Job overview

Main duties of the job

Main duties include:

  • To provide a responsive, resolution-focused and effective inquest and legal claims service within the
  • Lead the legal team to ensure that the Trust management of legal claims and inquests is responsive, timely and effective and staff are supported with legal queries.
  • Ensure statutory and organisational requirements in respect of legal services are met, that claims are managed with appropriate thoroughness and impartiality and that all claims receive a full, quality and timely response that delivers the best outcome for the claimant and for the service
  • Work with the Head of Patient Experience and Head of Patient Safety and Risk teams to ensure a common and joined up approach to resolution and/or escalation of governance issues.
  • Handle and manage all clinical negligence personal injury claims, brought against the Trust in line with Civil Procedure Rules and NHSR guidelines, and in tandem with (NHSR) and their appointed legal advisors where
  • Manage all dealings with the Coroner and requests for reports for inquests and any subsequent summons of Attend and advocate at straightforward inquests and instruct external solicitors if risk to the Trust is high.
  • Advise staff on complex legal queries relating to patient treatment in a timely manner or escalate to panel where specialist advice is needed

    • Working for our organisation

    Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.

    We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of “Outstanding” from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

    Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard’s Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.

    Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.

    We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.

    Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well-regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.

    Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.

    Person specification

    Education/Qualifications

    Essential criteria

  • Educated to degree level and/or other equivalent professional legal qualification.

    • Desirable criteria

  • Legal/Risk Management Qualification.

    • Skills/ Abilities

    Essential criteria

  • Advocacy in court- Pre Inquest Review Hearings and inquests.
  • Experience of complaints and claims databases
  • High level report and letter writing skills
  • Able to relate well to complainants, claimants, their advisors and a wide range of professionals.

    • Experience

    Essential criteria

  • Substantive complaints and claims handling/clinical governance/risk management experience, preferably within an acute NHS setting.

    • Knowledge

    Essential criteria

  • Thorough understanding of current law and relevant status relating to clinical negligence.
  • Good understanding of matters in relation to coroners court.
  • Knowledge of clinical practice.
  • Knowledge of the NHS Complaints procedure.

    • Desirable criteria

  • Knowledge over a wide range of areas of clinical negligence and personal injury claims.

    • Other Requirements

    Essential criteria

  • A desire to improve the way complaints and claims are handled to ensure that learning is captured and shared to the benefit of patients

    • Trust Values

    Essential criteria

  • Understand and Demonstrate Trust Values

    • General Guidance for Applicants

    The Trust is committed to supporting flexible working wherever possible. The Trust also welcomes applications from candidates wishing to job share with or without job share partners.

    We are committed to equal opportunities, and have been approved as a Disability Confident Employer.

    The Trust offers a number of benefits, including a relocation loan for new starters moving to the area. More details on our range of benefits can be found on the Homerton website.

    Employer certification / accreditation badges