At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the local coroner service, conducting complex inquests and managing sensitive situations.
- Company: Wakefield and Leeds Councils, committed to supporting bereaved families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £152,644 and a statutory judicial appointment until age 75.
- Other info: Collaborative role requiring excellent communication and management skills.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the community while ensuring justice for the bereaved.
- Qualifications: Must be a barrister, solicitor, or Fellow with five years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 152644 - 152644 £ per year.
Wakefield and Leeds Councils are seeking to appoint a new Senior Coroner.
About the Post
The Senior Coroner stands at the head of the local coroner service and statutory coroner area and takes the lead on coroner work. They will be expected to conduct inquests which are difficult or complex or will be likely to attract significant publicity. The number of reported deaths in 2025 was 2897. Accordingly, we appoint our senior coroner with a salary on a full-time basis. You will be required to work the necessary hours to meet the requirements of the post, providing an out of hours service on call 24/7 unless sick or on leave.
Wakefield and Leeds Councils are 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 local authority to ensure the running of an efficient coroner service that puts the bereaved at the heart of the service. Collaborative working with the local authority, the police and other stakeholders is essential.
You will be required to demonstrate knowledge and experience of coroner law and of basic medicine, have proven skills 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. It is essential that the successful candidate has proven experience of running or sharing running a coroner’s jurisdiction including carrying out investigations, case management, and conducting inquests.
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 five years of experience while holding that qualification. They will be under the age of 75, have experience of working as a Senior Coroner, area coroner or assistant coroner 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 Vicky Stead, Head of Life Events at vstead@wakefield.gov.uk. Suitably qualified applicants are requested to email their CV and supporting statement (which should include disclosure of any convictions or disciplinary proceedings) to vstead@wakefield.gov.uk.
Notification: The vacancy for this post has been notified to the Chief Coroner and Lord Chancellor (as required by statute).
Senior Coroner for West Yorkshire (Eastern) Coroners Area in Wakefield employer: The Coroners
Wakefield and Leeds Councils offer a unique opportunity for a Senior Coroner to lead a vital local service, ensuring that bereaved families receive compassionate and efficient support during difficult times. With a commitment to collaborative working and professional development, the councils foster a supportive work culture that values sound judgement and effective communication. This role not only provides a competitive salary but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community while working in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Coroner for West Yorkshire (Eastern) Coroners Area in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the coroner service or legal field. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about your experience with complex inquests and how you’ve handled sensitive situations. We recommend practising your responses with a friend or even in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Highlight any past experiences where you worked closely with local authorities or other stakeholders. We want to see how you can bring people together to ensure an efficient coroner service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for exceptional candidates like you, so make sure you put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Coroner for West Yorkshire (Eastern) Coroners Area in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in coroner law and case management. We want to see how your skills align with the requirements of the Senior Coroner role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We recommend including specific examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your organisational and communication skills.
Be Honest About Your Background:Don’t forget to disclose any convictions or disciplinary proceedings as requested. Transparency is key, and we appreciate candidates who are upfront about their backgrounds. It shows integrity and professionalism!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Coroners
✨Know Your Coroner Law
Make sure you brush up on coroner law and the relevant legislation before your interview. Being able to discuss specific cases or legal precedents will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you have a deep understanding of the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves dealing with sensitive situations, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in challenging circumstances, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing coroner services or similar jurisdictions. Highlight specific instances where you’ve improved efficiency or handled complex investigations, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the local coroner service.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Think about times when you’ve worked closely with local authorities, police, or other stakeholders. Be prepared to share these experiences, as collaboration is key in this role. Showing that you can work well with others will set you apart from other candidates.
