Senior Forensic Pathology Manager

The Forensic Pathology Unit's remit is varied and interesting and ranges from providing advice to senior Home Office officials and Ministers on matters of national interest pertaining to forensic pathology to routinely advising and assisting police homicide investigators, coroners and other key stakeholders on policy and operational issues relating to the day-to-day delivery of the national forensic pathology service. They also work closely with organisations such as the College of Policing and the National Crime Agency to develop policy and practice advice relating to the medical investigation of death. The team also provides Secretariat support to the Home Office Pathology Delivery Board (PDB), which is made up of key stakeholder representatives from policing, the Crown Prosecution Service, Coroners Society, Human Tissue Authority, as well as representatives from the pathology profession and the Ministry of Justice. As Senior Forensic Pathology Manager, you will also act as Secretary to the board, which meets twice a year to consider pathology matters of interest to the criminal justice system. Key Responsibilities

• Ensure a 24/7 capability of forensic pathology services in England and Wales to assist police suspicious death and homicide investigations and response to mass fatality disaster incidents.
• Proactively work to ensure sufficient sub-speciality and paediatric pathologists are available to support forensic cases against the background of a shortage of practitioners available to undertake such case work.
• Advise the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), Homicide Working Group and the NPCC lead on forensic pathology on matters affecting forensic pathology.
• Oversee the system of annual appraisal and revalidation of forensic pathologists in conjunction with the PDB's Responsible Officer.
• Work with the Human Tissue Authority and police forces in relation to issues of retained human tissue in police cases.
• Oversee the (often complex) investigation of complaints against members of the Home Office register of forensic pathologists and trainees supported by the Home Office in accordance with the Home Secretary's Suitability Rules.
• Line management of one staff member.
• Actively pursue initiatives for the advancement of the forensic pathology profession.
Working pattern Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time home working basis. Travel The post holder must also be willing to travel to occasional business related meetings throughout the UK where overnight stays may be required from time-to-time (approximately monthly). Person specification


• In depth knowledge of police powers concerning the seizure of evidence and the practical application of such powers with regard to the seizure of human tissue samples at suspicious death post mortem examinations.
• In depth knowledge of the structure of forensic pathology services and how the service is delivered in England and Wales in support of suspicious death investigation.
• Seeing the bigger strategic picture relating to forensic pathology service delivery.
• Great interpersonal skills with an ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate complex information clearly to senior officials and stakeholders.
Desirable criteria
• An understanding of the issues pertaining to the seizure retention and use of human tissue in the Criminal Justice and coronial system.
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