Cockermouth
Salary: £147,911 per annum (as per JNC Coroners Circular no. 69)
Interview date: Friday 13th June 2025
Cumberland Council, as relevant authority for Coroners services in Cumbria, is seeking to appoint a new Senior Coroner for the Cumbria coroners area.
About the Post:
The Senior Coroner stands at the head of the local coroners service and statutory coroners area, taking the lead on coronial work within the area. The Senior Coroner will be expected to conduct inquests that are difficult, complex, and/or likely to attract significant publicity or media attention.
The number of reported deaths in 2024 was 1,570. Accordingly, we are seeking to appoint a Senior Coroner on a full-time basis (40 hours per week). The salary payable is inclusive of all payments in respect of any out of hours availability.
Cumberland Council is looking for an exceptional candidate with proven organisational, management, and efficiency skills, as well as experience in exercising sound judgement and effective communication. You will work closely with the local authority’s Service Manager & Professional Lead to ensure the running of an efficient coroner service that puts the bereaved at the heart of its service. Collaborative working with the local authority, the police, local Medical Examiners, and other stakeholders is absolutely essential.
If you have not already attended the Senior Identification Manager training through the College of Policing, you will be expected to do so when the next available vacancy arises on that course. You must also complete Leadership and Appraisal training arranged through the Judicial College.
You must attend the following, in person, each year:
* Coroner Continuation training
* Chief Coroner’s Conference for Senior and Area Coroners
* Other mandatory training as required by the Chief Coroner
The relevant authority will meet the costs of the training, including backfill by Assistant Coroners and associated travel and accommodation expenses. You may also be required to attend the one-day medical training.
You will need to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and experience of coronial law and basic medicine, proven skills in conducting investigations, and a full understanding of court procedure. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to deal with sensitive situations.
It is essential that the successful candidate has proven experience of running, or shared running, of a coroner’s jurisdiction, including carrying out investigations, case management, conducting all types of inquests, and working with the local authority.
Who can apply:
The successful candidate will be a barrister, solicitor, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, satisfying the judicial-appointment eligibility conditions, which require a minimum of five years of experience whilst holding that qualification.
Once appointed, a Coroner is a Judicial Office holder until reaching the age of 75 (compulsory retirement age), unless they choose to resign or are removed by the Lord Chief Justice or Lord Chancellor prior to their 75th birthday.
Application Process:
Suitably qualified applicants are requested to email their CV and application/supporting documents, signed declaration, and a covering letter to: andrew.smith@cumberland.gov.uk
Notification:
The vacancy for this post has been notified to the Chief Coroner and Lord Chancellor (as required by statute).
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