Senior Inquests Officer

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

The Senior Inquests Officer will work within the Legal Services Department at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT), overseeing the day-to-day management and monitoring of Inquests at the Trust. Reporting to the Inquests Managers, this role will be undertaken in collaboration with the Associate Director (AD) of Legal Services, Senior Inquest Advocate, Inquest Managers, and Inquests Officer.

You will support managing allocated Coronial matters by liaising with Coroner's Officers, Interested Persons, solicitors (if appointed), and Trust clinicians. Responsibilities include obtaining and ensuring the accuracy of witness statements and relevant documents (including medical records), complying with disclosure requirements, and preparing these for the coroner or other Interested Persons as needed.

A key part of the role involves undertaking advocacy on behalf of the Trust at Pre-Inquest Review hearings in Coroners' Court. These hearings often involve complex clinical and procedural issues, sensitive family concerns, and legal scrutiny. The post-holder will be responsible for presenting the Trust's position clearly, responding to queries from the Coroner and Interested Persons, and providing on-the-spot advice and reassurance to Trust staff in attendance, ensuring they feel supported in what can be highly stressful situations.

Main duties of the job

The Senior Inquests Officer will maintain close communication with Coroner's Officers and assess the need for legal representation, applying to NHS Resolution for funding when required.

You will act as a primary point of contact and support for all staff called to give evidence, ensuring that pre-Inquest meetings are arranged and conducted effectively.

Deputise for the Inquest Managers when required.Upon conclusion of Coronial matters, the Senior Inquests Officer will update relevant clinicians and departments, identify lessons learned, and contribute to the monthly Legal Services reports to disseminate findings Trust-wide.
Additional duties include supporting staff attending court and Inquest hearings, assisting the Inquest Managers with legal research, and contributing to the drafting and revision of relevant policies and procedures.

Further responsibilities include drafting legal documentation, undertaking legal research on relevant legislation and case law, assisting case managers by managing delegated tasks to ensure efficient handling of Inquest files, and preparing and delivering training to Trust staff on Inquest procedures and witness preparation.

Manage a caseload of Inquests, each requiring detailed preparation, forward planning, and careful coordination. Many cases will be complicated and involve multiple interdependent components, strict statutory deadlines, and the need to balance competing demands.

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 Senior Inquests Officer 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.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Degree in Law or relevant legal qualification
• Strong evidence of continuing personal and professional development in relation to the law

Desirable criteria

• Completion of Legal Practice Course or equivalent

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Understanding of the civil court process, the law relating to Coroners' Inquests, the legal framework governing the disclosure of personal information
• Knowledge of how risk management and learning can be applied to the handling of Inquests
• Current and demonstrable evidence of supporting NHS staff called to give evidence at a Coroner's Inquest
• Current and demonstrable evidence of taking witness statements and providing support to witnesses
• Ability to represent the legal department at court

Desirable criteria

• Advocacy experience

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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