Coroners Court Officer

Reading Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a dedicated Court Officer to support the Coroner in managing inquest hearings. This role demands compassion and resilience in delivering sensitive customer service, strong IT skills, and a collaborative approach to work with diverse individuals. The position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits, encouraging innovation within a supportive environment. Interested candidates can contact the Senior Coroners Officer for more information.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

On-site day nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in face-to-face customer service in emotionally difficult situations.
• Ability to communicate with bereaved families in a professional manner.
• Experience in a court setting is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support the Coroner with court proceedings and administrative functions.
• Liaise with bereaved families and ensure they understand the court process.
• Work collaboratively with team members and volunteers.

Skills

Compassionate customer service

Strong IT skills

Excellent communication

Organizational ability

Ability to cope with pressure

Tools

Audio/visual software

Databases

Job description

The Berkshire Coroner’s Service is seeking a dedicated Court Officer to play a key role in the smooth running of inquest hearings. Based at Reading Town Hall, you’ll help to support the Coroner with court proceedings and delivering a broad range of administrative and IT functions. The Service is responsible for investigating sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths across Berkshire and operates from a purpose-built facility equipped for audio and video inquest hearings. Hosted by Reading Borough Council, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital public service. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

This is a highly rewarding, front-facing role supporting members of the public through some of the most challenging times in their lives. We’re looking for a compassionate and resilient individual with proven experience in delivering sensitive, face-to-face customer service—particularly in emotionally difficult or distressing situations. Strong IT skills are essential, including confidence in using audio and video software or applications.

About you

The following experience is required for this role:

• The role will require you to work flexibly and collaboratively with the Coroner, Coroners’ Officers and Court Volunteers to provide an effective and efficient service.
• You will liaise with bereaved families and others attending court to ensure they are fully aware of the process as well as making sure inquest hearings are held to the required legal standards.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal and the ability to deal with bereaved family members in a professional and empathetic manner.
• The ability to communicate with people at all levels and from many disciplines is required.
• You will need to demonstrate excellent administrative skills, organisational ability and be able to cope with pressure.
• Previous experience of using IT systems including audio/visual programs and databases will be essential.
• Experience of working in a court setting or similar environment is desirable, although not essential.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our values

• Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
• Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
• Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
• Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

• We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
• A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Hazel Sharkey, Senior Coroners Officer on [e-mail]

Closing Date: Sunday 1st February 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing 9th February 2026

Interview format: The interview will be a questions and answer based in person at the Coroners Officer