Legal Officer - PHSO Manchester or London

Job Description

The Legal officer will assist with judicial review matters including drafting pre-action responses, acknowledgement of service and/or instructing counsel, and assisting senior colleagues in providing legal advice on corporate issues affecting the PHSO moregenerally, ranging from commercial matters to employmentClient DetailsParliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) are an independent national service who make fair and final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS and other government and public organisations. Their investigations can afford peoplea voice where they feel they may have not been treated fairly, through effective and thorough investigations PHSO are at the forefront of stamping out social injustice and change lives for the better. This autonomous institution operates under 4 fundamentalpillars, which are: Independence, Fairness, Excellence and Transparency, PHSO bind themselves to these values through every part of the establishment. With a "Live well, Work Well" office mentality you can look forward to a friendly, supportive and close knitplace to work, PHSO strive to inspire and guide you through your career with them, ensuring you are your healthiest and happiest self. Currently going through an exciting period of growth, PHSO are looking to create an even more diverse and charismatic workingenvironment and therefore welcome applications from candidates with a diverse background.Description

• Provide legal advice that is strategic and proportionate, rooted in the objectives of PHSO, and tailored to those it is intended for.
• Proactively and independently manage straightforward public law advisory requests on PHSO casework
• Assist senior colleagues on more complex casework; litigation and on non-casework matters, such as employment and commercial
• Develop a detailed, technical knowledge of the legislation that
• governs the Ombudsmans work and other relevant legislative frameworks, such as that governing Data Protection.
• Instruct Counsel and external solicitors, with support from senior colleagues
• Using own initiative to deliver the goals of the Legal team, taking on other appropriate activities to do so
• Remain up to date with SRA requirements, including CPD
• Promote, support, and act as a role model for the PHSOs vision and values of Independence, Fairness, Excellence, and Transparency.
• Participate in learning & development activity and professional development, as required, in relation to the role.
• Contribute to an environment of continuous improvement and excellence.
• Provide excellent customer service to all internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all legislative, regulatory, policy, process, procedures, and guidance.
• Requirements of PHSO are adhered to and appropriately evidenced to the roles line manager.
• To complete any other duties commensurate with the role.

ProfileEssential:

• Qualified as a Solicitor or Barrister
• Good knowledge and understanding of the law relating to Ombudsmen
• Knowledge of public law principles
• Experience of providing legal advice and support, preferably within the public sector

Desirable:

• Working within public law, employment law and commercial/contract law
• Knowledge of the Health Service Commissioners Act 1993 and the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967
• Knowledge of the NHS and the context in which it operates
• Knowledge of the governmental framework of the UK
• Good understanding of data protection principles and legislation

Job OfferDetails of the package on offer for the candidate are as follows:

• Salary D grade : £35K Manchester / £37K London
• Civil Service Pension scheme (minimum 26.6% employer contribution)
• 30-day holiday entitlement, plus 2.5 extra statutory holidays on top
• Flexitime: Core hours between 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-16.00
• Extra 2 days of Flexi-leave each month for additional hours that have been accrued
• Access to a wide variety of internal and external wellbeing support, 24/7 assistance programmes and health advice

PHSO is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and welcomes applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds. They are also a Disability Confident organisation.Should you wish to access the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) or require any reasonable adjustments through the process please contact the lead recruiter to discuss your needs before the advert closes.To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV detailing your experience that best fits the essential criteria outlined above.PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.

Keyskills :
Judicial ReviewNHSPublic LawRegulatoryIn houseOmbudsman