Role Overview
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 Inquest Managers, this role will be undertaken in collaboration with the Associate Director (AD) of Legal Services, Senior Inquest Advocate, Inquest Managers, and Inquests Officer.
Key Responsibilities
- Support management of allocated Coronial matters, liaise with Coroner’s Officers, Interested Persons, solicitors (if appointed), and Trust clinicians; obtain and ensure the accuracy of witness statements and relevant documents (including medical records); prepare these for the coroner or other Interested Persons as needed.
- Undertake advocacy on behalf of the Trust at Pre‑Inquest Review hearings in Coroners’ Court; present the Trust’s position clearly, respond to queries from the Coroner and Interested Persons, and provide on‑the‑spot advice and reassurance to Trust staff in attendance.
- Maintain close communication with Coroner’s Officers; assess the need for legal representation and apply to NHS Resolution for funding when required.
- Act as primary point of contact and support for all staff called to give evidence; ensure that pre‑Inquest meetings are arranged and conducted effectively.
- Deputise for the Inquest Managers when required; upon conclusion of Coronial matters, update relevant clinicians and departments, identify lessons learned, and contribute to the monthly Legal Services reports to disseminate findings Trust‑wide.
- Assist the Inquest Managers with legal research; contribute to the drafting and revision of relevant policies and procedures.
- Draft legal documentation; undertake legal research on relevant legislation and case law; assist case managers by managing delegated tasks to ensure efficient handling of Inquest files; prepare and deliver training to Trust staff on Inquest procedures and witness preparation.
- Manage a caseload of Inquests, each requiring detailed preparation, forward planning, and careful coordination; handle complicated cases with multiple interdependent components, strict statutory deadlines, and competing demands.
Closing Notice
Please be aware that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a suitable number of applications. This advert closes on Wednesday 29 Apr 2026.
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