Coroner
What is the work like?
Coroners are independent judicial officers who look into the causes of any sudden, unexpected or violent deaths that are reported to them.
As a coroner you would:
- investigate the circumstances of all reported deaths
- determine the cause of death by looking into all the available information (often this will involve discussing the case with the deceased’s doctor)
- decide whether to order a post-mortem if there are questions around the cause of death
- hold an inquest if the post-mortem shows the death was not natural
- notify the Registrar about the death or the results of the inquest
- make sure that all procedures and records follow the law
- appoint deputy and assistant coroners.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a coroner, you must be a qualified barrister, solicitor or doctor with at least five years’ post-qualifying experience. A few coroners have qualifications in both law and medicine. See the related profiles for more information about qualifying in law or medicine.
You would start as a deputy or assistant deputy coroner – you must first find a coroner to appoint you as his or her deputy or assistant. You can find details of local coroners' offices on the Coroners' Society of England and Wales website.
The Ministry of Justice is in the process of reforming the Coroner Service, including the recruitment and training of coroners. Once the reforms are passed, coroners will serve full-time and all new coroners will need to be qualified lawyers. Contact the Ministry of Justice for the latest information.
What further training and development can I do?
Training is provided by the Coroners Division of the Ministry of Justice. You would normally start at deputy or assistant level and be trained in court proceedings and relevant administration.
You will also need ongoing training to keep up to date with changes in law, medical procedures and administrative practices.
The coroner service reform is likely to lead to a national programme of training and standards for coroners and other staff in the service.
Where can I go for more information?
HM Coroner's CourtThe Cotton Exchange
Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9UF
54 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 6QW
Tel: 020 7210 8500
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries for full-time work are between £68,000 and £83,000 a year, based on the size of the area covered.
- Part-time coroners and deputy coroners are paid in proportion to the number of cases they take on.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a full-time coroner or deputy coroner you would work a basic week of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with some time on an on-call rota outside of normal office hours. However, currently most coroners work part-time, and spend the rest of their time working in private legal practice.
You would need to travel between scenes of crime, courts and hospitals in the area that you cover.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent communication skills
- the ability to explain complex legal and medical terms in an understandable way
- a tactful and sensitive approach
- a sound knowledge of the law
- logical thinking and good judgement
- the ability to follow procedures
- a high level of attention to detail
- accurate record keeping
- the ability to deal with a wide range of people including police officers, witnesses and the media.
What opportunities are there?
You would be employed by a local council in one of 110 districts in England and Wales, but you would be accountable to the Ministry of Justice. Reforms to the coroner service mean that there are likely to be 60 to 65 larger districts in the future, each with one full-time coroner and a pool of assistant coroners.
Vacancies are usually advertised locally. See the Coroners’ Society website for details of your nearest coroner's office.
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