Head Inquiry Lawyer

Working closely with colleagues in the Inquiry team to manage the input of advice principally into the Covid-19 Inquiry, (but over time and when needed, supporting the teams other Inquiries) deputising for the Deputy Directors as required, the postholder will: Participate fully in the overall management and operations of the team as it pertains to the Inquiry programme, taking responsibility for specified areas of programme operations and for effectively managing an external team of lawyers. Provide professional leadership in the area of Inquiry expertise Support and prepare witnesses from start to finish including: -Legal support to develop core, factual narratives around key decisions and workstreams -Interview witnesses -Draft responses to Rule 9 requests i.e. statements and locate and review exhibits -Review evidence proposals and disclosures of third parties exhibits, prepare Rule 10 questions -Liaise with the Inquiry to ensure any reasonable adjustments for witnesses are in place -Attend hearings and escalate when required Act as the face of the Legal team for the Covid-19 Inquiry, managing the relationship with National and Regional Directors and their offices and liaising directly with relevant functions on behalf of the Director to execute the programmes strategy, and working as part of the virtual Inquiry hub alongside BAU teams Participate fully in the overall management and operations of the entire Public Inquiry team to create a centre of excellence. Support good inquiry readiness policy and operations and the wider work of the programme across NHS England, where legal expertise and support is required, including providing, supervising or securing the provision of expert legal advice, supporting policy makers to inform the development of effective strategies and policies, supporting proper decision-making and corporate governance arrangements, and supporting operational activities. Direct line management of lawyers as required, and management and supervision across matrix working and wider Inquiry team including external firms. Manage all necessary business and reporting returns, including planning and workforce returns and risk escalation requirements. Manage the programme Legal budget, including understanding thematic legal spend in allocated areas, ensuring the most appropriate and best value use of external law firms, scrutinising the legal costs process (including outsourcing of work, PO and uplift challenge & approval). Make recommendations for the procurement, selection, performance management/benchmarking and other issues for external legal advice. You can find further details about the job, organisational structure, recruitment profile, expected outcomes and benefits information in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents. Salary Progression Applicants will commence at the bottom of Band 8d with a full-time starting salary of £83,571 with a pay step increase after 5 years service. For posts based in Inner London, the above salaries will include the additional supplement of 20% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £5,132 per annum and a maximum payment of £7,746 per annum. This is offered in accordance with NHS Terms and Conditions and is based on office location.