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Registrars collect and record the details of all births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships in their area. They may also perform marriage and civil partnership ceremonies at register offices and other venues.

Their main duties include:

• interviewing parents and relatives after a birth or a death
• filling in computer and paper records and issuing birth or death certificates
• informing the coroner or procurator fiscal if there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding a death
• collecting statistics to send to the Office of the Register General
• taking payment for copies of certificates
• keeping accurate records.

Registrars regularly use computers to record information, and also deal with a lot of paperwork. The registration process is being modernised and computers are being used much more.

Hours and Environment

Registrars normally work 37 hours a week, including some weekends and bank holidays. They may also work on call outside of normal office hours. Part-time work may be available.

Registrars are office-based and interview people mainly by appointment. In remote parts of Scotland, some registrars are based in their own home or local post office.

Registrars may attend marriages in many different types of location, such as hotels, stately homes and civic buildings.

Skills and Interests

To be a registrar, you should:

• be able to deal tactfully and discreetly with people from all backgrounds and cultures
• communicate well and be able to get accurate information from people, sometimes in emotional circumstances
• understand and be able to apply relevant rules and laws
• have clear and accurate handwriting
• be able to complete detailed forms and accounts
• work well both alone and as part of a team
• be able to work under pressure
• be patient and helpful
• have some computer skills and be able to deal with money and accounts.

Entry

England and Wales
There are no minimum entry qualifications, but you may have an advantage with some GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) or equivalent qualifications, including English and maths. You cannot become a registrar if your job could cause a conflict of interest – professions which are barred include:

• doctors
• midwives
• ministers of religion
• funeral directors
• anyone working in the life assurance industry.

Scotland
You must have at least three GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) or equivalent, including English. You must be aged 18 or over to be an assistant registrar, and 21 or over to be a registrar.

Wherever you are in the UK, you must be computer literate and have experience of dealing with a wide range of people. You may find it useful to have some experience of public speaking. A driving licence is also useful.

Training

Training in England and Wales is organised by the General Register Office. In Scotland it is organised by the General Register Office for Scotland. You will be trained on the job in registration law and procedures. You may also be trained in customer care and dealing with bereavement.

In England and Wales, you can take the Registrar General’s Certificate of Competence in Registration Law and Practice.

In Scotland, you can take the Registration Certificate of Proficiency after gaining at least two years’ experience.

Opportunities

There are about 1,750 full- and part-time registrars in England and Wales, and around 400 in Scotland.

Registrars are employed by local authorities but are responsible to the Registrar General or the General Register Office for Scotland. Jobs may be advertised in the local press, in Jobcentre Plus offices and on local authority websites and job bulletins.

Promotion in England and Wales is from assistant registrar to deputy registrar, then to registrar and superintendent. Each district has at least one superintendent registrar and deputy, and each sub district has a registrar and deputy. In Scotland, there are two grades only: assistant registrar and registrar.

With the increase in civil ceremonies, there may be more opportunities for registrars to be employed to conduct marriages or civil funerals only (sometimes known as celebrants). These jobs are often part-time and may be seasonal.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Assistant full-time registrars usually start on around £16,000 to £17,000 a year.
Superintendent registrars can expect to earn £18,000 to £27,000 a year.
Senior registrars may earn up to £40,000 a year.

Further information

New Register House
3 West Street
Edinburgh
EH1 3YT
Tel: 0131 314 4467

Trafalgar Road
Southport
PR8 2HH
Tel: 0151 471 4805