Trust Solicitor - Inquests

at  Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Inquest Management Ensure the Head of Legal Services and Senior Director of Corporate Governance are fully briefed on any Inquests that may have significant effect on the reputation of the Trust. Manage a portfolio of Inquests ensuring timely response to requests for witness statements/reports. To provide support for frontline staff, and all those required to attend Coroners Court, including support in the preparation of witness statements and attendance at hearings. To oversee the administration of requirements as set by Her Majestys Coroner and officers, developing good working relationship to ensure that coronial and inquest processes occur without delay through Trust action or inaction.
To ensure that all necessary information is collated prior to the inquest. To consider whether NHS Resolution inquest funding should be applied for. To carry out the advocacy at both pre-inquest reviews and inquests, including making submissions as to whether the inquest needs to be Article 2 or held in front of a jury. To identify whether the Trust is at risk of criticism or at risk of being subject to a Prevention of Future Death Report.
To liaise with external support, i.e. NHSR/Counsel, when required, and to provide assurance to the Trust Board in relation to the outcome of inquests. Provide reports relating to all Prevention of Future Death reports associated with the Trust and to lead if reports/ feedback is required to provide assurance to Her Majestys Coroner that action has been taken to mitigate the risk of future occurrence. To provide quarterly reports to the Risk and Compliance Group relating to national PFD reports and the potential action required to take to mitigate the risk of similar occurrences within the Trust in line with best practice guidance.
To consider whether any learning needs to be disseminated to the relevant Divisions following an inquest. Maintain comprehensive Datix database regarding Inquest activity ensuring utilisation of the Datix database to flag key dates and manage alerts related to ensuring timely file reviews. Ensure an inquest database is established and maintained in order to meet reporting requirements for the production of management reports for the Board and Quality and Safety Committee. Keeping Datix up to date with the progress of each inquest.
Other Duties Undertake professional and personal development by maintaining own knowledge of relevant law and clinical management procedures through reading and attending relevant study days. Service Delivery and Improvement Provide claims analysis information to Care Units to inform their improvement work. In conjunction with the Head of Legal Services, review and manage policies and procedures for the management and monitoring of claims across the Trust. Financial and Performance Management To be aware of the restriction, both budgetary and of resources within the team and working within these limitations.
Risk Management and Governance To work within the governance framework of the Trust, escalating issues and risks when identified. Facilitate the timely provision of information when requested. Contribute to proactively manage risk to delivery of own service and that of the wide Governance Directorate Team. Organise and maintain electronic filing systems, ensuring proper records are kept which are accurate and accessible

Please refer the Job description for details