About this role
Job summary
We are seeking to recruit an experienced qualified lawyer in the field of employment law, to join our People and Culture directorate following the transformation of the People Partnering team.
The ideal candidate must have good communication skills, excellent knowledge of employment law and a confident approach to work, the ability to prioritise and to be able to work well with a team.
Main duties of the job
Advising and supporting the trust in respect of employment law caseload. Managing a varied caseload of employment claims on behalf of CNWL. The postholder will be expected to keep up to date on changes in law and practice and develop policies and procedures within the Trust to ensure compliance and wider knowledge.
They will Identify learning opportunities that arises from claims or other findings in courts; persuade, motivate and influence senior professionals to use these opportunities to develop and improve practice where necessary.
The post holder will be expected to build strong relationships quickly and to be able to work at pace and will undertake the case management of a range of employment law matters from the initial advice request to the issue of the ET claim to settlement or trial.
About us
There's a place for you at CNWL, we are passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in the patient's own home.
Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Providing top quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people. We're always looking to recruit outstanding people who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust. With every new employee we're hoping to find our future leaders and we'll support our staff by providing opportunities to develop your career.
With a diverse culture and equally diverse range of opportunities across mental health, community services, addictions, eating disorders, learning disabilities and more - whatever stage of your career you're at, there's always a place for you at CNWL.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please review the attached Job description for more information
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
To provide professional legal advice and representation on behalf of the Trust on issues, processes, legal claims/concerns/disputes/risk management, policy and procedures.
To represent the Trust in formal negotiations, legal proceedings, at courts, tribunals, or other venues, undertaking advocacy where appropriate.
To take and maintain detailed and accurate notes of meetings, such as court hearings, witness meetings, tribunals, case conferences and other key activities as appropriate.
To draft advice and formal legal documentation, such as formal legal correspondence witness statements, instructions to counsel and experts, agreements, contractual documentation, court documents and forms, or policies.
To work autonomously with responsibility for the day to day management of their own case load.
To work with the trust legal case and document management systems and processes, to securely create, store and share documents, to enter and maintain key information.
Collaborate with the Corporate Governance department and others and contribute to the legal database. Provide in-house legal advice, training and support across the departments. Provide representation or support external insurer/panel firms in the conduct of ET claims). Initial review of FOI/SARS for disclosure. To assist the Asst Director of People Partnering in ensuring that all new ET claims are reviewed, that they provide sufficient information relating to the claims in accordance with the relevant Policies and that a file is created. Liaise with the Claimants solicitors to obtain sufficient information to ensure compliance. To identify any claims where there is a litigation risk and reporting these claims to the trust. Support with the management of complex and/or contentious cases by ensuring that all evidence is requested and obtained in a timely manner, escalating cases where responses are not forthcoming.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications Essential
Law degree & Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (or equivalent) Relevant Legal Knowledge
Desirable
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx NHS/public sector background
Experience Essential
Substantial relevant post qualification experience in relevant employment law as specified in the role profile i.e. litigation gained through practice. Extensive experience in drafting documents An excellent understanding of Equal Opportunities and Valuing Diversity
Desirable
Knowledge of current NHS terms and conditions Knowledge and understanding of key issues within the NHS and/or other public sector organizations Extensive experience of reviewing large numbers of documents Defendant litigation/ experience in employment law Experience of making presentations to legal staff
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Address Trust HQ
350 Euston Road - Regents Place
London
NW1 3AX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/work (Opens in a new tab)