Coroners Court Officer

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 vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

 

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 Rhiannon Charnock – Principal Coroners Officer - rhiannon.charnock@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 8^th June 2025

Interview Date: Friday 20^th June 2025

Interview format: The interview will be a questions and answer panel of 2 members and will last approximately 45 minutes.  

 

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.