Inquest Manager

Job description

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.

Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.

We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.

Job overview

Here is an exciting opportunity for you to join us as an Inquest Manager.

You will manage the day-to-day functions of the Inquests Team at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT), operating as one of the central points of contact for all Inquest matters within the Trust.

Routinely prepare for and represent the Trust at Inquest hearings, and provide specialist support for Trust witnesses attending.

Main duties of the job

Manage Inquests involving the Trust, making, and recording risk management recommendations and outcomes following each case including obtaining assurance that divisions have completed any actions arising from Prevention of Future Death reports.

Lead the administration of all matters notified by the coroner and their officers, identifying appropriate witnesses, advising the coroner's office, ensuring timely disclosure of documentation in accordance with statutory requirements under the Coroner's and Justice Act 2009.

You will be responsible for the day-to day management of Inquests and and lead pre-Inquest meetings with Trust witnesses, providing informed, empathetic support and guidance on potential issues that may arise.

Instruct legal representation (under the authority of the Senior Inquest Advocate) when appropriate.In addition, the post-holder will offer advice or appropriate signposting to staff on other ad hoc legal matters as required.

Work with close liaison with staff at all levels across the Trust, as well as with external bodies, agencies, and legal representatives.

Contribute to the delivery of training for Trust staff on Inquest processes and related legal matters.

You will hold joint line-management responsibilities for the Senior Inquest Officers and Inquest Officer.

Working for our organisation

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Are you looking for an exciting Inquest Manager role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Please be aware that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a suitable number of applications, previous applicants need not apply.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Degree in Law or relevant legal qualification or extensive experience equivalent to the same
• Relevant postgraduate legal qualification
• Relevant legal experience related to healthcare

Desirable criteria

• LLM or similar master's degree
• Diploma in Inquests management

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• In-depth knowledge of Coroners and Justice Act 2009; The Coroners (Inquests) Rules 2013; Coroner's Bench Rules
• Experience of working with very senior and specialist health care teams and the ability to dissipate tense situations
• Proven experience of working within legal environment and dealing with complex legal and ethical issues

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of relevant Government health strategies and standards, current NHS agenda, and legal system
• Knowledge of illness processes & biology

Communication Skills

Essential criteria

• Ability to communicate complex and/or contentious information clearly, accurately, and sensitively

Please be aware as per the new Immigration guidelines we cannot sponsor candidates with a salary (full time or pro Rata) under the current minimum threshold.

Please note, the selection processes at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust are in place to ensure we recruit candidates with the right skills and values, please be advised that the use of AI in applications are monitored. We remain vigilant against candidates who misuse these tools to generate an application that doesn't accurately reflect their skills, and you will be required to declare on your application if AI has been used before submitting your application.

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