Civil Liability Claims Handler/ Investigator

Civil Liability Claims Handler/ Investigator

Leek Wootton

Permanent Contract

Part Time 22.2 hours per week.

Salary £28,530 to £33,348 Pro Rata.

The closing date for this post is 12 noon on 14th December 2022

Those currently eligible on the redeployment register will be given prior consideration.

The main purpose of the role is to investigate and evaluate claims for compensation arising out of the operational activity of the police and internal staff disputes.

Main Responsibilities:

To investigate and handle claims as necessary, including interviewing relevant persons, securing evidence, drafting statements and making recommendations to the Head, Deputy Head of Service and Legal Team Managers regarding liability.

To notify the insurers on all qualifying cases and thereafter to complete the required case management systems and file records/ audit trails at regular review stages.

To notify all key stakeholders as required by law and update the required case management systems and file records at regular review stages. For instance, the Compensation recovery unit in cases which apply.

To work with lawyers in the Department in order to achieve just and fair outcomes which protect people from harm. This may include accessing legal databases and undertaking general research on liability in those cases identified by line management, as well as preparing files and reporting accordingly.

To have professional contact as required with any external solicitors or other stakeholders handling litigation on behalf of the alliance, together with Claimants’ solicitors suing the organisation and audit trail accordingly. This may include the drafting of standard letters under the civil procedure rules.

To draft standard letters pre-litigation or as required by the civil procedure rules. This will include letters refuting liability in those cases identified by line management.

To provide regular written updates and reports to the line managers within legal services on all allocated cases so that they can make informed decisions on liability or contest.

To attend Court and conferences with Counsel in relation to civil litigation and employment tribunals (if so required) and arrange the attendance of witnesses and maintain and update appropriate records accordingly.

To monitor and evaluate the receipt and settlement of claims.  To highlight any trends and make recommendations on police procedures and Force Policy to the line managers within legal services.

To fully utilise the IT and Legal Case Management system as requested. To adhere to case management procedures in connection with claims dealt with by the department.

To participate in meetings and work as part of the team to ensure all requirements for legal service delivery are met.

To assist where required in the sharing of lesson learning across the alliance.

To undertake other duties commensurate with the nature, level of responsibility and grading of this post, as required.

Knowledge:

Substantive working Knowledge of police procedures and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).

Knowledge of civil Court Process and Procedures

Experience:

Experience of working in an investigative role and/or experience of working in a police or legal environment.

Experience of applying PACE into the work environment

Experience of gathering and analysing evidence in order to make recommendations

Key Skills:  

Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, witness statements and notes of Court hearing. 

Ability to communicate with a wide range of people both verbally and in writing. 

Capable of working to deadlines. 

Ability to be flexible, using own initiative and working without direct supervision. 

Competent in the use of Microsoft Office.

Special Conditions

This post has been designated as ‘Politically Sensitive’ under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended).

Travel within the force areas of Warwickshire and West Mercia