3 months contract with a Local Authority

Location: Northallerton (with occasional travel to external venues)

Job Purpose

To provide efficient, professional, and compassionate administrative and operational support during Coroner’s Inquest hearings. The Court Officer ensures the smooth running of court proceedings, supports HM Coroner, and delivers a high standard of service to bereaved families, witnesses, and other attendees in what can often be sensitive and distressing circumstances.

Key Responsibilities

Court Preparation & Administration

• Ensure all case bundles are printed, complete, and available to the Coroner prior to hearings.
  
• Prepare and maintain the courtroom environment (clean, organised, and appropriately set up).
  
• Set up and test audio-visual recording equipment and remote attendance systems (e.g., Microsoft Teams).
  
• Manage and maintain accurate attendance logs and court documentation.
  

Courtroom Management

• Oversee the smooth and efficient running of inquest hearings.
  
• Swear in witnesses (oath or affirmation) and record key timings during proceedings.
  
• Ensure statutory and non-statutory forms are accurately completed for Coroner sign-off.
  
• Maintain proper court protocol, including ensuring the Coroner is not approached directly by attendees.
  
• Facilitate remote participants and ensure all technical elements function correctly.
  

Stakeholder Interaction

• Act as a primary point of contact for families, witnesses, legal representatives, and other attendees.
  
• Provide clear explanations of court processes where required.
  
• Support bereaved families with empathy, professionalism, and sensitivity.
  
• Liaise with legal representatives and ensure attendance and readiness of witnesses.
  

Hearing Support

• Coordinate the entry and seating of all attendees in line with court procedures.
  
• Manage the flow of proceedings, including bringing the Coroner into court and opening/closing procedures.
  
• Monitor and refresh court arrangements (e.g., water, breaks).
  

Post-Hearing Duties

• Complete post-inquest administrative processes, including issuing statutory documentation.
  
• Scan and upload attendance records and relevant documents to the case management system.
  
• Notify interested parties as required following proceedings.
  

General Duties

• Provide administrative support during adjourned or postponed inquests.
  
• Answer telephone enquiries and direct queries appropriately.
  
• Manage document handling, including printing, scanning, and electronic filing.
  

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience working in environments involving direct interaction with distressed or vulnerable individuals.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
  
• Competent IT skills, including experience with case management systems or complex databases.
  

Desirable

• Previous experience within a legal or court environment (coronial, criminal, or civil).
  
• Understanding of court procedures and formal hearing protocols.
  

Qualifications

• No specific formal qualifications required; however, relevant administrative or legal qualifications are advantageous.
  
• Evidence of ongoing professional development is desirable.
  

Key Competencies

• Empathy & Sensitivity: Ability to support bereaved families with compassion.
  
• Professionalism: Maintains confidentiality and adheres to court protocol.
  
• Attention to Detail: Ensures all documentation is accurate and compliant.
  
• Communication: Clear, confident, and respectful interaction with diverse stakeholders.
  
• Adaptability: Ability to respond effectively in a dynamic and sometimes emotionally challenging environment.
  

Additional Information

• There may be a requirement to stay beyond scheduled hours if court hearings overrun (this is rare).
  
• The role involves exposure to sensitive and potentially distressing subject matter in a formal court environment.
  
• Working Pattern: Monday – Thursday, 08:30 – 17:00 (1-hour unpaid lunch break).
  
• Total Hours: 37 hours per week.
  
• Pay Rate: £16.79 per hour (Umbrella).
  
• Client Location: County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AD.
  
• Usual place of work is Northallerton; however, occasional travel to external venues may be required.
  
• We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
  
• Closing date: 19th June – early applications are encouraged.