At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Senior Coroner in delivering a high-quality service and conducting investigations.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, committed to serving the community with compassion and efficiency.
- Benefits: Fee paid at £533 per day, with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities to engage with various stakeholders in a digital environment.
- 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.
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 — Fee-Paid, Digital Duties in Hereford employer: Hoople Ltd
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for legal professionals to contribute meaningfully to the community as an Assistant Coroner. With a commitment to high-quality service and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from professional growth through training and engagement with various stakeholders. The rural setting of Herefordshire provides a tranquil environment, allowing for a focused approach to coronial duties while ensuring that the bereaved are at the heart of the service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Coroner — Fee-Paid, Digital Duties in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those connected to coronial duties. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections and show your interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on Coroner law and recent changes in procedures. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've handled sensitive situations effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to put the bereaved at the heart of your service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Coroner — Fee-Paid, Digital Duties in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you brush up on Coroner law and court procedures before you start writing your application. We want to see that you’ve got the knowledge and experience to back up your claims, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application:When applying, make it personal! We love seeing applications that are tailored to the role. Highlight your organisational and communication skills, and how they relate to the duties of an Assistant Coroner. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for Herefordshire!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for the role shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a big plus for this digital position!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Ltd
✨Know Your Coroner Law
Make sure you brush up on the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and any relevant regulations. Being able to discuss specific cases or legal principles during your interview will show that you’re not just familiar with the law, but that you can apply it effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves dealing with sensitive situations, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically. Consider preparing examples of how you've successfully communicated in challenging circumstances, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
The role requires excellent organisational and management skills. Prepare to discuss how you’ve managed multiple tasks or projects in the past, especially in high-pressure environments. This will help illustrate your ability to handle the demands of the position.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools
As the role involves working digitally on Civica and using video link hearings, make sure you’re comfortable with these technologies. If you have experience with similar digital tools, be ready to share that during your interview to demonstrate your adaptability.
