Role of the staff working in the Coroner's Service

The role of Coroner's Staff varies greatly across England and Wales.
The Report on the Provision of Coroner's Officers (2002) published by the Home Office attempted to categorise some of the various tasks and roles performed by Coroner's Officers across the country. These were defined as:

• Forensic investigator
• Medical investigator
• Administrator
• Family liaison
• Statement taker & evidence gatherer
• Public relations manager
• Court usher

In some areas of England and Wales Coroners' Officers are police officers; in other areas, they are police staff employed by the police; or they may be employed by the local authority.
Coroners' Administrative Staff may be police staff or they may be employed by the local authority.
All staff work under the direction of the Coroner and liaise with bereaved families, police, doctors, funeral directors and other professionals.

The staff job titles may be (in no particular order):
Coroners' Officer, Coroners' Administration Officer, Coroners' Liaison Officer, Coroners' Clerk, Clerical Officer, Coroners' Personal Assistant, Coroners' Secretary, Coroners' Office (or Service) Manager, Coroners' Court Clerk (or Usher).

Her Majesty's Coroner
The Coroner holds office under the Crown and is an independent judicial officer presiding over the Coroner's Court in England and Wales and discharges his duties in accordance with the Coroners Act 1988, the Coroner's Rules 1984, and other relevant legislation.  The Coroner will have legal or medical qualifications or both of not less than five years standing.  The Coroner is responsible for all decisions in connection with any death reported to him within his jurisdiction and will direct coroners' officers and coroners' staff as to his requirements.

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