Coroner

The Senior Coroner stands at the head of the local coroner service and statutory coroner area and takes the lead on coroner work and will be expected to conduct inquests which are difficult or complex or will be likely to attract significant publicity.

The number of reported deaths is 655. Accordingly, we appoint our senior coroner on a part-time basis, as 80% of a full-time coroner, which equates to 32 hours (4 days) a week.

The salary includes payment for out of hours availability by agreement., Currently there is 1 Assistant Coroner who is fee paid. Upon appointment, the Senior Coroner will need to review this level of support in liaison with the local authority managers.

In the event of any future mergers with a neighbouring Coroner Area, you are expected to fully engage should such a merger be in the mutual interests of the Coroner Areas.

Herefordshire Council is looking for an exceptional candidate with excellent proven organisational, management and efficiency skills, as well as experience of exercising sound judgement and communicating effectively. You will work closely with the local authority manager to ensure value for money, performance and financial efficiencies. Collaborative working with the local authority, the police and other stakeholders is essential.

You will be required to demonstrate knowledge and experience of coroner law and of basic medicine, have proven skills in conducting investigations and an understanding of court procedure. You will also need to demonstrate the excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal with sensitive situations.

It is essential that the successful candidate has proven experience of running or sharing running a coroner's jurisdiction including carrying out investigations, case management, and conducting inquests., The successful candidate will be a barrister or a solicitor or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition which means they will have five years of experience whilst holding that qualification. They will be under the age of 75, have experience of working as a Senior Coroner, area coroner or assistant coroner and be subject to the appointment and eligibility conditions within the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (s.23 and Schedule 3).