At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Senior Coroner in delivering a high-quality service to the bereaved.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, committed to efficient and compassionate coroner services.
- Benefits: Fee paid position at £533 per day with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Engage with various stakeholders and contribute to modernising coroner 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 106660 - 106660 £ per year.
Gardner Hall, Hereford city. 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.
If you wish to have an informal discussion or arrange a visit, please contact Chris Kelly, Registration and Coroners Service Manager at Christopher.kelly@herefordshire.gov.uk or 01432 261991. Suitably qualified applicants are requested to apply online via an application form and upload their CV and supporting statement.
Notification: The vacancy for this post has been notified to the Chief Coroner and Lord Chancellor (as required by statute).
Assistant Coroner - Herefordshire Coroner Area employer: The Coroners
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 high-quality service and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, including training and engagement with key stakeholders. The rural setting of Herefordshire provides a collaborative environment where you can contribute to innovative changes in coronial processes while ensuring that bereaved families receive compassionate support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Coroner - Herefordshire Coroner Area
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the coroner field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Assistant Coroner role.
✨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 to boost your confidence and ensure you can communicate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational and management skills during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully handled sensitive situations or complex investigations. We want to see how you 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 here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Coroner - Herefordshire Coroner Area
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.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their organisational and communication skills specifically for this role. Show us how your experience aligns with what we need!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your supporting statement, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity and directness, so make sure your key points stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Online:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details about the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Coroners
✨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 successfully communicated in challenging circumstances, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Assistant Coroner, you'll need to manage various duties efficiently. Think of specific instances where you've demonstrated strong organisational and management skills, especially in high-pressure environments. Be ready to share these examples during your interview.
✨Engage with the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day responsibilities of an Assistant Coroner. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach the role, including your strategies for working closely with the Senior Coroner and engaging with external stakeholders like the police and medical examiners.
