Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 29
The creation of a Chief Coroner followed by the introduction of guidance, mandatory training and...
Conclusion
The creation of a Chief Coroner followed by the introduction of guidance, mandatory training and appraisals for the most junior coroners are significant advances towards a more standardised Coroner Service than obtained a decade or so ago, even in the continued absence of a full England and Wales service. We encourage the new Chief Coroner to continue the work begun by his predecessor by extending appraisals to all coroners.
Paragraph Reference:
29
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We would agree that the creation of Chief Coroner has been a key reform. The office of Chief Coroner was introduced in 2013 to provide judicial leadership, guidance and support to coroners and to promote consistency of standards and practice. The excellent contribution of the first and second Chief Coroners, His Honour Sir Peter Thornton QC and His Honour Judge Mark Lucraft QC, to achieve these objectives has been widely recognised. We are aware of the strategic vision for the coroner service of the current Chief Coroner, His Honour Thomas Teague QC, and his aim to continue to drive forward the reforms initiated by his predecessors. In his Annual Report to the Lord Chancellor (2018–19, 2019–2020), Judge Lucraft noted that in April 2019, a system of appraisals for assistant coroners had been launched. We understand that Judge Teague will review the scheme in due course. Appraisal of judicial office holders is, however, a matter for the judiciary, not government ministers. The Chief Coroner will respond directly to the Committee on extending appraisal to all coroners.