Rochdale Borough Council as relevant authority for the Greater Manchester North Coroner Area is seeking to appoint a whole-time Area Coroner initially for a term of 12 months and thereafter for a renewable term of 3 years to support the Senior Coroner.  Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals.

Greater Manchester North covers the geographical area of Rochdale, Oldham and Bury Councils with a combined population of 621,700 and has within its area 1 prison, 3 district hospitals and 1 mental health hospital.  During 2013 the Coroner’s Office dealt with 2,626 reported deaths and 485 inquests.

This appointment will take effect as soon as practical following interviews, subject to any notice periods, and you will be subject to the appointment and eligibility conditions within the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and consequently have satisfied the judicial appointment eligibility condition on a 5 year basis.  You will have significant and recent experience of Coronial law and procedures either from experience of working as an Assistant Coroner or appearing as an advocate in complex Coronial cases.

You will have a sound knowledge of all aspects of the English legal system with particular regard to Coronial law and the laws of evidence, the administration of the legal system and Court procedures.  Equally, you should have practical experience in the conduct of Court proceedings and will demonstrate the ability to handle highly sensitive or emotionally charged situations effectively.  Your exceptional communication skills are important.  You must have the ability to readily explain legal and medical terms to non-specialists, and you must be competent in dealing with sensitive situations involving relatives, witnesses, the police and the media. You should be willing to prepare and hear the whole range of inquests from simple cases to those fully engaging Article 2 both with and without a jury.  You will be able to work closely with the Senior Coroner, Mr Simon Nelson. You will recognise the importance of continuous professional development (CPD) and your own role in your CPD.

Applicants should complete the application form through the Council’s yourcounciljobs portal at the web address below, although it is important to note that this appointment is an independent judicial office holder under the Crown and not a local authority employee.

The closing date for completed applications is 5^th September 2014 at 11.59 pm and notification of being shortlisted for interview will be sent to successful candidates on or before 19th September 2014.  Interviews will be held at Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU.  Interviews will take place 27^th October 2014.  For a confidential discussion concerning the post please contact Mark Dalzell, Coroners and Registrars Manager telephone 01706 924328 or mobile 07976 070933.  The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.

For further information including information pack and job specification please visit: www.yourcounciljobs.co.uk