Lead Paralegal UK Covid19 Inquiry Team
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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 Lead Paralegal 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.
About the team
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry was formally established by the then Prime Minister in June 2021. It is chaired by Baroness Hallett, a retired senior judge, and it exists to learn the lessons of the pandemic across a broad range of issues.
The Inquiry sits independently of the Government with the Cabinet Office acting as the sponsoring department. We are looking for exceptional staff to join the team that will support the Chair to deliver the Inquiry. Information is at heart of what we do, and Lady Hallett is determined to make timely findings based on the evidence that she received.A rigorous approach to programme management will be central to our success in delivering a sequence of complex investigations and the Inquiry’s underpinning infrastructure.
The COVID 19 Inquiry is a top government priority, highly anticipated by the public, and we are looking for exceptional staff to join the team. The Inquiry is high-profile and will be important in identifying the lessons to be learned from the UK’s response to the Covid pandemic.The successful candidates will have the character and judgement required to navigate complex but very rewarding work.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an inclusive, innovative team where you will be supported to challenge yourself in often ambiguous circumstances. The team encourages working in a flexible, collaborative manner to learn and support each other as we look to undertake one of the broadest, most publicly anticipated inquiries in UK history.
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 will support the Solicitor to the Inquiry and his team to deliver their work to fulfil the Inquiry’s terms of reference.
The Lead Paralegal will work closely with the Solicitors team and coordinate a team of paralegals in the receipt, review, redaction and disclosure of material to Core Participants to the Inquiry. The HEO Lead Paralegal will be responsible for ensuring disclosure deadlines are met and that paralegal activities are completed to a high standard.The HEO Lead Paralegal will also play a key role in supporting the Solicitor and Counsel teams in the preparation and delivery of substantive hearings in accordance with the Inquiry’s hearing timetable. The role will include line management responsibility for a team of EO paralegals.
We are seeking organised, detailed focussed and proactive individuals who are confident working in a fast-paced environment.
Some of the key responsibilities include and are not limited to:
- Oversee an Inquiry module(s) and manage a team of paralegals to support the Solicitor and Counsel team in the preparation and effective delivery of Inquiry hearings;
- Coordinate, assign and carry out day to day paralegal activities, including assessment, redaction and review of material using the Inquiry’s electronic document management system (EMS);
- Work closely and collaboratively with the Solicitor and Counsel teams to ensure arising tasks are delivered at pace;
- Lead regular module paralegal meetings and champion effective communication and collaboration;
- Quality assure team output and provide regular training and feedback to the paralegal team to ensure high standards are maintained;
- Line manage a team of EO paralegals and conduct regular performance reviews and discussions to encourage professional development and promote a supportive working environment;
- Attend the hearing centre and be prepared to work outside core hours prior to and during busy hearing periods;
- Work closely with the information management and paralegal team to maintain excellent information management practices.