Advocate on nhs funded complaints jobs
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Key responsibilities:
1. Main Purpose of the Job
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To ensure the panel reflects AvMA’s values and that where possible the panel is managed in line with our strategic plan.
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To manage and oversee the operation of the specialist AvMA clinical negligence panel to include ensuring the qualifying requirements for panel applicants are relevant and up to date and reflect any important medical and legal developments.
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The assessment of panel applications and interviewing of Applicants. Convening meetings of the panel committee, drafting agendas for those meetings and identifying issues to be discussed.
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Identify ways for the AvMA panel application process to become more streamlined, efficient and supportive of lawyers making panel applications. To develop the process to ensure it is fit for purpose, relevant and continues to meet the needs of the public.
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Ensuring the AvMA database of panel membership and special interests is kept up to date. Giving informal advice to solicitors enquiring about panel membership requirements, liaising and meeting with firms as required.
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Travelling and attending key networking events, including AvMA’s three-day (2 overnight stays) annual conference and AvMA annual panel meeting (usually held end Nov, beginning December), engaging with potential AvMA panel applicants, promoting the benefits of accreditation and the junior scheme (Certificates Competence Scheme (CCS)), keeping up to date with medical and legal developments. Speaking at panel meetings and generally to promote the panel.
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Working with the conference department to identify relevant topics for panel meetings and conference events.
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To improve on the current re-accreditation process to make it more streamlined and user friendly for applicants.
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To ensure relevant data from panel applications is captured on the CRM. Regular analysis of panel data, findings shared with AvMA senior leadership team and more widely where appropriate.
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To pursue AvMA’s EDI strategy by considering ways in which the panel can be developed to ensure panel members are as ethnically diverse as possible.
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To liaise with AvMA’s conference department to advise on any training which may be required to strengthen AvMA panel members knowledge and information base.
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To work with the Director Medico Legal services in assessing applications for Certificate of Competence Scheme (CCS) for juniors. To update and work on the Certificates Competence Scheme including organising applicant feedback to ensure this scheme continues to be fit for purpose. To inform and work with panel applicant mentors in strengthening the scheme.
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To deliver on administrative requirements such as quarterly reports for trustees, working with AvMA’s Service Delivery Quality and Outreach Committee (SDQOC) as required to update on continued improvement of AvMA Panel Accreditation Scheme.
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Dealing with queries raised by AvMA Panel applicants and/or juniors who may have had their applications rejected.
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Ensuring AvMA panel template letters and documents are updated
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From time to time speaking publicly about requirements for AvMA panel membership, common pitfalls and how to overcome them as well as other matters relating to panel.
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To consider client complaints about panel members to determine whether the threshold for disciplinary action under AvMA’s Panel procedures is met.
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To manage disciplinary procedure for AvMA Panel members, identify and liaise with adjudicators, prepare documentation, set up the hearing.
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To manage appeals against rejection of an application for accreditation/reaccreditation, liaise with adjudicators.
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To keep on top of any government, regulatory or other policy changes which may affect the way in which patients can access justice, recover damages and seek redress for adverse clinical outcomes, as well as any improvements or impediments to lawyers undertaking this work.
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To develop and grow the AvMA panel accreditation and Certificates Competence scheme membership; to identify cost efficiencies and maximum engagement with AvMA accredited panel solicitors.
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Any other duties associated with the role.
2. Skills and Experience
Administration of the AvMA Panel
The bulk of the administration and management tasks do not require specialist skills; however, assistance is provided by the PA to the CEO when required.
AvMA has a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) driven computer system throughout the organisation, the introduction has been phased and the applicant should be confident enough with sufficient IT skills to onboard the new system. The CRM works with Microsoft Dynamics 365 a data driven software solution which is intended to manage, track and store information. AvMA considers IT to be an ongoing commitment and the new panel accreditation manager should be willing to consider ways in which AvMA can maximise the impact of the CRM to improve services and data collection on key issues identified from panel related activities.
Tasks such as updating and preparing new panel application documents and report forms will require medical and legal input, the panel application interview process will involve discussions about topical medico legal issues and for this reason the post would suit someone who has a legal background, ideally qualified as a solicitor or barrister, preferably with clinical negligence accreditation. A a medical background would be helpful.
Assessment of new applications, interviews and dealing with correspondence
The Panel Accreditation Manager is primarily responsible for the assessment of new panel accreditation applications.
The role of Panel Accreditation Manager would suit someone who has practised as a claimant clinical negligence lawyer who is looking to draw on their expertise and experience in a new role.The successful applicant should be confident in assessing former peers and colleagues in a fair and impartial way.
The nature of this work is such that the Panel Accreditation Manager can come into possession of sensitive information, discretion and respecting confidentiality are key qualities for this role.
Reaccreditations
Reaccreditation assessments are done internally by the Panel Accreditation Manager, occasionally assistance can be provided by members of the internal panel assessment team.
AvMA aims to make reaccreditations more straightforward for practitioners and the new appointee will be expected to liaise with the profession to understand where they consider the biggest hurdles to reaccreditation lie and to consider how these can be overcome without compromising standards.
AvMA receives a minimum of 15 applications for reaccreditation per annum, however numbers are usually considerably higher, up to 30 per annum.It is thought that the reaccreditation process could be designed to be more streamlined and user friendly for both the applicant and in house.
Other AvMA Panel assessments
In addition to assessing AvMA panel applications and reaccreditations the Panel Accreditation Manager will need to assess applications from accredited panel members who have changed firms.
Change of firm applications tend to be straightforward if the applicant has been on the panel for some time and is going to a firm where there is another AvMA panel member but the process is more in depth for those going to a firm which does not have another AvMA panel member. The Panel Application Manager needs to be confident that the new firm can meet the minimum standards and supervision requirements required of a first time panel application.
There are about 5 applications for changes of firm rising to a maximum of 10 per annum.
Interim Reviews
From time to time first time applicants may demonstrate that they largely meet the core criteria for AvMA Panel membership but there may be some areas that require improvement.In those cases, AvMA can award the applicant AvMA panel status subject to a review sometime later.The Panel Accreditation Manager is responsible for following up that review and examining progress made.The review is an opportunity to identify if the applicant has succeeded in strengthening the areas of weakness identified.If they have not, they risk losing their AvMA panel status entirely.
There are about 3 interim reviews per annum, currently not exceeding 6.
3. Other
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To support the Events Department’s quality initiatives and to suggest continuing improvements where needs arise.
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To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as may be required.
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Deputise for the Head of Events when necessary
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Accountable to: CEO
Place of work: The Southmead Project, BS10 6AS
Hours: 4 days per week (30 hours) between 9.00am and 5.00pm
Interview date: Friday 29th May
Salary: £48,000 p/a pro rata
Contract: 1 year fixed term (covering a maternity leave position)
The Southmead Project is an equal opportunities employer providing free specialist counselling and support for survivors of abuse across Bristol and surrounding areas. Our recruitment is done in line with safer recruitment practices. We welcome people of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language, religion and cultural background. We value the differences between people and affirm each person as an individual.
We value our team very highly and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer. We provide the following benefits to encourage a supported, well-rounded and enriched practice:
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Paid supervision for 1.5 hours per month, with an external supervisor of that person’s choice
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Line management for 1 hour per month
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Training budget of £500 per year to spend on relevant training of that person’s choice
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Employer pension contribution of 5%
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Generous annual leave allowance and paid sick leave
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Cycle to work scheme
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Optional private counselling for up to 12 sessions per year with an external counsellor of that person’s choice
Therapeutic Management
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To manage and support a staff team, including the Head of Active Recovery, a Counselling Lead, Nexus Counselling Manager, a Family Support Group Facilitator, and administrators.
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To oversee all of the charity’s therapeutic services and ensure that efficient and high-quality services are delivered.
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To be the charity’s Designated Safeguarding Lead to respond effectively and efficiently to safeguarding concerns.
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To ensure staff are sufficiently trained in adult and child safeguarding and that training records are kept up-to-date.
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To oversee the charity’s pre-trial therapy processes and be a point of contact for the police.
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To develop and improve the charity’s therapeutic services, including any expansion of the services.
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To manage therapeutic recruitment, inductions and training.
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To hold monthly staff meetings and service team meetings when needed.
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To oversee the individual and group supervision arrangements and reporting for all staff.
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To manage and have overall responsibility for the ongoing use of an online Case Management System, ensuring that data is inputted accurately for reporting purposes.
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To support the charity’s quality assurance and development of its services through monitoring and responding to client feedback and outcomes data.
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To develop the charity’s survivor voice work and ensure that the charity’s services are informed by survivors and their lived experience.
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To manage any complaints raised by clients.
Leadership
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To work collaboratively as part of a Leadership Team to make decisions and resolve issues affecting the day-to-day running of the charity and management of its staff team.
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To strategically plan and develop the therapeutic services of the charity.
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To develop relationships with partner agencies and professionals to raise awareness of our therapeutic services and strengthen our work.
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To build and maintain a positive working relationship with the Board of Trustees.
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To attend and contribute to trustee meetings and trustee working group meetings, reporting on the therapeutic services and any clinical matters arising.
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To assist in promoting the charity by attending all relevant meetings directly connected with your work.
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To undertake any other duties appropriate to the needs of the charity.
Client Work
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To provide one-to-one counselling for survivors of abuse of all genders, both online / by phone and face-to-face, with a caseload of approximately 4 clients.
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To maintain confidential and accurate counselling notes of all sessions.
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To attend monthly one-to-one clinical supervision with a supervisor approved by the Southmead Project. (Supervision is a requirement of this charity as members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy).
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To attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings.
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To work to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy ethical guidelines.
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To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.
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All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Person Specification
ESSENTIAL:
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Diploma in Counselling (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited course or equivalent); and to have BACP accreditation or be working towards BACP accreditation or equivalent.
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To be a registered member of BACP, UKCP, NCS or equivalent professional body, with over 5 years of supervised counselling experience.
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Significant experience of providing one-to-one counselling for survivors of abuse and carrying out initial assessments and risk assessments.
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Significant knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting this client group and the impact of trauma.
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Significant line management and appraisal experience with the ability to effectively co-ordinate a team.
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The ability to support staff to foster a positive working environment and deliver a high quality of service.
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Experience of recruiting staff, including inductions and training.
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Experience of managing safeguarding concerns and supporting others to act in accordance with safeguarding policies and in the best interests of the client or those at risk.
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The ability to work with clients online or by phone.
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Experience of working collaboratively as part of a leadership team and ability to contribute to an organisation’s future development.
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Experience of developing and maintaining working relationships with partner agencies and professionals.
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Excellent organisational and planning skills.
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Excellent IT skills and experience of using Microsoft Word and Excel, with the ability to confidently use and support others with an online Case Management System.
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Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
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A commitment to identifying ongoing personal development and training needs and to take appropriate action to ensure these needs are met.
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The ability to keep accurate and confidential records of client work.
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Experience of being a client in a formal counselling relationship.
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Experience of and commitment to working with diversity.
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To have the capacity to work flexibly within a small professional team.
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The ability to manage own time and work load effectively.
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The ability to chair meetings
DESIRABLE:
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Training in trauma processing approaches, such as EMDR, Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), brainspotting, trauma-focused CBT, and Rewind Technique.
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Experience of working within a community-based organisation.
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Experience of working with people that have used drugs or alcohol to cope with trauma.
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Experience of running therapeutic groups.
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Experience of delivering training.
Meaningful therapeutic support accessible for adults impacted by abuse and addiction. A safe space for growth, connection and wellbeing for all.

Job Description
Key responsibilities:
- Events Marketing
- To oversee the scheduling, production and distribution of promotional e-mails for our events. Liaise with comms team to promote events across AvMA media platform To work on the development of the events pages on the new AvMA web site. Ensuring event web pages are kept up-to-date. To carry out data analysis and web analytics to determine what people are responding to and to highlight the areas we may need to focus/re-focus.
Events Logistics & Management
- In conjunction with the Head of Events, to undertake the production and organisation of events, including inviting and liaising with speakers and arranging event logistics. Effective liaison with speakers, ensuring they have all the information required to participate in the event and providing deadlines for receiving their presentation and biography. To work on site at events as required and run smaller events on your own. Duties will involve setting-up and administering registration, liaising with the venue, greeting speakers and exhibitors, dealing with enquiries from delegates and making sure the event runs smoothly. Production of the online conference documentation, to include speaker presentations.
Research & Event Development
- Help identify and research potential subject areas on which we may want to run events. Keep a close eye on the medico-legal events sector market and other events taking place. Help identify potential new sponsors and exhibitors for our events.
Events CRM
- Develop a sound understanding of AvMA’s new CRM, ensuring we optimise it for the efficient and effective marketing of events.
- To assist if/as required with bookings and booking queries for AvMA’s events.
Other
- To support the Events Department’s quality initiatives and to suggest continuing improvements where needs arise.
- To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as may be required.
- Deputise for the Head of Events when necessary
Person Specification
Essential:
- An understanding of, and commitment to, the values and objectives of AvMA.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop effective and positive working relationships with a wide range of individuals and organisations.
- Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to manage and prioritise workload and meet targets.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Confidence in liaising with speakers, sponsors and delegates.
- Experience of organising events and on-site management of events, including in-person and online events/webinars.
- Marketing copy writing ability, proof-reading skills, outstanding attention to detail.
- Experience of using e-mail marketing platforms (e.g. Dot Digital) and social media to promote events and maintaining event web pages.
- A high level of IT and digital literacy skills, including Office 365, Microsoft Dynamics and Adobe In Design
- Staying calm under pressure, a proactive and solutions focussed approach to problem-solving, ability to independently think on your feet.
- Demonstrable commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Desirable:
- Experience of working within a charity.
- Experience of working in healthcare and legal sector events.
- Knowledge or experience of healthcare, the NHS or patient safety work.
- Understanding/experience of Search Engine Optimisation.