Qualifications Registered with a licence to practice in the UK by the GMC. As a pre-condition of practicing, an ME must have successfully completed the mandatory components of the national online medical examiner curriculum. Face-to-face training should be completed within the first three months of being in post. Behavioural attributes MEs should be aware of how their personal communication style impacts on others and be able to adapt their approach to suit a variety of situations and audiences. This will require: Highly evolved self-awareness and empathetic skills to liaise effectively and sympathetically with bereaved families The ability to demonstrate and combine appropriate levels of compassion with professionalism and discretion Being open to constructive criticism, ideas and solutions Acting as a positive role model and interacting appropriately with all stakeholders including MEOs, other MEs, the bereaved and the coroner Having the integrity to gain trust and comply with the independent nature of the ME role in the context of other clinical specialty duties. Communications and key working relationships To be a source of expert knowledge and advice for health professionals and wider stakeholder groups including: All grades of clinicians across healthcare settings in Hackney, including acute care, general practice, hospice and mental health services Clinical governance leads MEOs and bereavement service staff Mortuary staff Coroners and their officers Registrar of births and deaths Local Authorities, including care homes and safeguarding teams Spiritual and faith community leaders Lead MEs and lead MEOs Homerton Healthcare Medical Director National Medical Examiner You must be able to communicate with the bereaved of all faiths and communities in a sensitive and understanding manner. You will be familiar with the role and function of the Coroner and be able to present complex medical information in such a way as to assist the Coroner in deciding whether to investigate a death about which they have been notified. Knowledge MEs must have up-to-date knowledge of a range of medical conditions and treatments, but will not be specialist in all areas. MEs must be able to exercise judgement about when to seek specialist advice. MEs must have detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation and processes which apply to: The determination of whether a death is natural or unnatural Deaths that must be reported to the coroner Deaths abroad where bodies are returned to England and Wales for disposal Deaths where relatives wish to transport the body abroad for disposal Certifying and registering deaths and the regulations to authorise cremation or burials of stillbirths abroad. Accountability MEs will have professional independence in scrutinising deaths but will be accountable to the employing organisations Board for achieving agreed standards or levels of performance. MEs will have an independent professional line of accountability to a regional structure of NHS Improvement/NHS England outside the employing organisation and immediate line management structure. MEs will comply with guidance issued by the National Medical Examiner when carrying out ME duties. Safety and Quality Clinical Governance MEs will be required to participate in any relevant governance activities relating to scrutiny and confirmation of the cause of death where concerns have been raised by the next of kin/informant of the deceased and/or clinical staff and ME scrutiny. MEs will facilitate routine analysis of MCCD information to identify trends, patterns and unusual features of deaths and report, as required, firstly to the regional Lead ME and ultimately to the National Medical Examiners office. MEs will provide information to local Child Death Overview panels in respect of all child deaths which are not being investigated by the coroner. Maintaining Trust - Equality and Diversity MEs will act in accordance with Equalities and Human Rights legislation and the organisations Equality and Diversity policies. Maintaining Trust - Independence MEs must avoid any potential conflicts of interest. In cases where they have a personal or professional relationship with the deceased person, next of kin/informant, or with the attending doctor preparing the MCCD, they must transfer any scrutiny of the death to another ME. Continuing professional development MEs are expected to take responsibility for their own continuing professional development in accordance with any standards for maintaining a GMC licence to practice and membership of any relevant professional body. The ME role should be included in the whole practice appraisal. MEs should maintain a Personal Development Plan in agreement with their appraiser. There will be opportunities to attend local and national activities to maintain up to date knowledge.