Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (MBC) is seeking to appoint TWO new Assistant Coroners to support the Senior and Area coroner across the full range of coroner duties to deliver a high-quality coroner service to the people of the Black Country.
About the post:
We are looking for exceptional candidates with excellent proven organisational, management and efficiency skills, as well as experience of exercising sound judgement and communicating effectively. You will work closely with the Senior Coroner and Area Coroner to ensure the running of an efficient coroner service that puts the bereaved at the heart of its service.
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.
The successful candidate will be required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a coroner as defined in the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and associated rules and regulations and as further described in various guidance issued by the Chief Coroner.
These are fee paid positions although they are likely to involve a regular commitment, which is to be agreed between the assistant coroner, senior coroner and the local authority. Assistant Coroners are required to sit a minimum of 20 days a year. You will be expected on occasion to be available to assist on an out of hours rota system.
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 5 years of experience whilst holding that qualification. They will be under the age of 75 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:
If you wish to have an informal discussion or arrange a visit, please contact Area Coroner, Mrs Joanne Lees:
Email: jo_lees@sandwell.gov.uk or telephone: 0121 569 7200.
Suitably qualified applicants are requested to email their CV and their supporting statement to hrresourcing_applications@sandwell.gov.uk
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 13 April 2025
Sift return date: 30 May 2025
Interview invitations will be sent out: w/c 2 June 2025
Interview date: 19 June 2025
If you do not hear by 9 June 2025 please assume you have not been shortlisted.
We are aiming for the successful candidate to take up post October/November 2025.
Successful candidates, unless already an Assistant Coroner, will be required to attend a mandatory Assistant Coroner Induction training course on 2-3 December 2025.
If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application, or have experienced a problem whilst applying for a position, please contact the Resourcing Team on 0121 569 3300 or via e-mail to: hr_resourcing@sandwell.gov.uk
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