Inquest Manager

Job overview

The trust is looking for an Inquest Manager to create a fully established in-house legal department. The department is currently 80% outsourced and a new department is being developed.

The post holder will be responsible for supporting management of inquests from inception to conclusion.

The post holder will work closely with key internal and external stakeholders and identify areas of improvements in patient safety and governance for the benefit of patients and staff.

The post holder will be required to manage a case load of inquests and provide advice and guidance on Trust policies relevant to Coronial law and, where appropriate, on healthcare related legal matters or escalate as appropriate under the direction of the Legal Services Manager. The post holder will ensure inquests are dealt with efficiently and appropriately and, where identified, patient safety learning lessons are learnt and shared with clinical governance colleagues for the benefit of future patients and staff.  The post holder is responsible for ensuring the Trust is compliant with Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and HM Coroner Rules & Regulations.  The post holder will liaise with NHS Resolution (NHSR), HM Coroner and their officers, police and external solicitors instructed to represent the Trust and/or panel solicitors.  The post holder will also provide cross cover in the absence of the Claims Officer.

Please note that the proposed interview date may change.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be required to manage a case load of inquests and provide advice and guidance on Trust policies relevant to Coronial law and, where appropriate, on healthcare related legal matters or escalate as appropriate under the direction of the Legal Services Manager. The post holder will ensure inquests are dealt with efficiently and appropriately and, where identified, patient safety learning lessons are learnt and shared with clinical governance colleagues for the benefit of future patients and staff.  The post holder is responsible for ensuring the Trust is compliant with Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and HM Coroner Rules & Regulations.  The post holder will liaise with NHS Resolution (NHSR), HM Coroner and their officers, police and external solicitors instructed to represent the Trust and/or panel solicitors.  The post holder will also provide cross cover in the absence of the Claims Officer.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be required to manage a case load of inquests and provide advice  and guidance on Trust policies relevant to Coronial law and, where appropriate, on healthcare related legal matters or escalate as appropriate under the direction of the Legal Services Manager. The post holder will ensure inquests are dealt with efficiently and appropriately and, where identified, patient safety learning lessons are learnt and shared with clinical governance colleagues for the benefit of future patients and staff.  The post holder is responsible for ensuring the Trust is compliant with Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and HM Coroner Rules & Regulations.  The post holder will liaise with NHS Resolution (NHSR), HM Coroner and their officers, police and external solicitors instructed to represent the Trust and/or panel solicitors.  The post holder will also provide cross cover in the absence of the Claims Officer. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • To manage and coordinate a caseload of all inquests in accordance with Civil Procedure Rules.  • To manage a portfolio of Inquest cases in compliance with Trust internal  process and the requirements of the relevant HM Coroner and Coronial law.  • Liaising closely with the Bereavement/Medical Examiner Office (internal) and Coroner’s Office to facilitate full engagement with the Coronial process including obtaining relevant reports and witness statements, identifying relevant clinicians through review of relevant medical records. Ensure the Trust complies with its duties as set out in relevant legislation, Coronial Rules and Practice Directions.  • Reviewing all relevant reports and witness evidence and escalating as  necessary to the Legal Services Manager and Senior Clinical Management team as appropriate.  • Ensure the smooth organisation of complex inquests involving all relevant Trust departments including risk, patient services and communications. Considering and facilitating when appropriate the instruction of external legal advice/representation following consultation with the Legal Services Manager • To escalate any concerns arising from your investigation to the Legal Services Manager which may identify risk of an adverse outcome/public interest and/or require further investigation through the investigations team. To liaise with the Clinical Governance team and appropriate divisional colleagues to ensure remedial actions are properly identified, implemented and monitored.  • Providing in-house support and guidance for Trust staff attending inquests.  • Contribute to the formulation and revision of policies and procedures.  • To closely review cases to identify and escalate risk issues arising from their investigation  • To provide specialist legal advice in relation to the clinical care of  patients/clients, liaising directly with the treating medical and nursing teams thereby contributing directly to patient care. Advising medical/nursing staff with regard to issues affecting patient care and general health care such as the law relating to consent, capacity, best interests (non-exhaustive) as appropriate and escalating complex issues as appropriate to the Legal Services Manager with the aim of contributing to and informing treatment plans and clinical decisions regarding ongoing care.  • To liaise with the PALS/complaints team on complex or contentious complaints cases as necessary where there is the potential for subsequent litigation or where a legal opinion is required.  • To assist in the monitoring of incidents to identify and act on Trust-wide risk issues arising from their investigation and proceeding with a focus on identifying aspects of learning and patient safety improvement  • The post holder may deputise for the Legal Services Manager as required and directed.  • The post holder will be responsible to cross for the Claims Officer in their absence.