The role of the Coroner

Coroners investigate deaths that have been reported to them if they think that:

• the death was violent or unnatural
• the cause of death is unknown
• the person died in prison, police custody or another type of state detention (e.g. an immigration removal centre or while detained under the Mental Health Act 1983)

In order to allow the Coroner's Team to continue to support you, we would ask that where possible any queries you have are emailed to HMCoroner@Wakefield.gov.uk.

If a death is reported to a coroner, the documents you need to register the death may be different from the usual doctor's medical certificate. The coroner will consider either:

• the cause of death is natural
• whether a post-mortem/CT examination is needed
• whether an investigation or inquest is needed

Medical Examiners scrutinise deaths to ensure the cause of death is accurate, that cases are referred to the Coroner appropriately and to identify any clinical governance concerns. They do this by proportionate review of the patient record and discussion with the attending doctor and next of kin.  

HM Coroner, their officers and administrative staff will treat all bereaved relatives and other members of the public courteously and sympathetically at all times and will give respect to the deceased's religious faith and cultural traditions within the constraints of the statutory duties.

We are an impartial, independent body who’s aim is to establish the facts surrounding a death, whilst complying with the Coroner's statutory responsibilities.

We will keep sensitive information as confidential as possible within a system based on public court hearings. Explanations for the procedures adopted in particular cases will be given on request where the Coroner is satisfied that the person is a properly interested party

What the Coroner's Service Does

All work of the Coroner's Service is covered by the Guide to Coroner Services.

This Charter tells you what standards of performance you can expect from the Coroners Service and what to do if something goes wrong.

How your personal data is used by the Coroner’s Service

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect on 25th May 2018, replacing the previous rules under the Data Protection Act 1998. These rules strengthen the protection of personal information and extend the rights that we all have over who holds our information and how it is used.

This is how the rules apply to the Coroners Service:

• information about a deceased person is not covered by Data Protection, however, we still consider their dignity and privacy when sharing information
• inquests are heard in open court and members of the public are entitled to attend
• the conclusion of an Inquest is a matter of public record, and any person can request a copy of a death certificate from the Registrar’s Office
• information about living people is covered by the GDPR in the usual way
• some information, such as the personal details of witnesses, forms part of the Coroner’s file of evidence

Role of the Coroner's Officer

The Coroner's Officer helps the Coroner with the investigation into the cause of the death and is responsible for contacting the nearest relative. They will supply the Coroner with all the information needed, so that a decision can be made on what, if any, further action is necessary.

While the enquiry is continuing, the relative's point of contact with the Coroner's Office throughout will be via the Coroner's Officer. Contact information will be supplied so that relatives can liaise with the office as regards such things as funeral arrangements. The Officer provides help and advice to avoid inconvenience or unnecessary distress.

As soon as the Coroner has reached a decision, the relatives will be told and advised about any steps they should take. Arrangements for the funeral cannot be made without confirmation from the Coroner's Officer that the body can be released for burial or cremation. In certain circumstances, an investigation may need to be commenced, or an inquest may need to be opened before authorisation for disposal of the body can be given.

Remove a body abroad - application for permission

The Coroner will make every effort to complete their enquiries and decide such application within five days of receiving notice including weekends and bank holidays.