Volunteer at Hatfield Coroner's Court

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The following skills and qualities are desirable in a volunteer for the CCSS:

a)          The ability to work alone, but also as part of a managed diverse team.

b)         The ability to work reliably within a rota system.

c)         Willingness to be contacted and to make contact with the CCSS staff

the Lead Volunteer and Volunteer Representatives.

d)         To undertake initial induction, training and refresher/top up training.

e)          Willingness to demonstrate our values and to work within the framework of the CCSS.

f)           Willingness to adhere to the policy of confidentiality.

g)          Ability to listen and communicate with a wide range of people which will include, but not limited to, families, members of the public, Coroners and their staff, legal and medical professionals.

h)         Ability to be adaptable. To use own initiative and react appropriately to changing situations. This could include when proceedings start later than anticipated or if the location of the court is changed but not to go beyond the remit of the volunteer role.

i)           A caring, mature and supportive attitude.

j)           Willingness and ability to sit for extended periods of time. This role may not be suited to those less mobile or for those who may have difficulty sitting for long periods of time.

k)          Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

l)           Willingness to work with and in conjunction with the Coroner and the

            Coroner’s Officers.

m)        To be computer literate with an understanding of and access to email; to have the ability to use online digital media such as Zoom or Teams to attend virtual team meetings or on-line training.

n)         Willingness to undertake administrative tasks (when required) including compiling volunteer rotas and recording basic statistical information.