Overview
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 support the Coroner with court proceedings and deliver 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.
Key Responsibilities
* Work flexibly and collaboratively with the Coroner, Coroners’ Officers and Court Volunteers to provide an effective and efficient service.
* Liaise with bereaved families and others attending court to ensure they are fully aware of the process and that inquest hearings are held to the required legal standards.
* Support the Coroner with court proceedings and deliver a broad range of administrative and IT functions.
* Provide an effective and empathetic customer service, dealing with bereaved family members in a professional and empathetic manner.
Qualifications and Skills
* Compassionate and resilient, with proven experience in delivering sensitive, face‑to‑face customer service, particularly in emotionally difficult or distressing situations.
* Strong IT skills, including confidence in using audio and video software or applications.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Excellent administrative skills, organisational ability and the capacity to cope with pressure.
* Previous experience of using IT systems including audio/visual programs and databases.
* Experience of working in a court setting or a similar environment is desirable, although not essential.
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer generally offers an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. In certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people. For more details please go to .
Values and Behaviours
* 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.
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.
Benefits
* Competitive salary.
* 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.
* 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.
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