Deputy Coroner Services Manager

Salary £40,777 - £46,142 per annum | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Coroner's Court, Fulwood, Preston

Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

About Us

Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Coroner Service is one of the largest and most complex coroner areas in the country, serving diverse urban and rural communities. As part of Lancashire County Council, we deliver an essential statutory service with professionalism, compassion and integrity.

Working alongside highly respected coroners and an experienced and compassionate team, you will help shape and modernise a service committed to excellence, supporting bereaved families and partner agencies at one of the most difficult times in people's lives. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a challenging, rewarding and highly respected public service.

The Role

Join us in a rewarding management role at the heart of an essential public service. As Deputy Coroner Services Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading the Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Coroner Service, driving service excellence and helping to shape the future of a service that makes a real difference to people's lives every day.

This is a varied and influential role where you will provide operational management and professional support to the Coroner's Service Support Team Manager and administration team. You will help ensure statutory responsibilities are delivered efficiently, sensitively and in accordance with legislation, guidance and best practice standards.

Working closely with coroners and partner organisations, you will assist with driving service improvement initiatives, oversee operational performance, and contribute to the ongoing development of a high-quality, compassionate service for bereaved families and stakeholders across Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning, organisation and delivery of operational and statutory duties across the Coroner Service.
• Lead, motivate and develop staff, ensuring high standards of performance and service delivery.
• Monitor service performance, compliance and management information to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Support the management of complex and sensitive coronial matters, ensuring appropriate escalation where necessary.
• Develop and maintain effective administrative systems, policies and procedures.
• Contribute to budget monitoring and the effective use of resources.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including partner agencies.
• Represent the service at meetings and contribute to service development, procurement and contract management activities.

About You

We are looking for a capable and resilient manager with excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills who can thrive in a demanding and sensitive environment.

Essential Requirements

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience).

• Proven team management experience.

• Experience managing budgets and resources.

• Strong stakeholder and partnership management skills.

• Ability to influence senior leaders and decision-makers.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Experience driving service improvement and change.

• Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

• Understanding of public sector service delivery.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

• Knowledge of the Coroner Service, or ability to learn quickly.

• Commitment to equality, diversity and council values.

• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.

What We Can Offer

• A rewarding opportunity to contribute to an important statutory service that supports families at difficult times.
• A management role with opportunities to influence service development and continuous improvement.
• Working closely with a highly respect coroners and professional staff committed to delivering an outstanding service to the people of Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.

Interested?

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ann Edwards, Coroner Services Manager on ann.edwards@lancashire.gov.uk or telephone 01772 531123

Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 13^th December 2026
Interview Date: Monday 4^th January 2027

Please ensure you upload a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria for the role.

You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. In certain circumstances consideration may be given to applicants who, as a consequence of a disability, are unable to drive

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

Job Description & Person Specification