Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Inquest Manager

The closing date is 29 April 2026

Job summary

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.

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.

Details

Date posted

15 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

390-COR-SO-5988

Job locations

Southend

Britannia House Comet Way

Southend-on-Sea

SS2 6GE


Job description

Job 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

Job description

Job 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

  • 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

  • LLM or similar master's degree
  • Diploma in Inquests management

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • 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

  • Understanding of relevant Government health strategies and standards, current NHS agenda, and legal system
  • Knowledge of illness processes & biology

Communication Skills

Essential

  • Ability to communicate complex and/or contentious information clearly, accurately, and sensitively
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • 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

  • LLM or similar master's degree
  • Diploma in Inquests management

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • 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

  • Understanding of relevant Government health strategies and standards, current NHS agenda, and legal system
  • Knowledge of illness processes & biology

Communication Skills

Essential

  • Ability to communicate complex and/or contentious information clearly, accurately, and sensitively

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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)


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)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Associate Director, Legal Services

Laura Mansfield

laura.mansfield4@nhs.net

03004430990

Details

Date posted

15 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

390-COR-SO-5988

Job locations

Southend

Britannia House Comet Way

Southend-on-Sea

SS2 6GE


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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