Coroner

Career path and progression

With experience, you can apply for the position of senior coroner. After that you could become a chief coroner which is the most senior position.

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Law - Coroners are legal professionals who preside over inquests, apply rules of evidence, and make legal determinations about the cause and circumstances of deaths. They need a deep understanding of court procedures, government regulations, and the legal framework surrounding death investigation.
• Biology - Coroners order and interpret the results of post-mortem examinations, so they need to understand human anatomy, how organs function, and how disease or injury can cause death. This medical knowledge helps them ask the right questions and evaluate pathologists' findings.
• English Language - Coroners write detailed reports, make formal recommendations to prevent future deaths, and must communicate complex findings clearly to families, juries, and other professionals. They also need to carefully analyse witness statements and medical evidence presented in written form.

Also relevant

• Psychology - Coroners deal with bereaved families and distressed witnesses on a regular basis, so understanding human behaviour and emotional responses is important. They also need to assess the reliability of witness accounts and handle sensitive situations with empathy and composure.
• Chemistry - Coroners sometimes investigate deaths involving poisoning, drug overdoses, or exposure to toxic substances. Understanding basic chemistry helps them interpret toxicology reports and ask informed questions about how substances may have contributed to a death.
• Sociology - Coroners investigate deaths across all sections of society and sometimes identify patterns – such as deaths in custody, workplace fatalities, or issues in healthcare systems – that point to wider social problems. Understanding how institutions and social structures affect people's lives helps them make meaningful recommendations to prevent future deaths.
• Politics - Coroners work within the justice system and interact with local councils, government departments, and public bodies. Understanding how government and public institutions are structured helps them navigate the system and direct their recommendations to the right authorities.