Job summary Previous applicants need not apply The North Midlands Medical Examiner Service was first established in 2019 and provides independent scrutiny of the causes and circumstances of a patient's death. The service became a statutory function in September 2024 in England and Wales, therefore all deaths now need either to be scrutinised by a Medical Examiner or referred to a Coroner. Due to internal promotion, we have a rare opportunity to join our team on a permanent basis. We're looking for a highly skilled individual with the ability to blend compassion and diplomacy, along with strong administration, interpersonal and decision-making skills. A level of empathy is required, as the deceased and their loved ones are at the heart of everything we do. Strong mental resilience is also key, as you will deal with various circumstances of death on a daily basis. The ideal candidate would have:- Significant experience in a patient or customer facing role Experience of current death certification systems (although not essential) An understanding of medical terminology to enable discussion with medical professionals, the bereaved, Coroner & Registration Services Strong communication skills and be comfortable working with the bereaved The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships Working hours are compressed over 4 days, usual day off will be Thursdays (some flexibility will be required). Weekends and bank holidays are covered on rotation with other MEOs. Main duties of the job You will need excellent organisational and case management skills, as you will be working in a busy team dynamic, managing fluctuating workloads within pressurised time constraints. The day-to-day duties are:- To support Medical Examiners in their role of scrutinising patient deaths To receive medical records and facilitate case discussion between Attending Practitioners and Medical Examiners To co-ordinate the office workload and ensure that cases progress appropriately within agreed timescales To liaise with bereaved relatives, explain causes of death, provide signposting as necessary and advise on the practical steps to be taken following a loved one's death To be a point of contact and source of advice for incoming queries to the Medical Examiner's Office Calling on your highly advanced administrative skills; to ensure that legal paperwork is completed accurately, and using various bespoke software systems/databases requiring a meticulous approach to accurate data input - all whilst dealing with large volumes of correspondence and queries within pressurised time constraints To be flexible and provide cover across the department as required to ensure an effective, efficient and sensitive service is offered to the bereaved at all times (you will work at different hospital sites dependent on service needs) About us University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we're highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales. All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential. UHNM create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co-created by or staff, patients and carers, and that unite us as a Trust. At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve. Date posted 12 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 205-7047491 Job locations Royal Stoke University Hospital Newcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG Job description Job responsibilities As part of the recruitment/on-boarding process, you will be required to complete mandatory e-learning modules prior to commencement in post. There will be a period of induction and training to help you settle into your new role, and a life-long commitment in general is required to learning and continuous professional development in this demanding role. Please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification or contact Loren.Tayloruhnm.nhs.ukfor more information about the role. Job description Job responsibilities As part of the recruitment/on-boarding process, you will be required to complete mandatory e-learning modules prior to commencement in post. There will be a period of induction and training to help you settle into your new role, and a life-long commitment in general is required to learning and continuous professional development in this demanding role. Please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification or contact Loren.Tayloruhnm.nhs.ukfor more information about the role. Person Specification Education & qualifications Essential Educated or currently working to degree level, or equivalent working knowledge in a related field Knowledge & experience Essential Experience of working with people in sensitive and emotional situations Experience of working with people from differing cultural and religious backgrounds Substantial experience of detailed administrative work An understanding of medical terminology to enable discussion with medical professionals, bereaved people, Coroner & Registration Service staff Desirable Experience working within the NHS in a patient/carer facing role Experience working within a customer services focused environment Professional experience with grief and loss or work of a similar nature Full understanding of the Medical Examiner Service operational remit, when incorporated within Bereavement Services or as a stand-alone office Working knowledge of NHS patient information & management systems Awareness of the regulations of the Human Tissue Act, and other relevant legislation Person Specification Education & qualifications Essential Educated or currently working to degree level, or equivalent working knowledge in a related field Knowledge & experience Essential Experience of working with people in sensitive and emotional situations Experience of working with people from differing cultural and religious backgrounds Substantial experience of detailed administrative work An understanding of medical terminology to enable discussion with medical professionals, bereaved people, Coroner & Registration Service staff Desirable Experience working within the NHS in a patient/carer facing role Experience working within a customer services focused environment Professional experience with grief and loss or work of a similar nature Full understanding of the Medical Examiner Service operational remit, when incorporated within Bereavement Services or as a stand-alone office Working knowledge of NHS patient information & management systems Awareness of the regulations of the Human Tissue Act, and other relevant legislation Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust Address Royal Stoke University Hospital Newcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG Employer's website https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)