Senior Inquests Officer

Job summary

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.

About us

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Southend

Britannia House Comet Way

Southend on Sea

SS2 6GE

Employer's website

https://www.mse.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

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Employer details

Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Southend

Britannia House Comet Way

Southend on Sea

SS2 6GE

Employer's website

https://www.mse.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

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