It was an immeasurable learning experience when I spent the day with Mr Graeme Hughes, His Majesty's Senior Coroner for South Wales Central Area, together with the High Sheriffs of South Glamorgan 2024 and Powys.
In what was a fascinating insight into the coronial system, I am grateful to Mr Hughes and all his staff for looking after us and explaining the detailed work of the Coroner.
The Coroner’s Office undertakes a massive remit that covers so many spheres of influence, it was difficult to comprehend the extreme challenges and volume of work that are undertaken.
Coroners investigate all deaths where: the cause is unknown; violent; unnatural or where the deceased has died whilst in state detention. Sensitivity is paramount and can be particularly difficult in a fact-based process, when overseeing the most sensitive of situations.
Nevertheless, the manner in which the coroner and his staff guided and supported families through these most difficult of circumstances was notable and reassuring.
Thank you once again to the Coroner’s Office for all you do in such a testing and high pressure environment.