Job Description

Permanent | Full time | Proposed interview dates:

16 July & 17 July 2025



We're looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Legal Services Officer to join our team, working with the Deputy and Legal Services Director. In this rewarding role, you'll play an important part in supporting the Trust's legal and governance functions.



You'll manage a diverse caseload including clinical negligence, inquests, employer's liability (EL), and public liability (PL) claims, while also providing general legal advice on an ad hoc basis. Your work will help minimise litigation risks and ensure the Trust complies with legal and regulatory requirements.



About You



Qualified Solicitor or experienced Paralegal in healthcare, inquests or clinical negligence



Experience managing a caseload and providing legal advice in complex healthcare matters



Compassionate and able to guide staff through sensitive legal proceedings



You will report to the Legal Services Director, and your responsibilities will include:

Legal Advice:

Assist the Deputy and Legal Services Director in providing expert legal advice on complex clinical issues, regulatory compliance, and general legal matters, ensuring the Trust's interests are protected, litigation risks are minimised, and compliance with laws, including human rights and professional conduct, is maintained.

Coroner's Inquests:

Support the inquest process by collaborating with the Coroner, Officers, and clinicians. Manage non-contentious inquests, prepare documents (medical records, inquest reports), and coordinate witness attendance. Ensure witnesses are well-informed and supported.

Claims Management:

Investigate Employer's Liability (EL), Public Liability (PL), and Clinical Negligence claims, liaising with partners, drafting disclosures, and gathering evidence, including interviews and expert reports, to assess claim merits.

At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear:

to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are:



Outstanding Patient Care Brilliant Place to work Leaders in Children's Health

We work with local, regional, and national partners to provide physical and mental healthcare across acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are amongst the best in their field, recognised nationally and internationally for their expertise.



As well as having enormous pride in what we do, we are a friendly, welcoming, and motivated NHS Trust who are guided by our CARE values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Our nearly 4000 colleagues live these values, ensuring kind and compassionate care that makes patients and their families feel safe and at home.



As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we remain committed to enhancing our reputation in children's health leadership, improving the experiences of both patient and colleagues, and focusing on our communities and population health.



Sheffield Children's provides great benefits to support your wellbeing, with excellent annual leave and pension schemes, health programmes, and exclusive discounts--helping you succeed at work and beyond.



For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.



Please note that Sheffield Children's uplift pay to meet the Real Living Wage, which is 12.60 per hour.



Diversity Statement



At Sheffield Children's, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone's success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.



Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net . Together, we're building a workplace where everyone belongs.



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