New protocol for legal professionals wishing to raise concerns informally about coroner behaviour

The Courts and Tribunals Judiciary has introduced a new protocol allowing legal professionals to raise informal concerns about coroner behavior, mirroring the judiciary's existing informal resolution protocol for judicial behavior. The protocol provides an alternative route for addressing minor issues, promoting professionalism and respect within the coroner service. It does not replace the formal complaints process but rather serves as a means of early and constructive resolution.

The Chief Coroner has issued a new protocol for legal professionals to raise informal concerns about coroner behavior in England and Wales. This development follows the Lady Chief Justice and Senior President of Tribunals' introduction of an equivalent protocol for judicial behavior earlier this year. The new protocol aims to promote professionalism, respect, and confidence within the coroner service by providing a means of addressing minor issues informally.

The judiciary has been working to establish informal resolution protocols for concerns about both judicial and coroner behavior. The Lady Chief Justice and Senior President of Tribunals issued a protocol in [insert timeframe] setting out an informal resolution route for legal professionals with concerns about judges' behavior. This move was part of the judiciary's efforts to promote professionalism, respect, and confidence within the court service. Similarly, the Chief Coroner has now introduced a protocol for coroner behavior, which is available on the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website.

The introduction of this new protocol reflects the judiciary's commitment to promoting professionalism and respect within the coroner service. By providing an informal route for addressing minor concerns, the protocol aims to prevent more serious issues from arising and promote a positive working relationship between legal professionals and coroners. However, it is essential to note that the protocol does not replace the formal complaints process. More serious concerns or instances where concerns remain after attempting informal resolution should continue to be referred to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO). The protocol's effectiveness will depend on its implementation and whether it leads to a reduction in formal complaints.

The new protocol for legal professionals wishing to raise concerns informally about coroner behavior is an important development in promoting professionalism, respect, and confidence within the coroner service. Practitioners should familiarize themselves with the protocol and consider using it as an alternative route for addressing minor issues. However, they must remain aware that the formal complaints process remains available for more serious concerns or instances where informal resolution fails.