health and social care legislation, public law, regulatory regimes and Board assurance requirements.
Personal Attributes
- Credibility and professional authority.
- Strong ethical judgement and integrity.
- Resilience in high‑pressure and contentious situations.
- Collaborative and solution focused approach.
Experience
- Extensive knowledge of NHS law, governance and regulatory frameworks.
- Significant experience managing complex litigation and inquests.
- Experience advising Boards/Executives on high‑risk legal issues.
- Experience commissioning and managing external legal services.
- Experience of policy development with organisation‑wide impact.
- Highly developed analytical and judgement skills in complex legal matters.
- Ability to communicate highly complex and sensitive legal information.
- Strategic leadership and influencing skills at senior level.
- Financial and resource management capability.
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.
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
