Lead Medical Examiner Officer
We are one of the largest NHS organisation in England. Our scale provides exciting opportunities for development, innovation, research, education and training.
Talk to us about our range of flexible working opportunities, apprenticeships and staff benefits
Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all we do; and it forms part of ESNEFT’s core activities. The Trust operates and relies on everyone treating each other with dignity and respect, to receive equitable and fair treatment in the implementation of Policies, Procedures and in its Practices, to foster positive work relationships, and finally to act with integrity as a professional within ESNEFT as well as a representative of the NHS as a whole.The EDI Agenda reflects the Trust values such as Optimistic, Appreciative and Kind. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, People Plan, People Promise and a Model Employer intrinsic in the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Agenda, we consistently strive to improve, to take the learning into Action for a better ESNEFT.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge then we are keen to hear from you.
Job overview
We are looking for a Lead Medical Examiner Officer to lead our Mortuary and Bereavement Service made up of Medical Examiner Officer’s and Bereavement Officers at Colchester Hospital.
We are a busy but small department responsible for ensuring families are supported through the process of death certification and registration including all elements of the Medical Examiner process.
You will lead the team in providing comprehensive administrative support to the Medical Examiner service, playing a vital role in the timely and accurate management of documentation of the deceased. You will also act as the first point of contact for mortuary staff requiring advice and support, supervising day to day duties.You will be responsible for supporting your staff’s wellbeing and ensuring they feel supported in what is often a difficult and emotionally complex role.
You will play a key role in managing the relationships with the bereaved, Medical Examiners and external stakeholder, including HM Coroner’s Office, Registration Services and Funeral Directors. You will provide support, guidance and understanding and be an intermediary to resolved any issues relating the deceased.
There is little control over workload or workflow and demands can fluctuate considerably from day to day. Much of the activity is dictated by third party availability and the needs of service users. A proactive and organised approach is essential to ensure the timely completion of all required documentation.
Main duties of the job- Be the Lead Medical Examiner Officer, supervising the day to day running of the service. Working collaboratively with the Medical Examiners and Anatomical Pathology Technicians to provide a service to the deceased and their bereaved.
- Provide oversight of the death certification process, including reviewing medical records, collating clinical information, and identifying cases requiring referral to the Coroner.
- Support the training, development and ongoing competency of Medical Examiner Officers and Bereavement Officers, promoting high standards of practice and continuous professional development.
- Lead on the development of local protocols, guidelines, and policies for the Medical Examiner service.
- Maintain and oversee robust databases for recording scrutiny activity and generating audit or performance reports.
- Support clinical governance and audits by identifying mortality trends, concerns, or learning to improve patient safety.
- Deliver training sessions for stakeholders such as clinicians, bereavement staff, and other services.
- Support the Medical Examiner service in the community settings and non‑coronial death pathways.
- Ensure the needs of diverse groups are understood and respected within the ME system.
- Promote compassionate communication and uphold compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
Working for our organisation
We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients’ own homes
We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff
We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options
Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services
Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients
We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what’s widely regarded as the world’s best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you
Find out about living and working here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria- Working with people in sensitive and emotional situations.
- Working in a healthcare setting with multi-disciplinary teams across organisational boundaries.
- Leadership / Management experience
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Educated to degree level or equivalent working knowledge in a related field.
- Completed e-learning MEO core training modules prior to starting in the post
- Completed Face to Face MEO Training prior to appointment or complete this within six months of appointment
- A commitment to life-long learning and undertaking personal development opportunities.
- Leadership/management qualification
Knowledge
Essential criteria- General knowledge of clinical/medical terminology
- Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity of issues around formalities following a death.
- Knowledge of the Coroner & Justice Act 2009 reference to the medical examiner system. Full understanding of the medical examiner system operational remit when incorporated within Bereavement Services or as a stand-alone office.
Please note that where response levels are exceptional we may close the post before the specified date, therefore early application is recommended.
Please make sure that you read the Job Description and Person Specification attached and that your statement in support reflects this as your application will be judged against these criteria.
Secondment - if you are interested in undertaking a role on a secondment basis, please ensure that you have discussed this with your current line manager prior to submitting your application. Please note if you are already an employee of ESNEFT fixed term roles will only be offered on a secondment basis.
When providing reference details please provide email addresses so references can be sought promptly to cover the last 3 years of employment.
Successful candidates may be charged for their DBS check. Please ensure you read the information found in the attached DBS Information document
The Trust is committed to its staff and their development and to equal opportunities and diversity. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.
Whilst we welcome applications from all and your application will be considered on individual merit, if you are offered a position and require a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship we may not be able to process your application to the final stage due to Home Office eligibility.Please note Band 2 roles are not eligible for sponsorship.
In submitting an application form, you authorise East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process should you be appointed to the post.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; we look forward to receiving your application for employment.