The Chief Coroner has made an important update to how Prevention of Future Death (PFD) reports are displayed on the judiciary website.

Until now, PFDs were assigned broad categories when published. Following improvements to this website, users can now search the full text of PFDs using specific words or phrases. This enhanced search function provides a clearer, more accurate way for the public and organisations to find the information they need.

Because of these improvements, the Chief Coroner will no longer categorise PFD reports. Instead, all reports will be fully searchable.

This change reflects the fact that coroners are judicial office holders. Their role is to issue PFDs where required by law, not to classify them or to carry out thematic or policy analysis. Once published, the use of learning from PFDs is a matter for government departments and other relevant bodies.

To support transparency, the Chief Coroner now also publishes, twice a year, the names of organisations that have not responded to a PFD report within the statutory timescale. This helps ensure it is clear when a response has not been received.

A Prevention of Future Death report is intended to promote action and prevent further loss of life. It is not a criticism or a badge of dishonour.

The Chief Coroner remains committed to ensuring that PFDs are accessible, searchable, and available to assist those working to prevent future deaths.

The post Update on categorisation of Prevention of Future Death (PFD) reports appeared first on Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.

https://www.judiciary.uk/update-on-categorisation-of-prevention-of-future-death-pfd-reports/