Vacancy Information
Division / Department - Brighton & Hove Division
Grade - Grade 10
Status - Part Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - £30,375 - £33,348
Working Hours - 14.8 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance -
Politically Restricted -
The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.
The Role
Investigating and Recording sudden and unexpected death in line with the Coroner’s and Justice Act 2009, Coroner’s (Investigations) Regulations 2013, Coroner’s (Inquests) Rules 2013 and the Chief Coroner’s Guidance.
Key Responsibilities
Solely responsible and has the autonomy to Investigate and Record sudden and unexpected death in line with the Coroner’s and Justice Act 2009, Coroner’s (Investigations) Regulations 2013, Coroner’s (Inquests) Rules 2013 and the Chief Coroner’s Guidance.
Attending scenes of sudden deaths in accordance with existing Sussex Police policies and as requested by the Coroner. To liaise with the investigation team providing expert advice in the field. Recording and reporting tissue and organ donation requests on behalf of HM Coroner.
Attending both Forensic and Local Post Mortem Examinations on behalf of the Coroner. Recording and formalising family wishes of disposal of histology samples in line with the Human Tissue Act 2004.
Act as a single point of contact providing immediate support and guidance to bereaved families following sudden and unexpected death ensuring that families, interested persons and witnesses are updated with the progress of the investigation and are provided with any necessary support.
To confirm identification of the deceased in line with police officer findings. If no identification, arrange DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison where appropriate.
To prepare for and undertake formal investigative interviews, write statements and conduct related investigative enquiries where appropriate of families, professionals and witnesses in compliance with Coroner’s and Justice Act 2009, Coroner’s (Investigations) Regulations 2013, Coroner’s (Inquests) Rules 2013 and the Chief Coroner’s Guidance. Preparing and delivering relevant disclosure material throughout the process as necessary and required by the Coroner.
Setting direction and investigating all referrals to the Coroner’s Office by gathering evidence, analysing and evaluating the information. Identifying and conducting further enquiries, taking statements and working outside of the police station where necessary and issuing legal documents to families and services for purpose of death registration once the Coroner’s investigation is concluded.
Preparing evidential files for Coroners Court including the gathering and assessment of unused material in compliance with the Coroner’s and Justice Act 2009.
Performing the role of Officer in the Case (OIC) at court hearings. Acting as a single point of contact for the Coroner and all interested parties. Additionally responsible for the formation of a jury inquest as guided by the Coroners (Inquests) Rules 2013.
To act as the single point of contact when liaising with other police forces, partners and supporting third party agencies for all cases referred to the Coroner’s Office. There is a requirement for the post holder to work an on-call rota.
To develop and foster new relationships with partner agencies and external service providers, negotiating and influencing information exchange, disclosure, joint investigations including intelligence gathering opportunities and the provision of requested services. Represent Sussex Police and the Coroner at multi-agency strategy discussions and case conferences. Attending and contributing to early and late case discussions as directed in the Child Death Protocol. Attending Safeguarding discussions to assist in learnings and outcomes for partner agencies.
Deliver presentations on the role of the Coroner to third party agencies as appropriate. Research subject matter, design and quality assure appropriate products to meet the identified needs for individual agencies.
To complete regular mandatory training, including the annual first aid and staff safety training and the annual two day residential updates course provided by the Ministry of Justice as mandated by the Coroner.
Undertake all such other duties to the grade and character of work as may be required, including the specific duties of similar work or lesser graded posts
Skills & Experience
ESSENTIAL
A good knowledge of Coroner’s policies and procedures relating to Coroner’s investigations. Particularly Coroner’s and Justice Act 2009, Coroner’s (Investigations) Regulations 2013, Coroner’s (Inquests) Rules 2013 and Chief Coroner's Guidance.
The post holder will be assigned a number of ‘designated powers’ when appropriate by the Coroner. They will be expected to discharge such powers professionally, legally and proportionately;
A working knowledge of medical terminologies and drugs / medication
Proven and well evidenced experience in some form of investigations which may include conducting interviews and case building and case management;
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with the confidence and ability to influence and persuade others
Articulate with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, at all levels of the organisation and with external customers such as defence lawyers;
Prepare and deliver presentations to third party agencies
Must be capable of absolute discretion in handling matters of a personal, sensitive and confidential nature;
To participate in an on call rota acting as a single point of contact for any out of hours enquiries and attending scenes on behalf of the Coroner
Ability to manage varying enquiries from families, legal teams, colleagues and third party agencies working as a single point of contact;
Ability to independently exercise own judgement in a consistent manner, within confines of legislation and agreed procedures
The ability to operate multiple computer database systems and be willing to undertake training in order to become proficient in all relevant Coroners and Sussex Police systems The ability to work as an OIC and analyse problems, make sound operational decisions and have a high level of persistence and self- motivation to see an investigation through to conclusion;
Commitment to undertake annual training with the Judicial College in continued Coroners Officer residential courses;
Working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements relating to general day to day staff / working office.
DESIRABLE
Previous experience of investigations
Previous experience of working within a multi-agency context
Understanding of the Coroner’s interaction with partner agencies e.g. NHS Trusts, Pathologists, GPs, Police, local safeguarding boards
Experience of providing grief counselling and witness
Further Information
Inspector Simon Lardner CL202 - simon.lardner@sussex.police.uk
Additional Information
Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding noreply@surreysussexpolice.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.
This post is being advertised in parallel with Force redeployment processes. Any redeployees who are identified will be given preference. This may result in the post being withdrawn at any point during the recruitment process.
Please note that not all jobs are available for internal candidates across both Forces, the current agreed recruitment principles are;
- vacancies in collaborated units are available to all officers and staff across both Forces
- vacancies in non-collaborated units are only available to officers and staff within the Force with the vacancy unless it is advertised externally.
If the vacancy is advertised externally and an officer or member of staff from the other Force is success it will result in a transfer of employment
Surrey Police and Sussex Police Special Constables, Volunteers and Agency Staff (excluding self-employed workers) covered under the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) are eligible to apply for internal advertised posts.
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