Accountability - Professional independence in scrutinising deaths but will be accountable to the employing organisations Board for achieving agreed standards or levels of performance. There is an independent professional line of accountability to a regional structure of NHS Improvement / NHS England outside the employing organisation and immediate line management. Compliance with guidance issued by the National Medical Examiner when carrying out Medical Examiner Duties If in a substantive post, have an agreed job plan to include ME position Communication and relationship Ensure compliance with the legal and procedural requirements associated with the current statutory processes of certification, investigation and registration of all deaths referred from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and all healthcare providers covered by West Kent ME Service. Support doctors with medical advice on suspected natural causes of death before they prepare an MCCD, and provide general medical advice to HM Coroner Proportionate Scrutiny of records and collateral information to identify/approve the proposed causes of death, referring to HM Coroner when necessary Communicate with nominated representatives, bereaved relatives and others in a sensitive and understanding manner. To explain medical information and the cause of death in a transparent and tactful way, and identify any concerns raised, referring to the relevant governance structures where applicable. To delegate duties to the MEOs ensuring there is robust traceability for any instruction given Maintain comprehensive records for all deaths scrutinised, ensure full traceability is available for conversations held on the ME1B forms and EDEN systems To present complex medical information, in sufficient detail, to HM Coroner to enable a further decision regarding coronial investigation or MCCD completion Highlight any potential conflicts of interest and ensure to uphold the Trusts commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion Exercise judgement in where to seek specialist advice in order to determine the appropriate level of scrutiny required Planning and organisational Work with other MEs and the senior MEO to arrange reciprocal cover for holidays and other periods of absence. This will include cover if a conflict of interest is raised by a colleague. Inform Lead MEO of all planned unavailability three months in advance whenever possible Ensure each cause of death is scrutinised in a way that is robust, proportionate and consistent Ability to distinguish between natural and unnatural causes of death and decide where a death must be reported to and investigated by HM Coroner Have detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation and processes which apply to: Coroners and death certification Deaths abroad where deceased are returned to England and Wales for funeral arrangements Deaths where the deceased is to be transferred abroad for funeral arrangements Certifying and registering deaths and the regulations to authorise cremation or burials including stillbirths Engage with mandatory and national training updates and participate in annual appraisal, maintaining a personal Development Plan Take responsibility for own continuing professional development, participating in medical education activities. Maintain GMC license to practice and member ship to any relevant professional body Responsibility for policy/service development Production and/or review of mortality and ME policy and procedures Compliance with national protocols, local policies and SOPs, attendance and participation at ME service governance meetings Participating in audits and investigations where appropriate and responding to complaints within the PCTs expected timescale Provide feedback/learning to the Mortality surveillance group Identity trends, patterns and unusual features of deaths and report as required Share relevant information with responsible officers for doctors to remedy sub-standard clinical performance to protect patients Participate in Divisional/Directorate clinical governance sessions/boards and the mortality surveillance group Management responsibility To provide scrutiny during agreed sessions and to support the service when needed to accommodate emergency referrals and periods of staff unavailability. To ensure all scrutiny is recorded providing completed notes which may be used as part of any further investigations, structured judgement reviews etc. To delegate duties to the MEOs ensuring these are completed and report any concerns to the Senior MEO To assist clinicians with writing the cause of death To complete the MCCD when requested by HM Coroner To escalate any concerns to the Lead ME