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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily operations and support staff education in a vital healthcare role.
- Company: Join Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, a leading provider of compassionate care and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and aims to improve patient care.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience as a Medical Examiner Officer are essential.
- Other info: This role requires UK professional registration and a DBS check.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 37000 £ per year.
Overview
Portsmouth Medical Examiner Service has been providing scrutiny for over 5 years and providing support to the bereaved. We are seeking a Deputy Lead MEO to manage the office day to day, take responsibility for staff education and development, and support the Lead MEO in developing our service further.
Main duties
- support the management and leadership of the MEO team
- support the co-ordination of the Medical Examiner service to ensure timely and efficient completion of certification processes required after a death
- support medical examiners in their role in scrutinising the circumstances and causes of death
- be a point of contact and source of advice for relatives of deceased patients, healthcare professionals, HM Coroner and registration services, involved in the death certification process.
- support the Lead MEO and Lead ME in developing protocols, guidelines and policies for the development and delivery of the Medical Examiner Service across the acute trust and the community
About Us
Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff. Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.
Details
- Date posted: 26 August 2025
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 6
- Salary: £37,338 to £44,962 per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference: REF1642M
- Location: Queen Alexandra Hospital, Southwick Hill Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3LY
Job Description
Job responsibilities: All MEOs support medical examiners in their role in scrutinising the circumstances and causes of death and have a vital role in explaining cause(s) of death proposed for the death certificate to the bereaved. This includes answering their questions, clarifying terminology or misunderstandings, and signposting appropriately in cases of disagreement or concern.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Degree Level and/ or significant experience in a relevant field
- Advanced communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders, including the recently bereaved and senior level professionals.
- Qualified Medical Examiner Officer with experience working in the role
Desirable
- Leadership or management qualification
Experience
Essential
- Leading and influencing teams to achieve objectives. Working with people in sensitive and emotional situations. Managing and implementing change in complex clinical environments. Experience of working in a healthcare setting with multi-disciplinary teams. Experience of preparing, developing, and delivering training of staff. Writing reports and presentations. Familiarity with HR and governance procedures. Experience of working as a Medical Examiner Officer. Experience of supporting the bereaved.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the special requirements of various faith groups and respect for equality and diversity of issues around formalities following a death.
Other requirements
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.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
- Employer name: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
- Address: Queen Alexandra Hospital, Southwick Hill Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3LY
- Employer\’s website: https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/work-for-us/
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Deputy Lead Medical Examiner Officer employer: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Lead Medical Examiner Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Deputy Lead Medical Examiner Officer. Understanding the nuances of managing a team and supporting bereaved families will help you articulate your relevant experiences during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Medical Examiner Officers to gain insights into the role and the working environment at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. This can provide you with valuable information that may not be in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing sensitive situations. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle emotional circumstances, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest developments in medical examination practices and policies. Being knowledgeable about current trends will show your commitment to the field and your readiness to contribute to the service's development.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Lead Medical Examiner Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Deputy Lead Medical Examiner Officer role. Focus on your leadership abilities, communication skills, and any experience in healthcare settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for supporting bereaved families and improving medical examination processes. Mention specific examples of how you've managed teams or implemented change in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background and any relevant certifications, such as being a qualified Medical Examiner Officer. If you have additional training in leadership or management, be sure to include that as well.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role involves interacting with bereaved families and healthcare professionals, emphasise your advanced communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in sensitive situations or resolved conflicts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Deputy Lead Medical Examiner Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around managing the team and supporting bereaved families. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Given the sensitive nature of the role, it's crucial to highlight your advanced communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, particularly in emotional situations. This will show that you can handle the complexities of the job.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to manage sensitive situations. Think about past experiences where you had to lead a team or support someone through a difficult time. Be ready to discuss how you approached these challenges and what the outcomes were.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a Deputy Lead, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams, implementing change, and developing staff. Highlight any relevant qualifications or training that showcase your capability to take on this leadership role.
