Assistant Head of Legal Services | South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Organisation

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Directorate

Corporate Governance

Department

Legal Services

Role

Assistant Head of Legal Services

Reports to

Head of Legal Services

Hours:37.5 hours per week

Base

Trust Headquarters, Crawley, with flexibility to work across Trust locations as required

Assignment Length

3-months (with potential for extension, dependant on business needs)

Start Date

ASAP

Working Arrangement:37.5 hrs a week

We are seeking an experienced legal professional to support the Trust's Legal Services function, with particular responsibility for the management of a portfolio of complex Coroners' Inquests and clinical/non-clinical claims.

The post holder will work closely with the Head of Legal Services, senior managers and clinical leads, providing expert legal guidance, advice and support across the organisationThis is a senior and autonomous role requiring someone who is comfortable managing complex and sensitive legal matters, advising senior stakeholders and representing the Trust within the coronial process.

• Option to join NHS pension scheme
• A minimum 27 days' holiday each year, increasing after 5 years’ service.
• Personal and professional development and training opportunities.
• Salary Sacrifice schemes for cars or push bikes.
• Access to occupational health and counselling services.
• Award winning wellbeing hub
• Access to NHS discounts, offering NHS employees a range of money-saving deals.

Other than in exceptional circumstances, the starting salary for staff new to the NHS will be the bottom point of the band to which they have been appointed.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to

Independently manage a portfolio of complex Coroners' Inquests. Provide specialist advice on coronial matters to colleagues at all levels of the organisation. Plan and prepare for sensitive legal hearings.

· Attend and advocate at Inquests, including examining and cross-examining witnesses and making legal submissions.

· Work in accordance with relevant NHS Resolution schemes, protocols and legal requirements.

· Liaise with key external legal stakeholders including NHS Resolution, panel solicitors, Counsel and HM Coroner.

· Obtain and review records, witness statements and other evidence required for claims and Inquests.

· Support organisational learning arising from claims and Inquests.

· Provide specialist advice and training to clinical and non-clinical colleagues.

· Support the Head of Legal Services with the wider management of the Legal Services function and line management of legal administrative staff.

Essential

· A legal qualification/degree and/or substantial relevant claims management or Inquest experience.

· Extensive knowledge and experience of legal provisions, structures and policies.

· Demonstrable experience of managing clinical and/or non-clinical negligence claims within a healthcare environment.

· Strong knowledge of coronial law and process.

· Understanding of NHS Resolution and the claims/investigation process.

· Experience of independently managing complex legal caseloads.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· The ability to communicate complex, sensitive and potentially contentious information confidently.

· Strong analytical and decision-making capability.

· Excellent organisation and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

·

· Strong stakeholder-management skills, including the ability to advise and influence senior colleagues.

· Experience of working with NHS Resolution and panel solicitor firms.

· Previous line management experience.

· Experience delivering legal training.

· Knowledge of corporate and clinical governance within the NHS.

This advert closes on Friday 16 Oct 2026