Placement Overview

This VIP is a Coroner working for the Government Department of Constitutional Affairs. The Coroner is called upon when there is a death, which seems to have no medical cause. It is their job to work with the Police, doctors and Legal System to investigate the cause of death.

Generic Job Description for a Coroner

Coroners are employed by local government to investigate deaths, which appear to have no medical cause. They can be called upon to gather information on the death and questions witnesses, decide if a post-mortem is necessary and liase with police and medical services regarding the investigation.

Coroners are usually trained a solicitors or doctors. Some are employed full time, more commonly they are employed part-time and continue with their main profession.

Skills:

• Sensitivity
• Ability to work alone
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to not be affected by difficult situations
• Flexibility
• Excellent knowledge of Law

Pay:

• £55,000 - £70,000 for full-time Coroners
• £10,000 - £35,000 for part-time Coroners depending on number of cases 

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Typically 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday
• Must be able to respond to call outs at any time of night or day 

Environment:

• Some work is office based
• Some work is conducted on crime-scenes and can be in all conditions 

Qualifications:

• A degree in Law is required
• Most degree courses require five GCSE’s grades A-C and two A-Levels
• Coroners must have at least five years pervious experience in their field

Training:

• No formal training is required due to existing legal or medical training
• Newly appointed Coroners may work under an experienced Coroner initially to get experience
• Training courses will be offered by the Coroners Society and Home Office

Opportunities:

• There are only around 120 people working as Coroners in the UK
• The majority work part-time and continue with their main profession 

Links:

www.coroner.org.uk/ - The Coroners Society of England and Wales

www.dca.gov.uk - The Department of Constitutional Affairs