Career Suggestion

Coroner

Coroners investigate deaths where the causes are unexplained, where violence is suspected or where people have died while in custody.

Average salary (a year)

£102000.0 to £153000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 40.0 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

You can get into this job by applying directly.

Direct Application

You need to be an assistant coroner before you can apply for the position of coroner.

To apply for an assistant coroner job, you need at least 5 years' experience as either a:

Vacancies

Local councils advertise vacancies for assistant coroners and coroners.

They choose coroners with the consent of the Chief Coroner and the Lord Chancellor.

Further information

You can find out more about the work of a coroner from the Crown Prosecution Service and the Coroners' Society of England and Wales .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Day-to-day tasks

As a coroner, you could:

  • hold an inquest into a death if you think one is needed
  • collect evidence, witness statements and details surrounding a death
  • order a post-mortem if you have questions about the cause of death
  • explain the inquest process and findings to bereaved families in clear terms
  • notify the registrar about the death and results of any inquest
  • deputise for the senior coroner when required
  • write reports and make recommendations to prevent future deaths

Working environment

You could work in an office, in a court or in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

With experience, you can apply for the position of senior coroner. After that you could apply for the position of chief coroner, with overall responsibility for running the coroner's service in England and Wales.

You can also apply to become a course director with the Judicial College .

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