HM SENIOR CORONER for GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Information for Applicants

Transcription

1 HM SENIOR CORONER for GLOUCESTERSHIRE Information for Applicants

2 HM SENIOR CORONER for GLOUCESTERSHIRE Contents 1 Introduction 2 About Gloucestershire 3 Introduction to the County Council 4 Introduction to the Coroner s Service 5 Job description 6 Person specification 7 Supporting information 8 Selection process

3 1 Working for Gloucestershire County Council Thank you for your interest in the role of Senior Coroner for Gloucestershire. We hope that the information you find here will help you in deciding whether to apply for the position. The Gloucestershire coroner s area is fortunate to have the only purpose built coroner s court complex in the country. All the services that you will be leading are based in one place. It is our ambition to develop this facility as a centre of excellence for coroners and mortuary services and the senior coroner will play a major part in this in the future. There are huge changes taking place within the coroners service nationally and the county council is committed to working closely with the coroner and the team in implementing new ways of working to benefit the people of Gloucestershire. So why come to Gloucestershire? We think it is a fantastic place to live and work. The role itself has plenty of scope and opportunity for the right person. If you are looking for the opportunity to develop a new coroners office and provide excellent services for the bereaved, then this could be the job for you. Nigel Riglar Commissioning Director: Communities and Infrastructure

4 2 Introduction to Gloucestershire There s so much to discover and enjoy here in Gloucestershire, from the great outdoors to arts and culture, sports and socialising, to fine foods, great shopping, quality schools and a university. And as well as being the gateway to the South West, we re well connected to the rest of the county and within easy travelling distance of London, so whatever you re looking for, you re sure to find it in here in Gloucestershire. Scenically beautiful Over half of Gloucestershire s 1,025 square miles have been designated as areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including parts of the Cotswolds, the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean. When you venture out into the countryside you ll find no end of beautiful villages, picturesque hamlets and tranquil countryside. Just under 80% of the county s area is designated as rural, but 80% of the population live in urban or town and fringe areas. Diverse towns and cities Gloucester, the county town, has plenty on offer and is everything you d expect from a vibrant, multi-cultural British city. It s also home to one of the finest medieval buildings in the country; the breath-taking cathedral which has also formed the backdrop of many scenes in Doctor Who and Harry Potter films. From the Victoria Docks to the array of restaurants and shops at Gloucester Quays, the city is a unique blend of historic charm and modern attraction. Cheltenham is the county s cultural heart, resplendent with its celebrated Georgian architecture and world-renowned festivals of literature and music. The famous race course is home to the Gold Cup. Stroud is home to an awarding-winning Farmer s Market, while Cirencester is a beautiful town in the heart of the Cotswolds. Well connected Thanks to excellent road, motorways and rail links, London is just two hours away and the cities of Birmingham, Cardiff and Bristol are even closer. But challenged Quality of life is generally good and most people enjoy better outcomes than the UK average. However, there are pockets of significant and persistent levels of deprivation.

5 3 Introduction to the county council Gloucestershire County Council, like the rest of the public sector and local authorities in particular, is facing a period of significant financial challenges. Whilst we have developed specific plans under our Meeting the Challenge programme to deliver savings, it is clear that the scale of change will require the organisation to develop new skills, behaviours capabilities and new ways of working. This is an opportunity as well as a challenge. The Council Strategy 2011/2014 sets out three clear values that will inform everything the council does:- Living within our means taking a responsible approach to managing our resources and being as efficient as possible. Providing the basics making sure that our services are targeted at improving outcomes where need is greatest and on keeping the county moving and working. Helping communities to help themselves giving power to local people and supporting them to take action. This refocusing of the Council is not a temporary measure. Instead, it is a process of transformation that will result in a very different sort of organisation one that will be better equipped to meet the challenges ahead. In 2011, Gloucestershire County Council implemented a new operating model that would allow it to have a much clearer focus on needs. This meant moving away from the traditional directorate based structure to a council that: Has a more detailed understanding of the needs and expectations of local people and the resources available to meet those needs (Commissioning). Gives front line staff the flexibility to put customers first (Delivery). Provides all staff with good professional and technical support to help staff do their jobs and deliver services (Enabling and Transition). The role of Commissioning Commissioning is the cycle of assessing the needs of local people and communities and subsequently designing and achieving appropriate outcomes. Within the new operating model, this is organised to offer both specialist commissioning capacity in areas like adult care, children s services and infrastructure; and also to develop crosscutting/cross discipline commissioning proposals to meet specific customer needs and achieve better outcomes and efficiencies. The Coroner and coroner s office sits in the Delivery unit of the county council.

6 4 Introduction to the Coroner s Service The Coroners Court Complex In 2011 the County Council invested in a purpose built coroners court complex. This comprises of a mortuary with body storage for 62 bodies and a post mortem room with 5 post mortem tables. There is an observation area and a camera link to a training room. There are excellent viewing facilities and waiting area with a garden for the bereaved to come to identify or to see their relatives. There is a large court room with jury facilities and recording equipment as required by law. The coroner and coroner s officers have office accommodation with additional rooms for interviewing or training. The pathologists come from the local NHS Trust on a daily basis and have daily contact with the coroner and the coroner s officers. All have found this to be very beneficial. The Coroner Area The Coroner s service in Gloucestershire serves a community of over 600,000 people. There were two coroner jurisdictions up until 2006, when they were merged into one coroner area which covers the whole of Gloucestershire county. Death referrals come from a number of sources. There are two acute hospitals in Gloucestershire, Cheltenham General and Gloucester Royal; Cheltenham General has a specialist oncology unit. There are eight community hospitals based in different locations around the county, a number of hospices and numerous residential and nursing homes. The prison has recently closed and moved elsewhere. There is a secure unit for the mentally ill in Gloucester. There is a major air show which takes place at Fairford annually. There are two major motorways crossing through the county, the M5 and M50 as well as a major river, the River Severn. The county hosts major race meetings at the Cheltenham Racecourse and this attracts many people into the county for the meetings. The number of deaths reported to the Gloucestershire Coroner in 2013 was 2094 and this number has not fluctuated much either way in recent years. A contract has been setup with the SW Ambulance Service to take all out of hours calls to the coroner service. This covers evenings, weekends and public holidays. A coroner would be expected to be available to respond to organ donation queries etc raised by the out of hours.

7 Statistics In 2013 there were 2094 referrals to the service which resulted in 1047 post mortems which is 50% of referrals and 418 inquests which is 20% of referrals. The budget for the service in is 1.08m. Staffing Gloucestershire has been a part time senior coroner area up until now and there are 4 assistant coroners currently appointed. There are 6 coroners officers who together make up 5 full time equivalent posts. One of the officers is a senior coroner s officer and he line manages the other 5 officers. They are supported by 3 coroner s administrative assistants and all staff are employees of the County Council. All the staff, including the senior coroner, are based on site at the coroner s court. Coroners officers do not normally go out to attend the scene of any referral and the majority of interviews and identifications are carried out at the coroners court where there are facilities for this to take place. The building and the coroner and mortuary services are managed on site by a Centre Manager, Scott Riddell. He line manages a senior mortuary technician and the senior coroners officer. These two seniors line manage their respective teams. The Centre Manager and the Head of Registration and Coroners Service Manager work closely with the senior coroner to support the service, this includes monitoring and managing performance and budget. We encourage a team approach to service delivery and continuous improvement in order to provide the bereaved with an excellent service. We are in the process of developing training for both mortuary technicians and coroners officers and would want the senior coroner to be involved and have a role in the training. The medical examiner pilot Gloucestershire is one of the two pilot areas in the country for the medical examiner service. The pilot has been running for the past 6 years. The medical examiners, who are largely pathologists, along with 2 community GPs, liaise with the coroners office on a daily basis. The senior coroner will take an active role in the pilot and implementation.

8 5 Job description Job Description: Senior Coroner for Gloucestershire Salary: 91,420 Responsible to: Head of Registration and Coroner s Service Purpose of the job To deliver the highest possible quality coronial service to the people of Gloucestershire and to work with the County Council to develop the service and the coroners court complex into a nationally recognised centre of excellence and best practice. Statutory accountabilities and responsibilities 1. To provide the highest possible quality coronial service in accordance with statutory provisions, case law, best practice and associated guidance issued by the Chief Coroner. 2. To comply with and uphold the standards articulated in the judicial code of conduct as issued by the Chief Coroner. 3. To be sensitive and responsive to the needs and requirements of properly interested persons who engage with the coronial service, including the bereaved, witnesses, media, police, funeral directors, NHS, scientific services, and Gloucestershire County Council. 4. To liaise with any voluntary organisations that provide support to families and members of the public attending inquests. 5. To work with the County Council to organise the delivery of the coronial service and deliver value for money with regard to efficiency and effectiveness. 6. To ensure the coronial service takes full account of ethnic and cultural diversity of the population within Gloucestershire. In addition to the statutory requirement, make provision for the diverse needs of the community. This will include consideration of the urgent release of bodies to meet the expectations of the diverse faiths of the jurisdiction, including at weekends and bank holidays. 7. In liaison with other key stakeholders, ensure the coronial service has planned for and is prepared for any significant emergencies which may occur in excess of the day-to-day resource and capacity of the service. 8. To investigate the circumstances of the deaths of all persons whose bodies are lying within the district where there is reasonable cause to suspect that the death was violent, unnatural, from unknown causes, or whilst the person was in custody or state detention.

9 9. To determine the identity of the deceased and the medical cause of death and to decide whether a post mortem examination is necessary for the purposes of the investigation and, if so, to give directions to a suitable practitioner. 10. To hold an inquest, with or without a jury, when satisfied that one is required in accordance with Section 6 of the Coroners and Justice Act To notify, as appropriate, the relevant Registrar of Deaths of the findings of the inquest, or, if no inquest is held, that the fact of death reported does not need to be subject to an inquest. 12. To ensure that service personnel repatriations, inquests and investigations are undertaken to the highest possible standards. 13. To make statutory annual returns to the Ministry of Justice and to collaborate with the county council on providing data regarding service delivery and performance indicators. 14. To provide notes, transcriptions and recordings of inquests or other relevant documents in accordance with statutory requirements, to interested persons as required and collect and account to Gloucestershire County Council for any fees received. 15. To be available at all times to undertake either personally, or deputising with an assistant, to cover inquests, openings, prehearing reviews and post-mortem examinations. To ensure that there is a coroner presence daily at the coroners court. 16. To deal with claims for treasure, in accordance with the statutory regulations. 17. To ensure that Gloucestershire County Council s procurement procedures are adhered to all at times when procuring goods, services and specialist reports. 18. To meet as a minimum monthly with the Head of Registration and Coroners Service Manager and other key stakeholders in order to resolve any day to day operational difficulties and to keep under constant review the quality and standards of the service. 19. To undertake any relevant training and development as directed by the Chief Coroner, keeping up to date with the law and practice and to ensure the training and development of assistant coroners is undertaken as appropriate. 20. To liaise with Gloucestershire County Council to plan and deliver an appropriate response to a mass fatality incident.

10 6 Person specification 1. Qualification Barrister or solicitor with a minimum of five years post-qualifying experience in either discipline (evidence of CPD or MOJ training record). 2. Experience Given the size of the jurisdiction, experience as a Senior Coroner or Assistant Coroner is essential. Experience of conducting investigative enquiries including demonstrating clarity of thought in identifying issues relevant to the investigation. Substantial experience of holding complex inquests, including jury inquests and being able to effectively manage a large caseload in a timely manner. Experience of operational management including case load management, coordinating staff and monitoring performance, and of coordinating/ cooperating with the work of multi-disciplinary teams to provide inquest results. 3. Knowledge, Skills and Understanding Thorough, up to date knowledge of legislation relating to Coroner s duties, including the new Coroners and Justice Act 2009, law of evidence, the administration of the legal system and the procedures of courts. Knowledge of structures and procedures of the Police, in particular those relating to the investigation of sudden or suspicious deaths. Awareness of the structures and procedures of local authorities. Awareness of budgetary pressures and the impact of decisions on the budget. Ability to effectively manage resources in collaboration with the Head of Registration and Coroner s Service Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain legal and medical terms to people from non-legal or non-medical backgrounds; including those where English is not their first language. Excellent analytical skills, quickly absorbing and analysing information. IT literacy, including experience of using Microsoft Office package and familiarity with and internet systems. Experience of the IRIS database or similar would be desirable. A commitment to equalities, ensuring everyone is treated with respect and sensitivity. A commitment to public service at the highest standards. Drive the service and be receptive to new ideas and diverse needs. Organise time effectively and produce clear reasoned decisions and verdicts promptly. Inspire respect and confidence. Work at speed and under pressure. Work constructively with a wide range of stakeholders, e.g. Locality Authority staff, the Police, Ministry Of Defence, the media. Deal with sensitive and emotionally charged situations that require sensitive handling and confident/positive judgement. Willingness to provide a comprehensive, 24- hour service across the area.

11 From the Victoria Docks to the array of restaurants and shops at Gloucester Quays, the city is a unique blend of historic charm and modern attraction.

12 7 Supporting information Salary: The salary is 91,420 and is paid in accordance with the JNC on Coroners pay. This appointment is for a whole-time coroner (within the 400, ,000 population band) and is expected to be a full time commitment (subject to the provisions of the s.75 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990).There is no power of Common Law in the appointing Council (Gloucestershire County Council) to impose conditions of appointment, although the Coroner does receive salary and expenses through the local authority. We have a proposed memorandum of understanding which would form the agreement of terms and conditions between the senior coroner and the county council. Assistants: An allowance will be made within the budget for the Coroner to cover the costs of using assistant coroners. This is for a minimum of 30 days to cover annual leave, sickness, coroner training, coroner absence due to delivering training, meetings and to assist with the work load when conducting inquests scheduled to last for more than a day. For the avoidance of doubt the senior coroner will be expected to undertake all long inquests except for any where the senior coroner determines there might be a conflict of interest, or any other legal reason which would preclude them from doing so. Annual leave: The amount of actual leave the senior coroner can take is agreed between the senior coroner and the Head of Registration and Coroner s Service, but normally 30 working days leave and 8 public holidays is allowed for. The senior coroner or an assistant coroner has to be available at all times. Local Government Pension Scheme: The provisions of Coroners Circular No 14 dated 16 April 1980 allows for the payment of a 5.5% salary supplement to whole time Coroners joining the local government pension scheme. Day to day running costs: All the day to day running costs and disbursements of the area will be paid by Gloucestershire County Council through its payment facilities, following the procedures, policies and standing orders of the Council. Contracts for services: Formal contracts for the provision of services relating to body removal, toxicology and histology have been put in place and are managed by Gloucestershire County Council. Mortuary facilities are provided by Gloucestershire County Council on site at the coroner s court. In order to obtain best value of public funds, it is expected that the Coroner will adhere to these contracts at all times and any concerns over performance should be directed to the Head of Registration & Coroners for resolution.

13 Senior Management Structure Pete Bungard Chief Executive Jo Walker Director: Strategic Finance Jane Burns Director: Strategy & Challenge Margaret Willcox Commissioning Director: Adults Alice Walsh Interim Director of Public Health Shared Team Linda Uren Commissioning Director: Children & Families Nigel Riglar Commissioning Director: Communities & Infrastructure Peter Jones Deputy Chief Executive: Enabling & Transition Andrew McCartney Director of Programme Support: Property, ICT, Legal Services and MtC team Duncan Jordan Chief Operating Officer (GP Director) Sue Field Director of Adult Services (Gloucestershire Care Services) Jon Hall Chief Fire Officer & Operations Director (Road Safety, Trading Standards, Civil Protection, Registration & Coroners Services) The Challenge: Customer Need & Finance 5% of council staff One Council approach to Commissioning Dilys Wynn Director of People Services Jo Grills Operations Director (Education, Learning and Libraries) Kathy O Mahony Operations Director (Childrens Safeguarding & Care) Tina Reid Operations Lead (Adult Social Care and Business Development) Gloucestershire County Council Commissioning, Enabling & Transition, and Delivery David Dale Operations Lead (General Business Services) Enabling & Transition: Support Services Delivery: Service & Operations The 95% of council staff supporting & delivering frontline services

14 Mortuary / Coroner s Court Structure Head of Registration and Coroners Service HM Coroner Centre Manager Admin Assistants x2 Typist Court Ushers Pathologists/ Funeral Directors Senior Technician Senior Coroners Office Morturary Technician x3 Coroner's Officer's x5

15 8 Selection process The closing date for the receipt of applications is 5pm on the 10th February Applications should consist of an application form and covering letter (outlining how you meet the person specification). Please send them to Mrs Sally Bye either via post or , before the closing date: Mrs Sally Bye Confidential Senior Coroner appointment Cheltenham Register Office St Georges Rd Cheltenham GL50 3EW The short-listing panel will consist of: Amanda Jones, Business Partner, Human Resources Sally Bye, Head of Registration and Coroner s Services, and Proper Officer for Gloucestershire. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview via . Please can you therefore ensure that you provide us with your correct address. Interviews will be held on either 10th or 11th March 2014 and will be at the Gloucestershire Coroners Court. The interview panel will consist of: Nigel Riglar, Commissioning Director, Gloucestershire County Council Sally Bye, Head of Registration and Coroner s Services, and Proper Officer for Gloucestershire. Amanda Jones, Business Partner, Human Resources His Honour Judge Thornton Chief Coroner for England and Wales