Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking to appoint a new Senior Coroner to replace the current post-holder who retires in June 2025.

About the Post:

The Senior Coroner stands at the head of the local coroner service and statutory coroner area and takes the lead on coroner work and will be expected to conduct inquests which are difficult or complex or will be likely to attract significant publicity.

The number of reported deaths pa is 2025. Accordingly we appoint our senior coroner with a salary on a full-time basis.

The salary will include payment for out of hours availability. 

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is looking for an exceptional candidate 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 local authority manager to ensure value for money, performance and financial efficiencies. Collaborative working with the local authority, the police and other stakeholders is essential.

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. 

It is essential that the successful candidate has proven experience of running or sharing running a coroner’s jurisdiction including carrying out investigations, case management, and conducting inquests.

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 five years of experience whilst holding that qualification. They will be under the age of 75, have experience of working as a Senior Coroner, area coroner or assistant coroner 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:

Please apply through this application, for further information please refer to the candidate pack.

If you wish to have an informal discussion or arrange a visit, please contact David McCullough, Chief Legal and Democratic Officer with Sefton MBC  on 07973 297719

Suitably qualified applicants are requested to email their CV and their application to recruitment@sefton.gov.uk

Notification

The vacancy for this post has been notified to the Chief Coroner and Lord Chancellor (as required by statute).

Recruitment Timetable:

Closing date: 23^rd March 2025

Sift return date: 18^th April 2025

Interview invitations will be sent out: w/c 21^st April 2025

Interview date: 8^th May 2025

If you do not hear by  25^th April 2025, please assume you have not been shortlisted.

The interview panel will be:

• Chris Moister, Chief Legal and Democratic Officer, Sefton MBC

• John Ellery, Senior Coroner for Shropshire
• A representative from St. Helens Concil or Knowsley Council

We are aiming for the successful candidate to take up post on 1^st July 2025

Equal Opportunities

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

GUARANTEED INTERVIEW SCHEME

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.