Assistant Coroner

Assistant Coroner

Freelance 10692 - 10692 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Senior Coroner in delivering a high-quality service to the community.
  • Company: City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, committed to efficient and compassionate coroner services.
  • Benefits: Fee paid at £534.60 per day with flexible working days.
  • Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and to work in sensitive situations.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working in a vital public service role.
  • Qualifications: Must be a barrister, solicitor, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with 5 years' experience.

The predicted salary is between 10692 - 10692 £ per year.

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council is seeking to appoint several Assistant Coroners to support the Senior Coroner across the full range of Coroner duties in order to deliver a high-quality Coroner service to the people of Bradford, Kirklees (Huddersfield and Dewsbury) and Calderdale.

Successful candidates will be required to attend a mandatory Assistant Coroner Induction training course on 1-2 December 2026 and a follow-up course in June 2027 (date to be confirmed).

About the post:

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council is looking for an exceptional candidate with excellent proven organisational, management and efficiency skills, as well as experience of exercising sound judgement and communicating effectively. You will work closely with the Senior Coroner to ensure the running of an efficient Coroner service that puts the bereaved at the heart of its service.

You will be required to demonstrate knowledge and experience of Coroner law and have experience in conducting investigations and an understanding of court procedure. You will also need to demonstrate the excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal with sensitive situations.

The successful candidate will be required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a Coroner as defined in the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and associated rules and regulations and as further described in various guidance issued by the Chief Coroner.

Assistant Coroners are required to sit a minimum of 20 days a year. These are fee paid positions although they are likely to involve a regular commitment, which is to be agreed between the Assistant Coroner, Senior Coroner and the local authority.

Who can apply:

The successful candidate will be a barrister or a solicitor or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and satisfy the judicial-appointment eligibility condition which means they will have 5 years of experience whilst holding that qualification. They will be under the age of 75 and be subject to the appointment and eligibility conditions within the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (s.23 and Schedule 3).

Statutory terms of the appointment:

Once a Coroner is appointed, they are then a Judicial Office holder until they reach the age of 75 years (compulsory retirement age) unless they choose to resign or are removed by the Lord Chief Justice or Lord Chancellor prior to their 75th birthday.

How to apply:

Suitably qualified applicants are requested to email their CV and supporting statement (which should include disclosure of any convictions or disciplinary proceedings) to sarah.wimbles@bradford.gov.uk. If you wish to have an informal discussion or arrange a visit, please contact Sarah Wimbles, Acting Coroner’s Service Manager on 07484 988096.

The candidate pack is available here: Assistant coroner candidate pack - Final - May 2026.docx

Closing date: Wednesday 10th June 2026

Interview invitations will be sent out: w/c Monday 20th July 2026

Interview date: w/c Monday 27th July 2026

If you do not hear by 27th July 2026, please assume you have not been shortlisted.

The interview panel will be:

  • Mr Martin Fleming, HM Senior Coroner
  • Miss Sarah Wimbles, Acting Coroner Services Manager
  • Mr Rehfan Khan, EVP & Resourcing Manager

We are aiming for the successful candidate to take up post by October 2026.

Salary £534.60 per sitting day

Frequency Monthly

Contract Type Casual

Working Hours As required

Closing Date 10 June, 2026

Job Category Democratic Service Legal & Governance

Location HM Coroner's Office, 1 Cater Street, Bradford, United Kingdom

Assistant Coroner employer: Bradford Corporation

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity to serve the community as an Assistant Coroner in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a commitment to professional development through mandatory training and a focus on delivering a high-quality service, employees can expect to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in sensitive situations. The council values its staff, providing a structured yet flexible work arrangement that allows for a balanced approach to this vital role.

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Contact Details:

Bradford Corporation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Coroner

Tip Number 1

Get to know the Coroner's office and its operations. Familiarise yourself with their recent cases and any public statements they've made. This will help you speak knowledgeably during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who have experience as a Coroner or in related roles. Attend relevant events or seminars where you can meet them. A personal connection can sometimes make all the difference in landing the job.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to Coroner duties and your past experiences. Think about how you can demonstrate your organisational and communication skills through real-life examples. We want you to shine!

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and keen on the opportunity. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Coroner

Organisational Skills
Management Skills
Efficiency Skills
Sound Judgement
Effective Communication
Knowledge of Coroner Law
Experience in Conducting Investigations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills that match the Assistant Coroner role. We want to see how your background in law and investigations makes you a perfect fit for this position.

Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your experience aligns with the duties of an Assistant Coroner. Don’t forget to mention any relevant cases or situations you've handled.

Be Honest About Your Background:When disclosing any convictions or disciplinary proceedings, be upfront and honest. We appreciate transparency, and it’s better to address these issues directly rather than have them come up later.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bradford Corporation

Know Your Coroner Law

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Coroner law and the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. Being able to discuss relevant legislation confidently will show the panel that you’re well-prepared and serious about the role.

Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

Since this role involves dealing with sensitive situations, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically. Consider preparing examples from your past experiences where you effectively communicated in challenging circumstances.

Showcase Your Organisational Skills

The role requires excellent organisational and management skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed multiple tasks or cases in the past, highlighting your ability to prioritise and maintain efficiency.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Think through potential situations you might face as an Assistant Coroner and how you would handle them, demonstrating your critical thinking abilities.