Job Description

Job Introduction

BCP Council is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and clearly focused individual to provide assistance to HM Coroner for Dorset to investigate reportable deaths.


Acting as a principal liaison between the bereaved and other stakeholders for HM Coroner for Dorset, you will work within a small but very busy team based at the Coroner's Offices and Courts located at the Civic Centre, Bourne Avenue in Bournemouth.


This role may require some travelling covering the West and East of Dorset. You will need to possess an valid driving licence with access to your own car for enquiries and visits. This may include attending a hospital, police station, public area, private home or a mortuary.

Role Purpose

The Dorset Coroner's Service investigates the circumstances of all deaths where there is reason to suspect that the cause of death is unknown, is violent or unnatural, or occurred whilst the deceased was in lawful custody.


The Coroners Investigation Officer (Resilience) supports Coroner's Officers and the general office in the provision of an effective and efficient administration service to enable the Coroner to fulfil their statutory responsibilities. The will also provide accurate and timely information and appropriate guidance to bereaved people on deaths reported to the Coroner of a natural or unnatural basis.


The post holder will be responsible for covering and maintaining continuity of investigative and administrative procedures on existing caseloads during leaves of absence by case officers. This will ensure that delays to process are minimal with continued engagement with bereaved families and other interested persons to the investigation.

Main Responsibilities

Act within the scope of Coronial law, including the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, the Coroners (Investigation) Regulations 2013 and the Coroners (Inquest) Rules 2013 and other relevant statutory provisions and case law. Comply with the Chief Coroner's written advice and guidance as directed. Receive reports of deaths which are referred to the Coroner and make preliminary enquiries of each death case assigned. This will include liaising with any police investigation and other emergency services, medical enquiries of GPs and hospitals, and any enquiries necessary for the purpose of a complete investigation. Provide a report to the Coroner in all cases, enabling the Coroner to have sufficient information to make judicial decisions. Investigate all natural and non-natural deaths referred to the Coroner including those where a non-natural event may have contributed to the death. Discuss with GPs and Hospital Doctors facts surrounding a death in order to facilitate the issuing of the Medical Certificate for Cause of Death (MCCD), where appropriate, negating the need for a post mortem examination. Take statements from independent witnesses and family members as necessary. To arrange for a post mortem examination when requested by the Coroner, including arrangements for the transfer of the deceased, and liaison with the family of the deceased, and any other person at the direction of the Coroner. To provide the pathologist with relevant information by preparing a report regarding the circumstances of the death and obtaining medical records. Attend post mortem examinations when necessary. To liaise with relevant authorities of any possible contagious disease. To advise the next of kin of the Coroners processes required to investigate the death and obtain the funeral authorities and death certificate. To liaise with the family in all cases to see whether they have any particular concerns or relevant information concerning the circumstances of the death and communicate with all members of the public with sensitivity and compassion, particularly bereaved family members. Arrange for the attendance of witnesses and a jury in appropriate cases; prepare inquest papers. To assist where necessary in the general administrative areas of the office.

The Ideal Candidate

Excellent knowledge of ICT including MS365 and other programmes relevant to the role. Extensive experience of operating effectively within an administrative role. Work towards and maintain an appropriate level of competence in the procedures and policies operated by the Coroner's Office in the investigation and management of reportable matters. Able to write concise and structured reports and files. Attention to detail and methodical approach to work at all times and be able to prioritise when necessary. Able to work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines by planning and organising own workload in an environment of change and competing demands. Able to work cooperatively and unsupervised following a period of training. Possess mature interactive communications skills with the ability to deal with potentially difficult and volatile situations in a professional and calm manner. High motivated with a confident demeanour. Able to deal with distressing situations in a professional, dignified and respectful manner without compromising the needs and reputation of the service. Supportive and proactive team player.

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

We offer an excellent benefits package to colleagues. Find out more on our website


As a result of the creation of BCP Council in 2019, we are working on simplifying our terms and conditions of service and will be creating a single pay structure which is to be applicable for all employees. It is important to us that we offer benefits that our colleagues value as part of their total employment package and we are reviewing these to make sure we have it right. We have been in a process of collective bargaining since 2019 and have positively worked forward to reach an agreed position with the unions for the new contractual offer. This has taken longer than we hoped and therefore we are having to consider all alternative avenues available to enable us to remove inequality in the organisation as a result of bringing together 3 councils.


We are in the process of establishing a timescale for implementation, and all colleagues joining us will be included in these changes. We want to reassure everyone that whichever route is taken to reach the new terms and conditions, we can honour continuous service and there will not be any job reduction as a result of the implementation of Pay and Reward. If you have any questions at all about this process, please feel free to raise this with the hiring manager.