Coroners Officer - Coroners Service

Reading Borough Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a Coroners Officer to assist in investigating sudden and unnatural deaths. You will work closely with families, medical professionals, and partner agencies to ensure investigations are conducted lawfully and sensitively. The position includes maintaining records, attending post-mortems, and managing sensitive information. A supportive environment promotes personal growth. A driving license and level 2 education are required. The role supports hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

On-site nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Experience or understanding of the Coroner’s Service or related field.
• Previous knowledge of Police procedures is an advantage.
• Emotional resilience and professionalism in distressing situations.
• Ability to communicate sensitively with bereaved families.
• Highly organized, methodical, and capable of managing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident in using IT systems and managing detailed records.
• Holds a full UK driving licence for travel across Berkshire.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Coroner in investigations of sudden deaths.
• Gather and collate evidence for investigations.
• Attend post-mortem examinations and death scenes as needed.
• Maintain accurate records on the case management system.
• Participate in an out-of-hours rota including weekends.

Skills

Experience with Coroner’s Service or related investigative environment

Knowledge of Police procedures and medical terminology

Emotional resilience

Clear communication skills

Highly organized and methodical

Strong IT skills

Full UK driving licence

Level 2 education including English and Maths

Education

Level 2 education (English and Maths)

Job description

We are looking for a compassionate, resilient and highly organised Coroners Officer to join the Berkshire Coroner’s Service, hosted by Reading Borough Council. This is a challenging but rewarding role, supporting the Senior Coroner in the investigation of sudden, unexpected and unnatural deaths. You will work closely with bereaved families, emergency services, medical professionals and partner agencies, ensuring investigations are carried out lawfully, sensitively and efficiently.

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.

We support hybrid working – it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.

About The Role

The role is based at the Coroners Service, which is in the Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading. Flexibility over working hours and willingness to participate in an out of hours Call Out rota will be required.

As a Coroners Officer, you will support the Senior Coroner in the investigation of sudden, unexpected and unnatural deaths. You will receive and assess referrals, make appropriate enquiries, gather and collate evidence, and ensure investigations are progressed lawfully, accurately and efficiently in line with coronial legislation and procedures.

The role may include attending post-mortem examinations and, when authorised, death scenes, as well as managing complex and sensitive information. You will also be instrumental in coordinating witnesses and evidence bundles for inquests.

The role involves maintaining accurate records on the case management system and participating in an out‑of‑hours rota, including weekends and bank holidays, to ensure a responsive and effective Coroner’s Service.

About You

This role is suited to individuals who are calm under pressure, empathetic, and motivated by making a genuine difference to the public at critical times.

Qualifications and Skills

• Has experience or a good understanding of the Coroner’s Service or a related investigative, legal, regulatory or public protection environment
• Previous knowledge of Police procedures, investigation and knowledge of medical terminology will be an advantage, however applications will be considered from those with similar skills or aptitude
• Is emotionally resilient and able to deal professionally with distressing situations
• Can communicate clearly and sensitively with bereaved families and professionals
• Is highly organised, methodical and able to manage competing priorities
• Has strong written and verbal communication skills
• Is confident using IT systems and managing detailed case records
• Holds a full UK driving licence and can travel across Berkshire
• You will be educated to at least Level 2 (including English and Maths) and be willing to undertake ongoing professional development

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 are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

Benefits

• 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 Town Hall 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 4th January 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Setup: In person at the Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading