In January 2025, the Chief Coroner’s Guidance for Coroners on the Bench was published and formally released online. Known as the Bench Guidance, it replaces the 2015 Bench Book and provides coroners and inquest practitioners with a comprehensive and practical guide to coronial law and procedure.

While not binding, it holds the same status as the Chief Coroner’s existing guidance notes and law sheets. However, where inconsistencies exist between those and the Bench Guidance, the Bench Guidance will take precedence. It is intended to be a “live document” that will be updated over time.

Eighteen guidance notes have so far been incorporated into the Bench Guidance. These are Notes 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 21, 22, 25, 27, 29, 40, 41, 42 and 44. The remaining guidance notes continue to apply, unless and until they are formally withdrawn or incorporated.

Several changes are of particular relevance to practitioners. Coroners are now expected to record the full name the deceased was known by at the time of their death. The decision will be based on the evidence, and the coroner should consider the deceased’s wishes and values. Coroners are asked to note that to reveal the earlier name of a person with a gender recognition certificate could amount to a criminal offence under s.22 GRA 2004.

The Bench Guidance also addresses language used at inquests. Terms such as “committed suicide” should no longer be used due to the implication of criminality. The preferred phrase is “died by suicide.” Other outdated or insensitive terms are also discouraged, particularly those that reduce a person to a condition or diagnosis.

Families must be given a genuine choice about whether an inquest proceeds on written evidence alone. The Bench Guidance states that families should not be pressured into agreeing to this format. Where an inquest proceeds on the papers, a pen portrait may still be submitted to ensure the individual is acknowledged, even when no oral evidence is heard.

The Bench Guidance also makes clear that family members each hold individual rights as Interested Persons and are not required to act as a single group. Legal representatives should therefore state clearly which specific person or persons they represent, rather than referring to their client simply as “the family”.

In addition, where an organisation has been granted Interested Person status as a result of an employee’s acts or omissions, that employee will usually be entitled to IP status in their own right. This entitlement does not depend on any conflict of interest, and organisations should ensure that affected employees are made aware of their rights and supported appropriately.

Submissions or correspondence of substance made to the coroner must be served on all other Interested Persons at the same time as they are filed. This is the responsibility of the person making the submission, not the coroner’s officer. A standard witness statement template has also been introduced at Appendix 4.2 of the Bench Guidance.

Finally, the Bench Guidance offers clarification on evidence relating to Prevention of Future Deaths. It confirms that it is unusual for such evidence to be heard by the coroner alone after the jury has retired. Instead, all evidence should usually be heard before the jury.

For practitioners, the Bench Guidance offers a clearer structure, greater consistency and up-to-date guidance across all aspects of coronial work.

What’s Next?

  • The Bench Guidance is a “live” document—new chapters (like one on Article 2 inquests) are expected.
  • Practitioners should check regularly for updates via the Judiciary website.

Key Takeaways for Practitioners

  • Treat the Guidance as a primary reference, particularly where older guidance is silent or unclear.
  • Ensure correspondence and legal applications are shared transparently with all IPs.
  • Emphasise respectful, person-first language and clear communication with families.
  • Family members each hold individual rights as Interested Persons and are not required to act as a single group