Why a Legal Department Review Matters
At Healthcare Legal Consultancy, we specialise in providing NHS Trusts with practical, actionable insight into the performance and efficiency of their legal teams. Our comprehensive review process uncovers areas for improvement - both operational and relational - ultimately helping you develop a high-performing, well-respected legal department.
With deep-rooted experience in NHS legal services, we understand the pressures your teams face. Understaffed, under-resourced, and often resistant to change, many legal teams are stretched to capacity. Our review aims to challenge that status quo—with compassion and realism—so meaningful change can begin.
What the Review Covers
We conduct a detailed assessment across the following areas:
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Team Structure & Job Roles – clarity of responsibilities and resourcing levels
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Team Performance – output quality, response times, and overall effectiveness
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Administrative Processes – systems, workflows, and efficiency
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External Panel Spend – opportunities to streamline costs
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Internal Relationships – especially with clinicians, governance teams, and senior executives
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External Relationships – including the Coroner, NHSR, and external legal panels
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Reporting Methods – formats, frequency, and data quality
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GIRFT Reviews – alignment and follow-up
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NHSR Scorecard Analysis – performance against key benchmarks
Our Recommendations will Include:
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Urgent and Non-Urgent Departmental Changes
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External Stakeholder Improvements – internal and external to the legal team
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Cost-Saving Initiatives – with the aim of achieving at least a 20% saving in external legal spend over 1–2 years
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Team Development – identification of skills gaps and advice on training or recruitment
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Administrative & Software Enhancements – to streamline operations
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New or Improved SOPs and KPIs – aligning to strategic goals
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Datix/InPhase Improvements – for enhanced data capture and analysis
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GIRFT Action Plans – built into your operational workflows
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Coronial Relationship Support – strategies to strengthen engagement
Timeline & Process
The review typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your Trust. To ensure a full picture, we’ll need to be on-site for most of the process and will require access to key staff both within and outside the legal team.
Reporting & Next Steps
Upon completion, we deliver a comprehensive report to your Chief Executive Officer, including our full analysis and practical recommendations. This becomes your roadmap for improvement—whether you choose to implement it internally or with our ongoing support.
Ready to Review Your Legal Department?
If you're ready to unlock savings, improve relationships, and enhance the efficiency of your legal team, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to book an initial conversation or find out more about our Full Departmental Review.