Court Inquest Officer

Temporary Contract

Job Details

Client: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Service Area: Coroner's Court / Business Administration

Hours: 37 hours per week

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday
Working Hours: 08:00 – 16:00
Flexibility required if court runs beyond 16:00.

Start Date: 26 May 2026
Duration: 12 weeks

Location

Office / Court Base:
124 Queens Road
London
E17 8QP

Pay

PAYE Rate: £24.91 per hour

Job Overview

London Borough of Waltham Forest is seeking a Court Inquest Officer to provide professional, proactive and customer-focused administrative support within the Coroner's Court service.

The role is primarily based in court, assisting His Majesty's Coroner with inquest hearings. This will include supporting the smooth running of hearings, handling court documentation and assisting with the presentation of evidence.

Candidates must be aware that some evidence shown during inquest hearings may be distressing in nature. This role requires someone who can remain calm, professional, organised and sensitive while working in a formal court environment.

Important – Please Read Carefully

This role requires candidates to be comfortable working in a Coroner's Court / inquest hearing environment, including exposure to potentially distressing evidence.

You must be able to work Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00, with flexibility to stay later when court hearings overrun.

Candidates who are not comfortable with the court environment or potentially distressing evidence are unlikely to be suitable.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist His Majesty's Coroner during inquest hearings
• Support the smooth running of court proceedings
• Display or handle evidence during hearings, which may be distressing
• Provide professional business administrative support within the service area
• Ensure customers and service users receive clear, timely and accurate information
• Record, distribute and process documents, applications and correspondence correctly
• Maintain organised, accessible and up-to-date records
• Escalate customer or service issues appropriately where required
• Promote a positive image of the Council and court service
• Complete administrative tasks such as photocopying, shredding, enveloping and document handling to required standards

Essential Experience & Skills

• Strong administrative experience
• Ability to work in a formal court or legal environment
• Comfortable handling sensitive and potentially distressing information
• Excellent attention to detail and record keeping
• Ability to process documents and correspondence accurately
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Calm, professional and resilient approach
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain confidentiality
• Flexible approach to working hours where hearings overrun

Reporting To

Coroner's Officer Manager / Court Inquest Officer

Additional Information

Interviews will be held on site at the Coroner's Court.

Interviews will be conducted by the Coroner's Officer Manager and Court Inquest Officer.