Understanding the Role of the Coroner
A Practical Guide to Understanding What a Funeral Director Actually Does for You.
Being told that the Coroner is involved can leave you unsure about what happens next, particularly when you are also trying to make funeral arrangements. A referral may be needed for several reasons, including an unexpected death or an uncertain cause, and does not necessarily mean that anything suspicious has happened.
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This guide explains what the Coroner does, why an investigation may be required and how it can affect the timing of the funeral. We'll also discuss how we can support you with the practical arrangements while the Coroner’s enquiries are taking place.
What is the Role of the Coroner?
A Coroner is an independent judicial officer responsible for investigating certain deaths. Their role is to establish who the person was, when and where they died and how, and in some cases why, they died.
When someone dies, you may be told that the death has been referred to the Coroner. This can be concerning if you have never dealt with the process before, particularly if you are unsure why the Coroner is involved or what it means for the funeral. A referral to the Coroner does not necessarily mean that anything suspicious has happened. There are a number of circumstances in which a death must be referred for further investigation.
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If Clive Pugh Funeral Directors is arranging the funeral for you, we'll explain what the Coroner's involvement means for the arrangements and keep you informed as the process progresses.
Why Is a Death Referred to the Coroner?
Not every death needs to be investigated by the Coroner. A death may be referred when the cause is unknown, when the death was sudden or unexpected, or when there are other circumstances that require further investigation. For example, a referral may be necessary if:
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The cause of death is unknown.
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The death was sudden or unexpected.
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The person was not recently seen by a doctor.
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There are concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death.
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The death may be related to an injury or accident.
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There is a possibility that the death was caused by an occupational disease.
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The decision to refer a death is not made by the funeral director. It may be made by a doctor, hospital or other relevant professional who has concerns about the circumstances or cause of death.
What Does the Coroner Do?
The Coroner's job is to investigate the circumstances of the death where an investigation is required. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve reviewing medical records, speaking to people who knew the person who died or arranging a post-mortem examination. The Coroner will determine what enquiries are necessary. Not every investigation will involve the same procedures or take the same amount of time.
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In some cases, the Coroner may be able to establish the cause of death without an inquest. In others, a post-mortem or inquest may be required. The funeral director does not carry out these investigations, but we can explain how they may affect the funeral arrangements.
What Is a Post-Mortem Examination?
A post-mortem examination may be arranged if the Coroner needs more information about the cause of death. This involves an examination of the body by a pathologist. The purpose is to establish the cause of death and provide the Coroner with the information needed to complete the investigation.
A post-mortem does not automatically mean that there will be an inquest. If a post-mortem establishes the cause of death and no further investigation is required, the Coroner may be able to conclude the case without holding an inquest.
What Is an Inquest?
An inquest is a formal investigation into a death. It may be held when the Coroner needs to establish who the person was, and when, where and how they died.
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An inquest is not the same as a criminal trial. The purpose is to establish the facts surrounding the death rather than to determine criminal responsibility. Some inquests are straightforward and take place without a hearing. Others may require a formal hearing where evidence is considered. If an inquest is required, the Coroner will explain the process and tell the relevant people what will happen next.
Does the Coroner Delay the Funeral?
The Coroner's involvement can affect the timing of a funeral. The funeral cannot normally take place until the necessary legal authority has been given for the person to be released and the relevant paperwork has been completed.
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If further examinations or investigations are required, this can mean that arrangements take longer than they would following a death where the Coroner is not involved. This can be difficult for families who are waiting to arrange the funeral, particularly when they do not know how long the process will take. When you arrange a funeral with Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we'll keep in contact with you and explain any information we receive that affects the funeral arrangements.
Can a Funeral Be Arranged While the Coroner Is Still Investigating?
Yes. You can contact a funeral director while the Coroner is carrying out their enquiries. It is often helpful to do this early so that practical arrangements can begin and the funeral director is aware of the situation.
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We can discuss the type of funeral you are considering, establish your wishes and make provisional arrangements where appropriate. The final date of the funeral will depend on when the necessary legal processes have been completed and when the person can be released into our care.
Who Decides When the Funeral Can Take Place?
The Coroner will determine when their involvement has reached the stage where the person can be released and the necessary documentation can be issued. Your funeral director cannot speed up the Coroner's investigation or decide when the process is complete.
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What we can do, however, is communicate with the relevant organisations and keep you updated about anything that affects the funeral. Once the necessary authority has been provided, we can confirm the funeral arrangements and continue with the preparations.
What Happens to the Funeral Arrangements?
If the Coroner is involved, we'll continue discussing the funeral with you while the investigation is taking place. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to make arrangements for the service, vehicles, flowers, music and other details in advance.
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If the date needs to remain flexible, we'll explain this and keep you informed as soon as we have information that allows the funeral to be confirmed. Our aim is to make sure that, once the Coroner's involvement has been completed, the remaining funeral arrangements can proceed without unnecessary delay.
What If the Family Has Questions?
It is completely understandable to have questions when the Coroner becomes involved. The Coroner's office will be responsible for explaining the investigation and answering questions about its progress.​
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As funeral directors, we can explain the practical effect on the funeral and what needs to happen from our side. If you're unsure who you need to speak to about a particular question, we're happy to explain whether it is something we can help with or whether you need to contact the Coroner's office directly.
What Happens Once the Coroner's Investigation Is Complete?
Once the Coroner has completed the necessary enquiries, the relevant paperwork can be issued and the funeral arrangements can progress. If an inquest has taken place or further investigations were required, the timescale may be longer than following a straightforward death.
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At Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we'll work with you to confirm the funeral date and complete any remaining arrangements. At this stage, we'll make sure the arrangements for the service, burial or cremation and any other details are confirmed.
How Clive Pugh Funeral Directors Can Help
The Coroner's investigation is separate from the work carried out by your funeral director, but we can help you understand how it affects the funeral. If a death has been referred to the Coroner, we'll explain what this means for the arrangements, stay in contact with you and deal with the practical aspects of the funeral when we are able to do so. We'll keep you informed as the process progresses and take care of the funeral arrangements once the necessary paperwork and authority are in place.
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​You don't need to understand the Coroner's procedures before contacting us. If you're unsure what happens next, we'll give you straightforward advice about the funeral arrangements and explain what information we need from you. If you need straightforward advice following a death in Shrewsbury, Shropshire or the surrounding areas, contact us at Clive Pugh Funeral Directors when you're ready.
With You Every Step of the Way
Date and Time
Following registration, a date and time can then be arranged.
Cremation or Burial
In many cases a loved one will have left their own specific preference. Once the decision for a cremation or burial has been made, a venue for the service and order of events can be agreed upon.
Chapel of Rest
Our private chapel is available for you to spend time with your loved one, also allowing your relatives and friends the chance to say "goodbye".
The Funeral Service
We will liaise with the Clergy, Humanist Minister or Celebrant of your choice. Alternatively, if no specific Minister is requested we can suggest a Minister who will guide you through the order of service. The readings, hymns and eulogies will all be discussed.
Coffins, Caskets and Urns
We offer a large range of traditional coffins, caskets and urns. You can choose from many different styles and we offer a range of price points. Should you want to offer a unique tribute to your loved one, ask us about our customisation options. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Vehicles
We take pride in being able to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. A horse drawn hearse is also available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every death go to the Coroner?
No. Most deaths do not require a Coroner's investigation. A death is referred when there are circumstances that mean further investigation is required.
Does a Coroner referral mean something suspicious has happened?
No. There are many reasons why a death may be referred to the Coroner, including an unknown or unexpected cause of death. A referral does not automatically mean that anything suspicious has occurred.
Can I arrange a funeral before the Coroner has finished?
You can contact a funeral director and begin discussing the arrangements while the investigation is taking place. However, the funeral itself may need to wait until the Coroner has given the necessary authority for it to proceed.
How long does a Coroner's investigation take?
There is no single timescale. It depends on the circumstances of the death and what enquiries are required. The Coroner's office will be able to provide information about the investigation itself.
Can my funeral director contact the Coroner for me?
We can communicate with the relevant organisations where necessary in relation to the funeral arrangements. However, questions about the investigation itself should be directed to the Coroner's office.
What is the difference between a Coroner and a Funeral Director?
A Coroner investigates certain deaths to establish who the person was, when and where they died and how they died. A funeral director arranges and coordinates the funeral, including caring for the person who has died, arranging the service and liaising with the relevant organisations. The Coroner's investigation is separate from the funeral arrangements, but it may affect when the funeral can take place.