A Career in Registration

There are no set entry requirements, but you’ll need a good general standard of education and excellent customer service, public speaking and IT skills.

You might get this type of experience working at managerial level in a registrar’s department, local council or private sector company.

You could start as a deputy registrar and with experience and on-the-job training, progress to a registrar position. You may also be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship.  Each local authority sets its own entry requirements – check with them for details.

Doctors, midwives, ministers of religion, funeral directors and anyone working in the life assurance industry are not allowed to become registrars.

It is recommended that you contact your local authority who will be able to advise of any possible training or jobs that are available.

You’ll need:

• the ability to relate to people from all backgrounds and cultures
• tact, patience, empathy, to deal with people who may be distressed
• the ability to understand and apply rules and laws
• clear and accurate handwriting
• the ability to work under pressure
• administrative skills

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• interviewing parents and relatives after a birth or death
• completing computerised and paper records
• issuing birth or death certificates
• informing the coroner of suspicious circumstances surrounding a death
• collecting statistics to send to the General Register Office
• taking payment for copies of certificates
• keeping accurate records
• performing civil ceremonies