At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Senior Coroner in delivering a high-quality service and conducting investigations.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, dedicated to serving the community with compassion and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive fee of £533 per day, with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Engage with various stakeholders and contribute to modernising coronial processes.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in sensitive situations while gaining valuable legal experience.
- Qualifications: Must be a barrister, solicitor, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with 5 years' experience.
The predicted salary is between 106000 - 106000 £ per year.
About the role
Assistant Coroner for Herefordshire
Salary – fee paid, £533 per day. (The coroner fee structure is currently under review as part of the ongoing national level discussion)
Closing date: 2 June 2026 midnight
Herefordshire Council is seeking to appoint a new Assistant Coroner 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 Herefordshire.
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
Herefordshire 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.
Unlike in some larger and urban jurisdictions, given the rural context and smaller volume of referrals, Assistant Coroners are expected to undertake 100% of coronial duties (both administrative and court) in death and treasure cases, often as the primary point of contact for Coroner Officers, Clerks and outside agencies.
The Senior Coroner has national leadership positions around major incidents/disaster victim identification and Coroner Officer training, and this is likely to also benefit Assistant Coroners.
The area is in the process of updating both internal and external processes and ways of working in line with contemporary expectations, including working 100% digitally on Civica and greater use of video link hearings.
Assistant Coroners are likely to have relevant experience to contribute fully to these changes and have opportunities to engage with external stakeholders such as the police, Medical Examiners, mortuary/pathology services, registrars, and Treasure Finds Liaison Officers.
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 while 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.
Assistant Coroner in Hereford employer: Hoople Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for legal professionals to make a meaningful impact in the community as an Assistant Coroner. With a commitment to professional development through mandatory training and a supportive work culture that prioritises the needs of the bereaved, employees can expect to grow their skills while engaging with various stakeholders in a rural setting. The role provides a chance to contribute to the evolution of coronial services, ensuring a high-quality service delivery in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Coroner in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the legal and coroner fields. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Coroner law and court procedures. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor. The more confident you are, the better you’ll come across!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in handling sensitive situations. We want to see how you can put the bereaved at the heart of your service.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for exceptional candidates like you to join our team and make a difference in Herefordshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Coroner in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you brush up on Coroner law and court procedures. We want to see that you’ve got the knowledge and experience to handle sensitive situations with ease.
Show Off Your Skills:Highlight your organisational and management skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks while keeping the bereaved at the heart of their service.
Be Personal:When writing your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Effective communication is key, so show us how you can connect with people in tough situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and stands out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Ltd
✨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 that you're well-prepared and understand the legal framework you'll be working within.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves dealing with sensitive situations, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated in challenging circumstances, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
The Assistant Coroner role requires excellent organisational and management skills. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects, and be ready to share these during the interview to demonstrate your efficiency.
✨Engage with Current Practices
Familiarise yourself with the latest updates in coronial processes, especially regarding digital practices and video link hearings. Showing that you're aware of contemporary expectations and are adaptable to change will set you apart as a candidate who is ready to contribute positively.
