Volunteering
Volunteering for the Coroners’ Courts Support Service
Soon to be recruiting in the Ashford, Kent and the Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire area.
What the Coroners’ Courts Support Service looks for in a volunteer
Our volunteers support bereaved families and witnesses who may be experiencing a wide range of emotions and feelings when they attend the Coroner’s Court. Volunteers undertake Pre-Inquest familiarisation of the Coroner’s Court and explain the processes and procedures to families and witnesses. They accompany families and witnesses into court and once the Inquest has concluded will allow them time for recovery in a quiet place, if available, and ensure they have received all the necessary information from the Coroner’s Officer
Our volunteers listen to and empathise with concerns and anxieties of the families and witnesses attending an Inquest.
The following skills and qualities are desirable in a volunteer for the CCSS:
- The ability to work alone, but as part of a managed team;
- The ability to work reliably within a rota system;
- Commitment to undertake initial and ongoing training;
- Willingness to work within the framework of the CCSS:
- Adherence to the policy of confidentiality;
- Ability to listen and communicate with a wide range of people;
- A caring, mature and supportive attitude;
- Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing;
- Willingness to work with and in conjunction with the Coroner and the Coroner’s Officers.
What we offer our volunteers:
- Professional training to equip our volunteers with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding for them to undertake the work
- Support and supervision
- Out of pocket expenses
- An opportunity to help people at a time when it may be most needed
- On-going training in order to develop our volunteers
- An opportunity of being part of a team and being able to work alone
For further information please see our contacts page or download an application pack here (PDF).