Policy & Practice

Policy & Practice

The Voicing Loss project has sought to identify ways in which the inclusion and participation of bereaved people in the coronial process can be better supported. To this end, we have produced a series of short outputs – two Policy Briefs and three Principles for Practice papers – intended to promote policy and practice reform. 

Nicola Lester, a psychological trauma consultant, has drawn on the findings of Voicing Loss in producing a short video on the need to put humanity at the heart of the coronial process. (Illustrations by Tyla Scott Owen.)

Policy briefs

Voicing Loss investigated experiences of the coroner service since implementation of the reforms introduced by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. The Voicing Loss Policy Briefs explore the need and scope for further reform.

Policy Brief No. 1:

Clarifying the role and remit of the coroner

This paper argues that the coroner’s role and remit lacks clarity, and considers the implications for bereaved people. It also proposes measures for addressing some of the tensions and ambiguities associated with the coroner service.
Policy Brief No. 2:

Locating bereaved people within the coronial process

This paper makes the case for replacing the vague, overly broad goal of putting bereaved people ‘at the heart’ of the coroner service with more concrete commitments to improving treatment, and enhancing participation, of the bereaved.

Principles for Practice

The Voicing Loss Principles for Practice papers are for professionals and practitioners in the coronial sector. They identify good practice principles which support the overarching aim of putting humanity at the heart of the coronial process.

Principles for Practice No. 1:

Information and communication

The first Principles for Practice paper aims to improve provision of information to, and communication with, bereaved people throughout the coronial investigation and inquest process.
Principles for Practice No. 2:

Quality of interactions at inquest hearings

Principles for Practice No. 2 identifies three principles for improving the quality of interactions between professionals and bereaved people at inquest hearings: compassion, inclusion and sensitivity.
Principles for Practice No. 3:

Respecting and including the deceased person

Principles for Practice No. 3 promotes practice which respects and reflects the personhood of the deceased individual throughout the coronial process.