Legal Delivery Manager UK Covid19 Inquiry Team
https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/6.7809_CO_Covid-Inquiry_Master-logo_RGB_AW_WEBSITE-1.png
In December 2021 Baroness Heather Hallett, a retired Appeal Court judge, was appointed by the Prime Minister as Chair of the independent public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry was formally established with full powers under the Inquiries Act 2005 in June 2022. The Inquiry sits independently of the Government with the Cabinet Office acting as the sponsoring department.
Following an initial set up phase the Inquiry began hearing evidence in May 2023. We are now looking for an energetic and collaborative senior leader to join the excellent team that is delivering the Inquiry.
This is an exciting role, offering the opportunity to lead an innovative team, in fast moving circumstances, to ensure lessons are learned from the UK response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Further information about the Inquiry can be found on the UK Covid-19 Inquiry website.
Conflicts of interest
Please note that candidates invited to interview will be invited to declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interests which could affect the independence of the Inquiry, in confidence, to the senior conflicts of interest recruiting manager.This may include current or prior work undertaken on the COVID-19 pandemic response. Decisions on any potential conflict of interest will be made before an appointment to the role is confirmed.
The Legal Team which comprises Counsel and Solicitor to the Inquiry is an integral part of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, providing advice to the Chair and secretariat to support the effective delivery of the Inquiry. The Paralegal team supports the Solicitor to the Inquiry and his team to deliver their work to fulfil the Inquiry’s terms of reference.This involves the review, redaction and disclosure of large volumes of evidence and hearing delivery.
Working to the Head of Paralegal Team, the SEO Legal Delivery Manager (LDM) will work closely with an additional LDM and the Solicitors team to oversee the delivery of a large paralegal team. The LDM will be responsible for collaborating with the Paralegal Management Team to devise initiatives, strategies and communications to maintain a high performing paralegal team.In addition, the LDM will be responsible for directly managing 3 HEO Lead Paralegals and supporting them with the management of their respective paralegal teams. The LDM will frequently liaise with legal stakeholders including solicitor and counsel teams to communicate updates such as on Inquiry disclosure processes and resources, as well as managing expectations.
The role is a hybrid opportunity with a minimum of 2 days required in the London based office. Frequent in person attendance may be required throughout busy hearing periods.
Some of the key responsibilities include and are not limited to:
- Lead and support a team of Lead Paralegals to ensure high quality output and delivery at pace.
- Communicate effectively with legal stakeholders regularly, including solicitor and counsel teams, to monitor overall progress of delivery and manage expectations.
- Planning the management of resource across the paralegal team to adequately support disclosure and hearing delivery in the line with the Inquiry’s timetable.
- Develop and deliver a programme of continuous training to the Inquiry Legal Team, including paralegal, solicitor and counsel teams.
- Support with recruitment activity, and onboard new team members.
- Collaborate with other internal Inquiry teams, with a focus on disclosure progress and processes.
- Promote an inclusive and supportive working environment.
- Line manage a team of Lead Paralegals and conduct regular performance reviews and discussions to encourage professional development.