Coroners in England and Wales are independent judicial officers who investigate violent, unnatural and unexplained deaths, and deaths in prison or other forms of state detention. Every year, around 200,000 deaths are reported to the coroner, and well over 30,000 inquests are held. The Voicing Loss project has examined the role of bereaved people in coroners’ investigations and inquests. The researchers conducted interviews with bereaved people, coronial professionals and witnesses, in addition to reviewing law, policy and existing research. 

On their website, you will find research papers and policy and practice briefings based on the Voicing Loss research. The website also provides general information about coroners’ investigations and inquests, links to related resources, and a series of Expert Insights authored by leading professionals and others with in-depth knowledge and diverse experiences of the coroner service.

The team have produced a summary of key findings of the Voicing Loss research, three thematic papers, and an outline of the research context – including the existing knowledge base – and methodology. We hope that our research papers will be of interest to anyone who has personal, professional or academic involvement in the coroner service or wants to know more about it.