Legal Services Officer

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Oct 19, 2024

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Entry, Junior & Mid Level
Legal
London

Requirements

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the King’s Values.
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and engaging who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment consistently delivering high quality outputs.
We need someone who can truly demonstrate the King’s values in their interactions with our internal and external stakeholder interactions.
This could be an ideal opportunity for someone with a law degree seeking to gain valuable practical experience on the path towards a career in the legal profession.
Claims Handling
Manage the litigation claims against the Trust for clinical negligence and employer/public liability cases in accordance with pre-action protocols, Civil Procedure Rules and NHS Resolution reporting requirements.
This is a claims handling function – panel will be appointed on all active claims and so the role is to respond to requests from panel who handle the day-to-day management of active files.
Investigate claims for loss of personal property or damage to property and make recommendations on reimbursement.
Inquests
To assist the Associate Director of Legal in the conduct of Coroners’ Inquest cases by completing all preliminary and administrative tasks in the preparation of all such cases, including:
Acting as primary liaison point with the Coroner’s Office and 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;
Analysis and Data Management
Responsible for maintaining the data within the Trust’s inquests and claims database (Datix), ensuring that the data is accurate and up-to-date.
Provide relevant information to the Associate Director of Legal as requested in order to form the wider Trust with regards to trends within the inquests’ and claims’ portfolio.
Please see the attached Job description and person specification for the full main duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Manage the litigation claims against the Trust for clinical negligence and employer/public liability cases in accordance with pre-action protocols, Civil Procedure Rules and NHS Resolution reporting requirements.
This is a claims handling function – panel will be appointed on all active claims and so the role is to respond to requests from panel who handle the day-to-day management of active files.
Investigate claims for loss of personal property or damage to property and make recommendations on reimbursement.
To assist the Associate Director of Legal in the conduct of Coroners’ Inquest cases by completing all preliminary and administrative tasks in the preparation of all such cases, including:
Acting as primary liaison point with the Coroner’s Office and 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;
Responsible for maintaining the data within the Trust’s inquests and claims database (Datix), ensuring that the data is accurate and up-to-date.
Provide relevant information to the Associate Director of Legal as requested in order to form the wider Trust with regards to trends within the inquests’ and claims’ portfolio.

FAQs

What qualifications are necessary for the Legal Services Officer position?

A law degree is preferred, particularly for those seeking valuable practical experience in health law and legal practice.

What are the main responsibilities of the Legal Services Officer?

The main responsibilities include managing litigation claims, assisting with Coroners’ Inquest cases, maintaining data within the claims database, and providing relevant information to senior legal professionals.

Is previous experience required for this role?

While previous experience in legal services is beneficial, it is not explicitly required. The role is suitable for individuals looking to gain practical experience.

How does the role contribute to patient care?

The Legal Services Officer supports clinically led care groups and collaborates with departments focused on patient safety and experience, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of care provided to patients.

What values does King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust prioritize?

King’s values include being kind, respectful, compassionate, promoting equality, inclusivity, and open communication, while putting patients at the center of their efforts.

Is there a focus on sustainability in this role?

Yes, this role aligns with King’s commitment to sustainable healthcare, which includes minimizing carbon emissions and waste as part of the Trust's Green Plan.

What environment will the Legal Services Officer be working in?

The position is in a fast-paced environment within one of the UK’s largest teaching Trusts, where high-quality outputs are consistently delivered.

Who will the Legal Services Officer be collaborating with?

The Officer will work closely with Patient Safety, Patient Experience, Quality Governance & Risk Management, as well as various internal and external stakeholders.

What skills are essential for the Legal Services Officer role?

Essential skills include strong analytical abilities, excellent communication, the capacity to handle multiple urgent requests, and a proactive approach to managing claims and inquest preparation.

What are the career advancement opportunities following this position?

This role offers valuable experience and exposure to health law, potentially paving the way for further career development in legal practice within the healthcare sector.

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

One of the UK’s largest NHS Foundation Trusts, treating 1.5 million patients a year across 5 sites in SE London and Kent

Science & Healthcare

Industry

10,001+

Employees

1913

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a prominent NHS trust that provides comprehensive healthcare services across a range of specialties, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialist treatments. Its ultimate mission is to deliver outstanding patient care, driven by a commitment to excellence in clinical practice, research, and education. The trust's purpose is to ensure high-quality, accessible healthcare for all patients, advance medical knowledge through research and innovation, and support the training of future healthcare professionals, all while maintaining a compassionate approach to patient care.