To act as the area coroner in the Coronial Jurisdiction of Essex.

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1 Job Title: Area Coroner for Essex Directorate: Customer Services Job Reference Number: P02378 The Role In partnership with Essex County Council, the Senior Coroner for Essex and the Coroners Service Manager to deliver a high quality coronial service to the people of Essex and build the service into a nationally recognised centre of excellence for best practice. Job Purpose To act as the area coroner in the Coronial Jurisdiction of Essex. Key Accountabilities To provide the highest possible quality coronial service in accordance with statutory provisions, case law, best practice and associated guidance. To follow guidance from the Chief Coroner and Lord Chancellor and comply with any instructions or requests issued from time to time by the Chief Coroner. To investigate the circumstances of the deaths of all persons whose bodies are lying within the district where there is reasonable cause to suspect that the death was violent, unnatural, of sudden, of causes unknown or in prison. To determine the identity of the deceased and the medical cause of death and to decide whether a post mortem examination is necessary for the purposes of the investigation and, if so, to give directions to a pathologist or other appropriately qualified expert medical practitioner or scientist. To hold an inquest, with or without a jury, where satisfied that one is required in accordance with Section 1 of the 2009 Act. To notify, as appropriate, the relevant Registrar of Deaths of the findings of the inquest, or, if no inquest is held, of the natural cause of death ascertained by postmortem examination or the fact that the death reported does not need to be subject to further coronial investigation. To make statutory annual returns to the Secretary of State and Chief Coroner.

2 To provide recordings of inquests, notes, transcriptions or other relevant documents in accordance with statutory requirements, to interested persons as required and collect and account to Essex for any fees received. The appointment of any transcription service or other person or agency employed to produce the notes of evidence or transcription is subject to Essex procurement rules To assist in the organisation and co-ordination of the delivery of the coronial service in Essex having full regard to the statutory requirements of the coronial service, and deliver value for money with regard to economic, efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery associated with public sector funding To at all times be available to undertake either by him/herself any duties in connection with inquests and post-mortem examination. In addition to the statutory requirement, make provision for the diverse needs of the community. This will include consideration of the urgent release of bodies to meet the expectations of the diverse faiths of the jurisdiction, including at weekends and bank holidays. To deal with claims for treasure, in accordance with the statutory requirements. To be sensitive and, as far as possible, responsive to the needs and requirements of properly interested persons who engage with the Coronial Service, including the bereaved, witnesses, the media, police, funeral directors, the NHS Trusts. Taking full account of ethnic and cultural diversity of the population within the Essex jurisdiction and being responsive to the cultural needs of diverse communities. Work collaboratively with the management of Essex County Council at all times to ensure the effective use of resources and that the principle of best value underpins the running of the service. Ensure that Essex procurement procedures are adhered to at all times when procuring goods, services and specialist reports. Meet regularly with key stakeholders in order to discuss any day to day matters and to keep under constant review the quality and standards of the service. To undertake any relevant training and development, keeping up to date with the law and practice and attend Chief Coroner and Judicial College and other training as required and to ensure the training and development of Assistant Coroners

3 Liaise with Essex Civil Protection & Emergency Management to plan and deliver an appropriate response to a mass fatality incident. In liaison with other key stakeholders, to ensure the coronial service has planned for and is prepared for any significant emergencies which may occur or affect the Essex jurisdiction and which are in excess of the day to day resource and capacity of the local infrastructure. The Area Coroner will be expected to live within a reasonable travelling distance of the coroner area. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Barrister or Solicitor with proven post-qualifying experience (evidence of CPD or MOJ training record). Given the size of the jurisdiction, experience as a Coroner, Deputy or Assistant Coroner and of running a busy Coroner s Court unless demonstrable significant equivalent can be presented. Thorough, up to date knowledge of legislation relating to Coroner s duties, including particularly the law of evidence, the administration of the legal system and the procedures of courts. Experience of conducting investigative enquiries including demonstrating clarity of thought in identifying issues relevant to the investigation. Substantial experience of holding complex inquests, including jury inquests and being able to effectively manage a large caseload in a timely manner. Experience of operational management including case load management coordinating staff and monitoring performance, and of co-ordinating/co-operating with the work of multi-disciplinary teams to provide the inquest results. Awareness of budgetary pressures and the impact of decisions on the budget. Ability to effectively manage resources in collaboration with Essex. Knowledge of structures and procedures of the Police, in particular those relating to the investigation of sudden or suspicious deaths. Knowledge of the structures and procedures of local authorities. Must be able to recognise discrimination in its many forms and willing to put the Council s Equality Policies into practice. Must have knowledge of the extent to which cultural and religious requirements can be met within the constraints of Coronial law and practice. Ability to assist in driving the service and being receptive to new ideas and diverse needs. Prepared to engage with the local community, for example giving talks and seeking feedback and views.

4 Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to explain legal and medical terms to people from non-legal or non-medical backgrounds. Excellent analytical, decision making and administrative skills. IT literacy, including experience of using Microsoft Office package and familiarity with and internet systems. Ability to work in sensitive situations with a wide range of stakeholders (e.g. relatives, police officers, mortuary staff, Registrars, witnesses and the media). Ability to deal with emotionally charged situations that require sensitive handling and confident/positive judgement. A commitment to public service at the highest standards. The ability to travel across a wide geographical area in a timely and flexible manner at various times of the day. Willingness to provide a comprehensive, 24 hour service across the jurisdiction under the direction of the senior coroner. VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS CUSTOMER FOCUSSED AND PROACTIVE Working together we proactively engage with our customers and listen to their needs in order to continuously improve our service. Develops and delivers effective systems that enable the delivery of a quality customer service Uses customer insight to create an environment where customer service is valued, recognized, and seen as a priority Proactively engage with our customers to deliver innovative and exceptional service. Make decisions that are mutually beneficial to the customer and the authority Use customer feedback to understand what good looks like to improve service delivery & measure performance Identify key measurable targets to continuously improve customer satisfaction ENABLING AND EMPOWERING Working together, we provide confidence and trust to support the delivery of the right services for our customers. Creates an environment that promotes self-development, openness and innovation Delegate effectively in order to achieve greater empowerment and accountability within set clear parameters

5 Create a culture through personal behaviours that promotes inclusion Demonstrates an understanding of the political environment and makes decisions / takes action appropriately Communicates openly with others to improve levels of understanding and engagement EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT Working together we will achieve our objectives in the best possible way, so that we deliver the results that make the biggest difference to the people we serve. Continually seeks new ways to introduce best practice in order to reduce duplication, bureaucracy and waste Develop and implement new ways of working to stretch performance, improve efficiency and deliver value for money Empowers others to innovate and challenge current practices Takes ownership for the implementation of corporate initiatives to help deliver change and continuous improvement Safeguarding Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Pre-Employment Checks appropriate to this Job Profile Essex County Council (ECC) is committed to ensuring all recruitment is undertaken fairly, effectively, safely and in accordance with legislation. The information below provides pre-employment screening guidance for candidates applying to this job at Essex County Council.

6 Role Requirement: Pre-Employment Check Self Declaration (Spent and unspent convictions) Standard DBS check (renewed every three years, SCF and ES&H staff only) References Definition A declaration of spent and unspent convictions must be completed by employees A Standard DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check will be sought by ECC. For internal candidates a new check will be requested if the current check is two years old or more (all directorates) A minimum of two employer references will be required- one of which must be the last employer. Any gaps of 4 weeks or more will be explored by the manager at interview stage. Where requested by the manager additional character references will be taken up Medical Eligibility / Right to work in the UK Regulatory qualifications and professional registration (subject to role) SWIFT / Protocol (SCF - Children s Social Care Team only) All new recruits and employees whose role changes significantly are required to complete a medical health declaration Proof is required and original documentation will be sought i.e. passport or full birth certificate Original qualification certificates and proof of registration with a professional body are required (if applicable) A check against the individuals name on the Social Care electronic database will be administered