Deputy Head of Legal Services
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust
Kendal, LA9 7RGView on map(opens Google Maps in a new tab)
Salary
£49,387 to £56,515
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
22 October 2026
2 days leftJob description
We are looking for a legal professional with management experience to support and deputise for the Head of Legal Services. This is a rare opportunity,...
This is a management role, and the post-holder will supervise other team members and deputise for the Head of Legal Services. They will also have their own caseload of inquests and clinical claims and contribute to a legal advice service to members of staff, on a variety of topics. Applicants will require legal qualifications and relevant knowledge and experience.
- Provide support to the Head of Legal Services and assist with the management of the legal team.
- Manage and co-ordinate a caseload of clinical negligence claims.
- Provide appropriate support to colleagues who are witnesses or persons able to assist with potential or actual litigation.
- Manage and co-ordinate a caseload of inquests.
- Review reports/statements for accuracy, professionalism and provide guidance to ensure reports are fit for purpose.
- Recognise and ensure the smooth organisation of complex and contentious inquests, involving all relevant Trust departments.
- Monitor Coroners cases and claims, to recognise risks identified from their investigation and, ensure remedial actions are properly implemented.
- Attend mediation, RTMs and conferences with counsel for own caseload, and in the absence of the Head of Legal Services.
- Arrange and conduct pre-inquest meetings, ensuring that witnesses are supported and prepared for giving evidence.
- Attend Court and represent the Trust at pre-inquest reviews and hearings, taking detailed notes of evidence and supporting the witnesses.
- Act as an expert resource for legal team members and wider staff in relation to inquest and claim investigations and legal advice. Provide support and supervision to legal team colleagues.
- Provide support to the Head of Legal Services and assist with the management of the team.
We operatefrom three main hospitals-Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, andUlverstonCommunity Health Centre.
FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.
WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.
All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies,daycase and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.
Our Community Service for adults are provided in people's homes, community centres, clinics, GP Practices, community hospitals. Our aim is to work with people to help them remain independent , improve their health and manage their conditions through high quality care , advice and support.
Qualifications
Essential: - Law degree or equivalent; - Legal Practice Certificate
Desirable: - Claims handling qualification; - Management qualification; - Practicing certificate
Experience
Essential: - Inquest management and representation; - Claims handling experience; - Management experience
Desirable: - NHS legal experience; - Teaching/training experience
Knowledge
Essential
- Healthcare law, including inquests and claims management
- Computer literate - Microsoft Office
- Communication skills
- Ability to analyse, evaluate and summarise complex data
- Ability to work with people in stressful and distressing situations
- Good time management skills
Desirable: - Knowledge of NHSR guidance on clinical negligence claims; - Ulysses; - Lorenzo
Personal attributes
Essential: - Attention to detail; - Calm; - Organised; - Tenacious; - Tactful; - Supportive
Other
Essential: - Ability to travel
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
12 October 2026
Last checked
14 October 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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