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Defence Business Services (DBS) Armed Forces and Veterans Services (AF&VS) Team works with DBS's delivery partners to provide a range of trusted and efficient services to both service personnel and veterans' communities including Personnel support processes, Pay, Allowances, Pensions, Legal Aid, the Joint Casualty and compassionate Centre and the MOD Medals Office. Our focus is on both Serving Personnel, the Reserves and Veterans. Everything we do underpins the People Component of the Armed Forces' Operational Capability.

This position sits within the DBS Military Operations (Mil Ops) department of the DBS AF&VS Team. DBS Mil Ops is responsible for the accuracy, timeliness, and quality of Joint Personnel Administration (JPA), liaising with the single Services to ensure we remain customer-focused, and inputs received from the Services are accurate. Working with the Delivery Partner's JPA Centre, as part of a joint virtual global HR, DBS Mil Ops conducts root cause analysis of issues and develops Service Improvement Plans collaboratively with the Services and Defence Authority teams.

The Armed Forces Criminal Legal Aid Authority is a tri-service organisation, which sits wholly outside all Service Chains of Command; the Authority retains sole and independent responsibility for all aspects of the provision of criminal legal aid for members of the Armed Forces, and eligible members of the civilian community subject to service law outside the UK.

This position is office based and is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The post holder is responsible:

To Head Armed Forces Criminal Legal Aid Authority for the handling of applications for legal aid by service personnel, their dependents, and civil servants both in UK and overseas.

For all aspects of legal aid provision and case management, from initial application to the final settlement of fees at case conclusion, for up to 200 live cases at any one time, ensuring all relevant procedures and timelines are met in accordance with the civilian legal aid scheme regulations, whether directly or through supervision of the Assistant Case Officer (ACO).

For all financial aspects of case management including negotiating fees/costs with legal representatives (Solicitors, Barristers, or their support staff), and others i.e Experts, as appropriate to the case and in line with The Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations, latest revise. In particular, negotiate/agree fees with legal representatives, before instruction, for Overseas cases, discussing options available to secure the required outcome within financial constraints and MOD regulations.

To consider and make informed decisions in response to requests for prior authority to incur additional costs from legal representatives.

For the determination (review) of all bills received from legal representatives, including Experts, and authorisation of appropriate fees payable and for any subsequent re-determination requests where payments/deductions of the original bill are challenged.

Liaise with units and interaction with the Service Prosecution Authority (SPA), Military Court Service (MCS) and other key stakeholders, both internally and externally, when necessary, to contribute to efficient and effective legal aid processes.

To positively promote AFCLAA’s role and responsibilities and the principles/benefits of legal aid to all staff by presenting at the Army/RAF Discipline Courses on a monthly basis.

To cover ACO duties and assist other Case Officers during times of absence or busy periods, ensuring legal aid processes are prioritised in accordance with regulations.

The post holder is supported by an ACO, for whom they may have direct line management responsibility.

Ad Hoc duties as required by Head or Deputy Head AFCLAA.

The job entails dealing with important legal documents, which demand attention to detail and accuracy. Complete impartiality is essential when handling casework and in all dealings with parties. In addition, the job holder must be able to work under pressure, be flexible and have a good eye for detail. As well as carrying out routine clerical work, the job holder must be prepared to help in other areas of AFCLAA in the absence of other members of staff.

A confident person who is capable of dealing with the Service chains of command at any level on sensitive issues involving all aspects of service discipline.

Good organisational and drafting skills with the ability to prioritise their work.

Must be tactful, diplomatic and resolute in their dealings with external contractors (legal teams), internal stakeholders (including applicant and Unit support staff) and other parties within the Service Justice System.

A methodical worker, who works well under pressure, has a keen eye for detail and demonstrates discretion at all times.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment by 31st December 2022. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

Job contact :

Name :
Mrs Kirstie Chandler
Email :
[email protected]
Telephone :
03001542539

Recruitment team :

Email :
[email protected]