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← The Coroners' Courts Support Service

2025-03-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT

1[st] APRIL 2024 – 31[st] MARCH 2025

Contents

Section Page
Chair’s Report 2
CEO’s Report 3-5
Hon. Treasurer’s Report 6
Financial Section 7-11
Volunteer Representatives’ Report 12-13
List of Current Courts and Coronial Areas at 31 March 2025 14
Report on Volunteer Activity Statistics 15-20
Helpline Statistics 21-22
Trustees and Staff 23
Grants and Donations 24

Page 1 of 25

Chair’s Report

This past year has been one of change, fresh energy, and real progress for CCSS.

Firstly, I would like to thank Chris Blue, who stepped down as Chair earlier this year for personal reasons. We wish Chris all the very best for the future.

We are pleased to report that our financial position has strengthened significantly in the year. Through careful management of costs and the generous support of our partners, we enter the new year on a far more stable and confident financial footing.

A particularly encouraging development has been the request from Barnet Coroners Court for us to reinstate the service. We are currently training a new cohort of dedicated volunteers, whose energy and commitment are a powerful reminder of the essential role volunteers play in delivering support and comfort to those facing the most difficult of days.

We are also thrilled to have a new partnership with RWK Goodman Solicitors. Their generous donation has given a real boost to our work, and it is a sign that there is greater recognition of the valuable service we offer.

It also gives me great pleasure to share that our founding member, Roey Burden, was nominated for a prestigious national award The Sternberg Active Life Award sponsored by the Times which recognises outstanding service in the charity sector by those over 70. This richly deserved nomination is a testament to Roey’s longstanding dedication to the CCSS since she founded it in 2003. Roey and I attended a reception for nominees held at 11 Downing Street, on April 29[th] , where whilst not winning the award Roey received a monetary prize which she has kindly donated to the CCSS. I am sure you will join me in wishing Roey our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes.

Looking ahead, we remain firmly committed to our mission and we are greatly encouraged by the progress we have made this year particularly in stabilising the finances as this enables us to grow the service in the future Thank you to all our supporters, staff, and volunteers for making this year such a positive one.

Acknowledgments

A big thank you to everyone who has played a part this year—our incredible staff and volunteers, my fellow trustees, our funders, sponsors, the Coroners, and of course, our Patrons, HHJ Mark Lucraft KC and Lady Emma Barnard.

This report really shows the strength, resilience, and commitment of everyone in the CCSS community. The Board remains positive about the future and is committed to guiding the organisation towards continued growth and impact.

Maggie Frost Interim Chair

Page 2 of 25

CEO Report

It is with a sense of optimism that I write this year's CEO report. Over the past 12 months, our organisation has continued to evolve, strengthen, and expand, thanks to the remarkable efforts of our staff, volunteers, and partners. We are now on a much more sustainable footing, both financially and operationally, and well-positioned to deliver our services more widely and effectively in the years ahead.

Strategic Overview

This year has been marked by clear strategic progress. We have strengthened our governance, invested in leadership development, and streamlined internal processes to better align with our long-term objectives. The Board approved a strategy focused on two key priorities:

  1. Expanding our reach to all coroners' courts

  2. Reviewing our fund-raising strategy to reduce reliance on Trusts and Foundations and to focus on developing income generation through corporate sponsorships, individual philanthropy and partnerships.

Financial Overview

This year has seen a significant improvement in our financial position, bringing greater stability and confidence as we look to the future. Our work with local authorities to secure increased fees has been highly successful. These efforts have resulted in more sustainable funding arrangements. We are grateful to all those involved in these negotiations, which have strengthened the foundation of our operations.

With this more secure financial footing, we are now exploring expanding our services into additional courts, in line with our long-term vision. This growth will allow us to reach more families and communities in need of our support while ensuring we can do so in a measured and financially responsible way.

We are actively planning the expansion of our service into those Coroners’ courts where we currently have no presence. We are in discussions with several Local Authorities and Coroners’ teams to scope this work. This will be a key priority for the coming year.

Priorities for the Coming Year

As we look to the coming year, our focus will be on sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and financial resilience ensuring that we can extend our impact while retaining our core values.

Volunteer Engagement

Our volunteers remain at the heart of everything we do, and this year we have continued to invest in training, communication, and support.

We successfully trained 68 volunteers strengthening our capacity to deliver consistent, compassionate support across the courts we serve.

Our commitment to continued engagement remains a priority, and we have maintained regular contact through our quarterly volunteer newsletter, which provides updates, celebrates successes, and keeps everyone informed of upcoming opportunities and developments.

Page 3 of 25

In addition, I hold my CEO Open Door sessions quarterly via Microsoft Teams. These informal sessions provide volunteers with a direct opportunity to hear organisational updates, raise questions, and share feedback. The response to these sessions has been positive, and we will continue to build on this open, two-way dialogue.

I am currently reviewing the role of our Volunteer Representatives and exploring ways to expand their remit to enhance their contribution to the organisation. Their insight and experience are invaluable, and there is potential to strengthen their involvement.

The demand for the Helpline service continues to grow and whilst complimentary to the court-based service it is proving to have gravitas as a stand-alone service.

During the year we have also provided support to two Public Inquiries those of Thirwell (Countess of Chester Hospital) and the Sturgess Inquiry (Salisbury Novichok poisoning). This has built on previous experience and is an area of potential growth for the charity as we look to the future. The value of the volunteers work to the Inquiries was acknowledged by the respective Chairs of the Inquiries.

We are incredibly grateful to all our volunteers for their dedication and commitment to the people and families we support.

Quote: “The support from your volunteers was exceptional. We couldn’t have faced the inquest without them.” – Family member

Building Corporate Partnerships

Collaboration continues to be essential to our success. Our strengthened relationship with RWK Goodman LLP continues to evolve into a meaningful corporate partnership, an example of how shared values can lead to sustained benefit. In the coming year we intend to explore opportunities to work in partnership with corporate sponsors, which has the potential to bring both financial support and added value through shared expertise, visibility, and mutual impact.

We are grateful for the sponsorships this year that have allowed us to upgrade our IT system and to start work on upgrading our website.

• Major IT Upgrade

Thanks to the expertise and professionalism of INTEGY, we have successfully completed a significant upgrade to our IT systems. Our new infrastructure is secure, up to date, and fit for purpose, giving our staff team the tools they need to work more effectively and ensuring we are well positioned to meet the growing demands of the service.

• Web Site Upgrade

The process of upgrading our website has begun, and work will continue into the next financial year. The current system is outdated, difficult to navigate, and no longer fit for purpose. In partnership with Dentons and RWK Goodman we are developing a new website that will be more user-friendly, accessible, and aligned with our strategic goals.

Page 4 of 25

These strategic developments reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and partnership. We are grateful to those who are walking this path with us.

F undraising

Fundraising is becoming increasingly challenging. Many charities are now competing for the same limited funding opportunities, and the traditional routes, particularly through trusts and foundations, have significantly reduced. We recognise the critical importance of diversifying our income streams. Over the coming year, we will take a more creative and strategic approach to fundraising, seeking out new opportunities and exploring alternative methods of fundraising. This includes:

In closing, I extend my thanks to our Trustees, volunteers, partners, funders, staff, and to the Coronial teams and Local Authorities with which we work. Our collective achievements this year give us a strong platform from which to grow, innovate, and support more families at a time of their greatest need.

Angela Geer

CEO

Page 5 of 25

HON. TREASURER’S REPORT

For the Period 1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025

Our annual accounts show reserves have reduced even though we operated more efficiently in cost terms than last year. However, deferred recognition of cash income already received means that we continue to have the funding available to sustain our services.

Income

During the year, we received £213,700 from private donations and local authorities. A list of donors is included in our Annual Report and I thank all our donors for their continued support. This support is especially important because we continue to provide our services without any central government support.

Expenditure

Total costs for the year were £263,388. This includes expenditure of £203,309 on staffing and £31,275 on volunteer recruitment, training and expenses. This is the second year in succession that we have incurred lower costs than in the previous year.

Summary

We begin the new financial year with restricted reserves of £15,496, total reserves of £54,634 and cash of £150,190. We continue to seek opportunities to provide our services to more courts, and more efficiently given fundraising challenges while seeking new sources of funding.

Once again, I thank Margaret Bayman for her continuing support with our financial reporting and our team and volunteers for their hard work this year.

Chris Peaker, Hon. Treasurer

Page 6 of 25

Charity Number 1105899

THE CORONERS’ COURTS SUPPORT SERVICE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Page 7 of 25

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of The Coroners’ Court Support Service

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on the pages following this report.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records.

It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters.

The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

Karen Bunyan FCCA Hargreaves Owen Ltd Red Sky House Fairclough Hall Halls Green Weston Herts, SG4 7DP

The date upon which my opinion is expressed is: 20[th] August 2025

Page 8 of 25

THE CORONERS' COURTS SUPPORT SERVICE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025

Charity No: 1105899

Incoming resources
Notes
Donations
2
Local authorities
Income tax recovered
Interest received
Other
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Staff costs
3
Volunteer recruitment
Volunteer training
Volunteer expenses
4
Fundraising costs
Accountancy
Administration
Insurance
Marketing costs
Helpline costs
Independent examiner's fee
Bank charges
Total resources expended
Net incoming resources
Brought forward
Total funds		 31st March 2025
31st March 2024
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
£
£
26,635
10,112
36,747
51,873
6,150
58,023
169,343
0
169,343
155,648
0
155,648
858
0
858
582
0
582
2,632
0
2,632
6,527
0
6,527
4,120
0
4,120
0
0
0
203,588
10,112
213,700
214,630
6,150
220,780
203,309
0
203,309
197,493
10,921
208,414
28
0
28
310
0
310
1,185
2,114
3,299
4,908
78
4,986
27,948
0
27,948
34,135
173
34,308
2,480
0
2,480
19,604
0
19,604
11,064
0
11,064
11,040
0
11,040
7,762
0
7,762
11,964
2,203
14,167
2,612
0
2,612
2,372
0
2,372
819
0
819
823
0
823
3,394
0
3,394
33
2,864
2,897
336
0
336
324
0
324
337
0
337
285
0
285
261,274
2,114
263,388
283,291
16,239
299,530
(57,686)
7,998
(49,688)
(68,661)
(10,089)
(78,750)
96,824
7,498
104,322
165,485
17,587
183,072
£39,138
£15,496
£54,634
£96,824
£7,498
£104,322

The attached notes form part of these accounts.

Page 9 of 25

THE CORONERS' COURTS SUPPORT SERVICE Charity No: 1105899 BALANCE SHEET

as at 31st MARCH 2025

Notes st March 2025 st March 2025 31st March 2024 31st March 2024
£ £ £ £
Current assets
Debtors 5 3,931 5,402
Cash at bank and in hand 150,190 173,762
154,121 179,164
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 6 1,661 1,544
Deferred income 97,826 73,298
99,487 74,842
Net current assets 54,634 104,322
Net assets £54,634 £104,322
Funds
General funds 7 39,138 96,824
Restricted funds 15,496 7,498
£54,634 £104,322

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by :

CJ Peaker

Trustee

Page 10 of 25

Charity No: 1105899

THE CORONERS' COURTS SUPPORT SERVICE NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

a The financial statements have been prepared on the accruals basis and in accordance with the Charities Act 2022.

b Restricted funds have been allocated to the period to which they relate and costs allocated to each particular fund.

c Unrestricted funds are incoming resources received without specified purpose and are available as general funds.

d Donations are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when received.

e No provision for taxation is included in the financial statements as the Charity is entitled to exemption under section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

**2 ** Donations over £5,000 31st March 2025 31st March 2024
£ £
Smith Brothers 0 0
Norwich Crematorium and Memorial Group 10,000 0
£10,000 £0
**3 ** Staff costs and numbers 31st March 2025 31st March 2024
£ £
Salary 185,501 183,512
Social security costs 13,624 13,107
Pension costs 2,834 2,065
Staff travel 0 1,719
Other costs 0 8,011
£201,958 £208,414

There were 7 employees in the year (2024 = 8).

None of the Trustees was directly or indirectly remunerated in any way.

4 Volunteer expenses

It is the policy of the Charity to reimburse expenses properly incurred by its volunteers in connection with its charitable activities. During the year, the total reimbursed to volunteers in respect of travel and sundry costs amounted to £31,275 (2024 = £39,604), which included £0 to trustees (2024 = £0).

**5 ** Debtors 31st March 31st March 2025 31st March 2024 31st March 2024
£ £
Expenditure prepayments 0 3,275
Accrued income 0 1,413
Income tax repayment 0 582
Other debtors 0 132
£0 £5,402
**6 ** Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 31st March 2025 31st March 2024
£ £
Expenditure accruals 0 1,544
Other creditors 0 0
£0 £1,544

7 Reserves policy

Our unrestricted reserves reflect the need to sustain our commitment to the courts where we currently operate and provide our services to new courts, when the courts cannot be funded from restricted reserves.

Page 11 of 25

Volunteer Representatives’ Report

Areas covered: London, South and East, the Northwest, North East, Central, South and West and Wales

A Year of Stability and Growth

This year has been marked by stability across our volunteer teams and continued growth in the Representative network.

“Volunteers feel settled, supported, and valued in their courts.”

Strengthening the Volunteer Representative Team

New Appointments:

We now have a complete team of Regional Representatives, enabling regular meetings with the Chief Executive and the chance to embed the new Volunteer Representative Role Specification.

“A full complement of Representatives strengthens our voice nationally.”

Supporting and Retaining Volunteers

Low Turnover : Exit interviews were at their lowest levels in years — a strong sign that volunteers feel settled, supported, and valued in their courts.

Communication : Lead Volunteers remain central to smooth operations. Regular email contact continues to work well and ensures quick resolution of queries.

Stability : No significant issues were raised by court teams or individual volunteers across the regions.

“Lead Volunteers remain central to smooth operations.”

Training and Development

Induction Training: Volunteer Representatives remain involved in training at an early stage of their volunteering experience. The training gives volunteers an insight into court attendance, the Helpline and TSS service.

Collaboration: We are grateful to Julie Wood, who continues to contribute her knowledge and support in training sessions even after stepping down as a Regional Representative.

Positive Impact: New volunteers report that these sessions build both confidence and understanding of their role.

“Training builds both confidence and understanding.”

Looking Ahead

With a stronger Volunteer Representative team, we are well placed to:

Page 12 of 25

Our Thanks

We extend our sincere appreciation to all volunteers across the regions. Your commitment, professionalism, and dedication remain the cornerstone of the service’s success.

Volunteer Representatives 2025

John Pattinson – North West

Ruth Pressley - London, South & East

Juliet Johnson – Central South and West and Wales

Julia Bennet - North East

Page 13 of 25

Courts and Coronial Areas with a CCSS Presence

Court Coronial Area Flax Bourton Avon Ampthill Bedfordshire & Luton Reading Berkshire Blackpool Blackpool & Fylde Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire Huntingdon & Peterborough Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Warrington Cheshire Brighton City of Brighton & Hove Liverpool City of Liverpool & Wirral Sunderland City of Sunderland Truro Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Crook County Durham & Darlington Coventry Coventry Bournemouth Dorset Walthamstow East London (service temporarily suspended) Chelmsford Essex Exeter, Plymouth County of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Newport Gwent Hatfield Hertfordshire St. Pancras, Poplar Inner London North Southwark Inner London South Maidstone Kent – Mid Kent & Medway Leicester Leicester City & South Leicestershire Lincoln, Boston Lincolnshire Stockport Manchester South Milton Keynes Milton Keynes Newcastle upon Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne Norwich Norfolk Northampton Northamptonshire Morpeth Northumberland Northallerton North Yorks (service temporarily suspended) Cleethorpes, Scunthorpe & Grimsby North Lincolnshire & Grimsby Nottingham Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire Barnet Outer North London Oxford Oxfordshire Shrewsbury Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Taunton Somerset Croydon South London Stafford South Staffordshire Stoke on Trent Stoke on Trent & North Staffordshire Ipswich Suffolk Woking Surrey Fulham West London Horsham West Sussex Bradford West Yorkshire (West)

Page 14 of 25

Volunteer Activity Report 2024/2025

At the close of the 2024/25 financial year, statistical data was received from 42 Coronial areas across England and Wales. Notably, services at Northallerton and Middlesbrough Courts were suspended earlier in the year, while Taunton Court commenced operations in August 2024.

Despite these changes, overall activity levels have continued to show a modest upward trend. The suspension of Northallerton— a historically high-volume court—is likely to have contributed to reduced figures in certain regions.

Year-on-Year Comparison (2023/24 vs. 2024/25)

Comprehensive data is available in the accompanying charts, which detail monthly activity levels and breakdowns by individual Coronial area.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all our volunteers who diligently submit monthly returns. Your commitment to collecting and sharing local data is invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Robina Bush May 2025

Page 15 of 25

CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025 Year End Totals

CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025
Year End Totals		 CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025
Year End Totals		 CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025
Year End Totals		 CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025
Year End Totals		 CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025
Year End Totals		 CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025
Year End Totals		 CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025
Year End Totals		 CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025
Year End Totals		 CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025
Year End Totals		 CORONERS' COURT SUPPORT SERVICE MONTHLY STATISTICS 2024/2025
Year End Totals
Sittings Volunteer
Attendances		 Openings PIRs Inquests Family Friends Witnesses Others Total
Individuals
Supported		 Signposted
CCSS Helpline		 Signposted
Other
Amphtill 120 139 3 18 153 495 14 208 502 1232 1 1
Beaconsfield 99 115 0 68 254 626 113 90 381 1210 0 0
Blackpool 171 322 10 61 139 642 64 265 396 1367 9 2
Bournemouth 159 241 0 3 173 579 58 219 28 884 200 91
Bradford 259 188 4 36 394 1352 188 572 1099 3211 1 39
Brighton 68 70 0 14 128 332 47 44 64 487 2 0
Cannock 71 94 0 2 148 343 7 172 300 832 0 0
Chelmsford 200 201 0 4 146 865 50 469 238 1622 2 1
City of London 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0
Coventry 112 198 16 4 119 418 65 153 376 1012 41 20
Crook 197 339 23 67 318 1050 128 278 676 2132 12 157
Croydon 148 147 3 26 193 624 44 54 64 786 30 19
Exeter 164 274 0 6 302 891 147 139 63 1240 54 18
Flax Bourton 180 181 21 14 263 730 88 161 33 1012 13 45
Fulham 229 204 1 11 146 647 53 407 600 1707 0 4
Hatfield 162 162 0 1 245 731 90 286 146 1253 0 0
Horsham 156 157 5 12 187 615 90 93 181 979 52 2
Huntingdon 64 55 0 10 56 223 17 41 33 314 1 4
Ipswich 142 148 2 13 150 483 87 224 213 1007 3 6
Leicester 88 149 0 11 72 255 16 236 982 1498 0 0
Lincoln 32 41 0 0 32 87 7 6 9 109 12 0
Liverpool 244 273 0 15 204 616 118 210 663 1607 0 2
Maidstone 132 149 6 33 347 1101 104 152 201 1558 79 28
Middlesborough* 6 8 0 0 5 39 4 29 62 134 0 2
Milton Keynes 75 140 0 6 68 239 49 102 491 881 0 0
Morpeth 74 125 0 0 62 185 36 239 286 746 23 18
Newcastle 97 147 0 3 105 329 42 274 541 1186 1 1
Newport 60 67 0 3 53 58 3 44 11 116 4 5
Northallerton** 44 55 1 3 54 195 14 54 188 451 9 16
Northampton 105 170 4 5 273 565 90 283 248 1186 49 43

Page 16 of 25

Sittings Volunteer
Attendances		 Openings PIRs Inquests Family Friends Witnesses Others Total
Individuals
Supported		 Signposted
CCSS Helpline
Norwich 213 320 8 36 406 1046 159 204 678 2087 25
Oxford 124 138 0 5 180 488 97 48 53 686 0
Plymouth 26 27 0 0 31 106 16 24 22 168 0
Reading 269 284 67 36 292 868 140 256 537 1801 41
Shrewsbury 71 134 2 12 143 412 70 66 324 872 5
St. Pancras 144 135 9 10 101 447 81 318 484 1330 0
Southwark 118 126 0 3 175 546 88 43 62 739 5
Stockport 204 205 9 71 336 1205 125 482 559 2371 23
Stoke on Trent 125 150 21 22 380 1015 93 394 520 2022 9
Sunderland 22 28 0 3 19 65 11 36 86 197 0
*Taunton 71 84 0 3 19 64 11 36 86 197 0
Truro 178 299 0 3 200 562 115 143 273 1093 0
Warrington 364 317 47 50 356 947 54 680 1419 3100 1
Woking 228 177 7 39 254 747 66 11 12 836 33
* Middlesborough suspended 2 months into the year.
** Northallerton suspended 4 months into the year
*** Taunton commenced service August 24

Page 17 of 25

Court Si ngs vs Volunteer

A endances

Page 18 of 25

CORONERS COURT SUPPORT SERVICE STATISTICS 2024/2025

CORONERS COURT SUPPORT SERVICE STATISTICS 2024/2025 CORONERS COURT SUPPORT SERVICE STATISTICS 2024/2025 CORONERS COURT SUPPORT SERVICE STATISTICS 2024/2025 CORONERS COURT SUPPORT SERVICE STATISTICS 2024/2025 CORONERS COURT SUPPORT SERVICE STATISTICS 2024/2025 CORONERS COURT SUPPORT SERVICE STATISTICS 2024/2025 CORONERS COURT SUPPORT SERVICE STATISTICS 2024/2025 CORONERS COURT SUPPORT SERVICE STATISTICS 2024/2025 CORONERS COURT SUPPORT SERVICE STATISTICS 2024/2025
Sittings Volunteer
Attendances		 Openings PIRs Inquests Family Friends Witnesses Others Total
Supported		 Signposted
Helpline		 Signposted
Other		 Total since
2003
April 597 742 19 67 762 2376 330 930 1672 5308 74 76
May 548 646 33 44 686 2132 221 737 1377 4467 83 81
June 473 569 14 62 634 2104 266 682 1030 4082 90 132
July 494 565 27 69 694 2098 245 672 1081 4096 44 45
August 418 491 20 47 647 1845 188 531 704 3268 79 77
September 476 566 15 70 590 1757 253 728 1101 3839 63 52
October 571 683 22 73 740 2384 299 798 1539 5020 84 62
November 443 542 17 64 611 1797 233 658 1135 3823 63 46
December 354 433 16 41 490 1613 215 469 880 3177 51 41
January 489 581 21 64 638 1993 267 704 1350 4314 81 44
February 482 576 33 79 580 1957 244 689 1130 4020 36 35
March 502 607 32 74 688 2101 215 687 1195 4198 51 71
Total 5847 7001 269 754 7760 24157 2976 8285 14194 49612 799 762 575612
23/24 Total 5553 7012 222 729 7728 23254 2931 7522 12264 46670 634 697 526000

Page 19 of 25

Key Trends Total Supported 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 ////// Page 20 of 25

Helpline Statistics April 2024 to March 2025

Key Insights 2024/2025

1. Stable helpline demand

The total number of callers to the helpline for the year ending March 2025 was 2,672, very similar to last year’s figure of 2,666.

2. Geographic reach across England

Calls were received regarding deaths in every county in England. The highest volumes came from:

This distribution often reflects how actively individual courts signpost our service, as well as the visibility of our number on court websites (sometimes more prominent than the courts own contact details).

3. London coronial areas

We received calls from every London coronial area. The highest came from:

4. Calls relating to Wales, Scotland and Ireland

5. Unknown coronial areas

Around one third of calls did not disclose a coronial area. These are usually linked to email communications, callers reluctant to share details, or situations where the caller ends the call once they have the information needed. In many cases it would also be inappropriate to probe further, particularly when the caller is distressed.

Page 21 of 25

6. Diverse range of callers

As in previous years, callers included family and friends of the deceased, witnesses, jurors, professionals (legal, medical, support organisations, insurers, MPs’ assistants, Embassy staff), as well as others affected by deaths such as landlords, care home staff and funeral directors. While most callers are UKbased, we also continue to receive calls from Europe, the USA, Australia and elsewhere.

7. Media interest

Anecdotally, we have seen an increase in calls from journalists. Although not formally recorded, these require careful handling to protect the reputation of the charity.

8. Growth in email and voicemail contacts

9. Types of enquiries

10. Referrals and boundaries

Page 22 of 25

Trustees & Staff

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

01.04.24 – 31.03.25

Maggie Frost Chairman & Trustee

Dr. Chris Peaker

Hon. Treasurer & Trustee

Roey Burden Kim Chudley Founder Trustee Trustee Wesley Lau Nicolas Gibbon Trustee Trustee

Derek Winter – Advisor – Deputy Chief Coroner & Senior Coroner for the City of Sunderland

STAFF

Angela Geer Sandra Weldon Chief Executive Officer Regional Director South Gwen Wild Kerry Gracie Regional Director North Executive Assistant

Jane Irvine Administrator

Margaret Bayman Financial Administrator

Page 23 of 25

🌟 GRANTS & DONATIONS

To the Coroners’ Courts Support Service

1[st] of April 2024 – 31[st] of March 2025

💙 TRUSTS, FOUNDATIONS & CORPORATE SPONSORS

🙌 DONATED EXPENSES FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS

Our volunteers not only give their time, compassion and energy, but many also generously donate expenses back to the charity. This kindness directly strengthens the support we can provide.

🌹 PRIVATE DONORS

To all our private donors, though we cannot list each name, every contribution is valued. Your generosity ensures families receive care and support at one of the most difficult times in their lives.

✨ Together, we are making a difference. ✨

Page 24 of 25