Area Coroner

Post No. POSN001836 - HM Area Coroner

HM Area Coroner for Newport City, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent (Gwent Area)

£96,572 per annum

Closing date: midnight 26th April 2024

Newport City Council, on behalf of all of the above Councils is seeking to appoint a new Area Coroner. Newport City Council acts as relevant authority for the appointment and day to day management of the coroners office. This is a new post and an exciting opportunity to join our busy team. We have c2,500 deaths reported to us every year. Accordingly we are looking to appoint our Area Coroner on a full-time basis. We will consider a part-time appointment for the right candidate.

The Area Coroner will work closely with the Senior Coroner to provide judicial leadership to the coroner team as well as conducting their own coroner investigations and inquests. The Area Coroner is the nominated deputy for the Senior Coroner when the Senior Coroner is absent, and will be expected on occasion to be available out of hours.

We are looking for an exceptional candidate with excellent proven organisational, management and efficiency skills, as well as experience of exercising sound judgement and communicating effectively. In this role, you will work closely with the Senior Coroner and Registration and Coroner Service Manager to ensure value for money, performance and financial efficiencies. Collaborative working with the senior coroner, local authority, the police and other stakeholders is essential.

You will be required to demonstrate knowledge and experience of coroner law and of basic medicine, have proven skills in conducting investigations and an understanding of court procedure. You will also need to demonstrate the excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal with sensitive situations.

It is desirable that the successful candidate has proven experience of running or sharing running a coroner’s jurisdiction including carrying out investigations, case management, and conducting inquests.

Who can apply:

The successful candidate will be a barrister or a solicitor or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition which means they will have five years of experience whilst holding that qualification. They will be under the age of 75, have experience of working as an assistant coroner or Area Coroner and be subject to the appointment and eligibility conditions within the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (s.23 and Schedule 3).

Statutory Terms of the Appointment:

Once a Coroner is appointed they are then a Judicial Office holder until they reach the age of 75 years (compulsory retirement age) unless they choose to resign or are removed by the Lord Chief Justice or Lord Chancellor prior to their 75th birthday.

How to apply:

Suitably qualified applicants are requested to email their CV and supporting statement to the Registration and Coroner Service Manager jane.clarke@newport.gov.uk

Closing date: midnight 26th April 2024

Interview invitations will be sent out: w/c 20th May 2024

Proposed Interview date: 3rd June 2024

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact jane.clarke@newport.gov.uk

Notification

The vacancy for this post has been notified to the Chief Coroner and Lord Chancellor (as required by statute).

We welcome applications for all our jobs in either Welsh or English. An application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Newport City Council is committed to working towards its workforce being more representative of the population that we serve and particularly welcomes applications from people from the minority ethnic communities represented (or living) in the city. Selection will be made on ability and skills to undertake the role.

Our values – Courageous, Positive and Responsible
Ein gwerthoedd – Dewr, Cadarnhaol, Cyfrifol