Skip to main content

This site is independent of the NHS and the Department of Health.

Please wait, loading

Job summary

Main area
Legal Services
Grade
Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (1 in 12 on call rota)
Job ref
390-COR-SO-5988
Employer
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Southend
Town
Southend-on-Sea
Salary
£49,387 Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
29/04/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust logo

Inquest Manager

Band 7

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

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

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

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDNHS Employers Diversity and Inclusion PartnersApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyMenopause Friendly EmployerArmed Forces Covenant Gold Awardhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesStonewall Silver 2022Disability confident employerNHS Rainbow badgeNHS Pastoral CareNHS 75th Birthday

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Laura Mansfield
Job title
Associate Director, Legal Services
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0300 4430990
Apply online nowAlert me to similar vacancies