Specialist Officer

Location: City of Westminster

Coroner’s Officer
Westminster
Contract
£22.86 per hour
Our client is looking for an experienced Coroner’s Officer
An experienced and resilient Coroner’s Officer to support the HM Senior Coroner, Area Coroners and Assistant Coroners in the statutory investigation of deaths. This is a demanding but highly important role, requiring professionalism, empathy and strong case management skills in often sensitive and high-pressure circumstances. About the Role The Coroner’s Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the Coroner’s Service in investigating sudden, unexplained, violent or unnatural deaths, including deaths that occur in custody or other forms of state detention.

The role involves managing cases from initial referral through to the conclusion of the investigation or inquest, ensuring all necessary enquiries are completed to the required legal standard and contributing to public safety. This role involves close liaison with bereaved families and a wide range of partner agencies, alongside providing practical and administrative support to coronial court proceedings.
We have a number of other roles we are recruiting for – visit our website colbernlimited co uk to apply.

Key Responsibilities
Case Investigation and Management
Undertake the judicial instructions and orders of the Coroner and assist the HM Senior Coroner, Area and Assistant Coroners in fulfilling their statutory duties.
Manage a personal caseload of coronial investigations from initial referral to case conclusion.
Receive and assess reports of death from police, medical professionals and members of the public.
Conduct initial enquiries into the circumstances of death, including gathering medical, social and factual information.
Request, review and collate medical records, police reports and other relevant documentation.
Identify cases requiring post-mortem examination and arrange examinations as directed by the Coroner.
Liaise with pathologists, police and other agencies to ensure thorough and proportionate investigations.
Record, assess and investigate reports of potential Treasure as directed by the Coroner.
Family Liaison and Support
Liaise with bereaved families with sensitivity, professionalism and empathy.
Provide clear and accurate information to families about the coronial process and likely next steps.
Maintain consistent communication with families throughout the investigation and inquest process.
Work closely with mortuary staff and families regarding the preservation, analysis and disposal of pathological specimens, samples and organs, in accordance with family wishes and the Human Tissue Act.
Inquest Preparation and Court Support
Prepare and collate inquest files, including witness statements, medical reports and police documentation.
Identify and contact relevant witnesses and ensure their attendance at inquests when required.
Assist the Coroner and Head of Service in ensuring all inquest documentation meets legal and procedural requirements.
Attend court for openings, pre-inquest reviews and inquests, providing administrative and logistical support.
Support the smooth running of court proceedings, including preparing the courtroom and managing exhibits.
Provide practical and emotional support to bereaved families attending inquests.
Liaison, Communication and Administration
Work collaboratively with external partners including police forces, NHS trusts, GPs, funeral directors, local authorities and government departments.
Respond professionally to enquiries from members of the public and professional bodies.
Maintain accurate, timely and detailed electronic and hard-copy case records in line with data protection requirements.
Prepare and issue official documents including Acknowledgement of Death forms and Burial Orders.
Use bespoke coronial case management systems to manage and progress cases efficiently.
About You
You will be calm, organised and professional, with the ability to work effectively in a formal court environment and manage complex cases in highly sensitive and emotionally challenging situations. You will demonstrate excellent communication skills, sound judgement and a strong commitment to public service.
Essential Skills and…