Key Responsibilities
* Ensure the panel reflects AvMA’s values and is managed in line with our strategic plan.
* Manage and oversee the operation of the specialist AvMA clinical negligence panel, ensuring qualifying requirements for panel applicants are relevant and up to date.
* Assess panel applications and interview applicants, convene panel committee meetings, draft agendas and identify issues.
* Identify ways to streamline and improve the panel application process.
* Maintain the AvMA database of panel membership and special interests, providing informal advice to solicitors and liaising with firms.
* Travel and attend key networking events, including AvMA’s annual conference and panel meeting, engage potential applicants, promote accreditation and the junior scheme, speak at meetings.
* Work with the conference department to identify relevant topics for panel meetings and conference events.
* Improve the re‑accreditation process to be more user‑friendly.
* Capture relevant data from panel applications in the CRM, analyze data and share findings with senior leadership.
* Pursue AvMA’s EDI strategy to enhance ethnic diversity among panel members.
* Liaise with the conference department to advise on training to strengthen panel members’ knowledge.
* Work with the Director Medico‑Legal Services to assess applications for the Certificate of Competence Scheme (CCS) for juniors; update the scheme and organize applicant feedback.
* Deliver administrative requirements such as quarterly reports for trustees and coordinate with SDQOC.
* Handle queries from panel applicants and juniors whose applications were rejected.
* Update AvMA panel template letters and documents.
* Publicly speak about panel membership requirements, pitfalls and other matters.
* Consider client complaints to determine disciplinary thresholds and manage disciplinary procedures, including liaison with adjudicators.
* Manage appeals against accreditation/re‑accreditation rejections.
* Stay informed of policy changes that could affect patient access to justice and the work of lawyers.
* Develop and grow the AvMA panel accreditation and CCS membership, identify cost efficiencies and maximize engagement with accredited solicitors.
* Perform other duties associated with the role.
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 uses a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system (Microsoft Dynamics 365) to manage, track and store information. The new panel accreditation manager should be confident using the CRM and willing to maximize its impact to improve services and data collection on key issues identified from panel activities.
Tasks such as updating and preparing new panel application documents and report forms will require medical and legal input, and the role will involve discussions about topical medico‑legal issues. A legal background (qualified solicitor or barrister, preferably with clinical negligence accreditation) is preferred; a medical background would be helpful.
Assessment of New Applications, Interviews and Dealing With Correspondence
The Panel Accreditation Manager is primarily responsible for assessing new panel accreditation applications. The role suits someone with experience as a claimant clinical negligence lawyer who is confident in assessing former peers and colleagues fairly and impartially. Sensitivity, discretion and respecting confidentiality are key qualities for the role.
Reaccreditations
Reaccreditation assessments are done internally; occasionally assistance can be provided by the internal panel assessment team. The Manager should liaise with the profession to understand the biggest hurdles to reaccreditation, and to design a streamlined process that maintains standards. AvMA receives a minimum of 15 reaccreditation applications per annum, usually up to 30.
Other AvMA Panel Assessments
The Manager will also assess applications from accredited panel members who have changed firms. Change‑of‑firm applications are straightforward if the applicant has been on the panel for some time and is moving to a firm where another panel member exists; more depth is required if the new firm lacks a panel member. The Manager must confirm that the new firm meets minimum standards and supervision requirements. Approximately 5–10 change‑of‑firm applications occur per annum.
Interim Reviews
First‑time applicants may demonstrate they largely meet core criteria but still require improvement. In those cases, AvMA can award provisional panel status subject to a future review. The Manager follows up on the review, examines progress and, if unsuccessful, risks loss of status. About three interim reviews occur annually, not exceeding six.
Other Duties
* Support the Events Department’s quality initiatives and suggest continuing improvements where needed.
* Undertake other duties commensurate with the post as may be required.
* Deputise for the Head of Events when necessary.
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