At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Crown Court Clerk, ensuring court hearings run smoothly and efficiently.
- Company: Be part of HM Courts & Tribunals Service, delivering justice across England and Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, generous annual leave, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing a meaningful career in public service.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and IT proficiency are essential; public speaking experience is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working arrangements and occasional travel within the region.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 31000 ÂŁ per year.
General Information
Salary: £29,303 – £31,061
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Location: Bristol, South West region
Closing Date: 22-Jan-2026
Post Type: Permanent
Grade: Civil Service (EO)
Job ID: 13381
Job Description
Our Crown Court Clerks are essential to ensuring Crown Court hearings run smoothly. They possess the self‑assurance to speak in court, communicate confidently with the Judge and all participants, and the skill to produce accurate and timely Court documents. The Crown Court Clerk training programme provides a structured yet flexible approach to building the skills required for this vital role.
About Us
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family Courts and Tribunals in England and Wales. We support service users and colleagues to make life‑changing justice accessible. We look for individuals who are committed to public service and making a difference in people\’s lives.
About You
This position requires high emotional resilience, an understanding of sensitive issues, and a non‑judgemental approach to service users. You will be an active listener and confident communicator, able to speak publicly in court, liaising with the Judge, defense, prosecution, media, members of the public, and more, in a calm, professional manner.
As a team player you will work with the clerking team to ensure the smooth running of all Crown Courts sitting daily, intervene in court when required, and maximise judicial sitting time. Your experience in producing exact, time‑critical documentation and your focus will be key in taking verdicts, conducting arraignments, producing Court orders, and recording hearing outcomes accurately and efficiently.
Resilient, keen to learn, and able to multi‑task, you are familiar with working within process and have the IT skills to adapt to new systems and technologies as we continually invest in digital solutions.
Your Skills and Experience
- Ability to speak publicly and within a courtroom environment
- Excellent communication, organisational and prioritisation skills
- Ability to complete documents accurately and to deadlines
- IT proficiency with the ability to learn and adapt to different technologies and software packages
Roles include the opportunity to make a difference in delivery of justice and to develop your career in the Civil Service.
Please refer to the job description attachment for more information.
Find more information on our website: Crown court clerks – HM Courts & Tribunals Service.
Operational Details
New recruits to the Civil Service joining MoJ are expected to join at the band minimum.
These operational roles are customer‑facing and must be office‑based to provide HMCTS services to the public. Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week. We welcome part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns that meet the demands of the role and business needs and are agreed prior to appointment. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ Flexible Working policy.
Applications for part‑time working would be considered; however, due to the nature of the role the minimum days required would be 3 full days, including Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as mandatory working days.
Occasional Travel
Occasional travel across the South West region will be required for cover when needed.
Skilled Worker Visa
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas under current immigration rules. From 22 July 2025, the Government introduced changes to the Skilled Worker visa route. The department cannot consider sponsoring you for this role unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa prior to the 22 July 2025 changes. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously, please raise this during your vetting checks. Successful applicants must ensure they have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and the UK.
Hybrid Working
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites or from home (only in the UK). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
Benefits
Annual Leave
- 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service.
- Leave Purchase Scheme – ability to buy or sell up to three days leave each year.
- Additional paid time off for public holidays and one privilege day.
- Leave for part‑time and job‑share posts calculated on a pro‑rated basis.
Pension
- The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
- Extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
- Employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disability, caring responsibilities, women, and LGBTQ+ employees.
Support
- Family‑friendly policies: reduced hours or job share.
- Flexible benefits: voluntary benefits, retail vouchers, discounts.
- Childcare support: alternative government childcare schemes such as Tax‑Free Childcare. Eligibility can be checked at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
Recruitment is by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined by the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles. If you feel the recruitment process has breached these principles, you can raise a formal complaint in the following order:
- Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 – Monday to Friday 8 am‑6 pm)
- Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (contact details pending)
- Civil Service Commission (details available on GOV.UK)
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and workplace processes.
Request reasonable adjustments within the application form. For additional help with the form, contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent regardless of background. Learn more at the Civil Service People Plan and Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
Initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former Armed Forces members. Eligibility and details at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans.
Redeployment Interview Scheme
We explore redeployment opportunities before making any redundancy. Eligible candidates, regardless of promotion, are invited for interview unless applying on promotion.
Nationality Rules
- UK nationals
- Republic of Ireland nationals
- Commonwealth nationals with right to work in UK
- EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein nationals and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under EUSS
- EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein nationals with valid settlement application under EUSS
- Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 Dec 2020
- Turkish nationals and certain family members accrued right to work in Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules.
Reserve List
Reserve list up to 12 months for appointments to the same or similar roles.
Contact Information
MoJ:
Telephone: 0345 241 5359 (Mon‑Fri 8 am‑6 pm)
Reference: 13381
HMPPS:
Telephone: 0345 241 5358 (Mon‑Fri 8 am‑6 pm)
Reference: 13381
Job Description Attachment
- Crown Court Clerk Job Description.docx (Attachment)
Application Process
Application form stage assessments: Experience – Statement of Suitability (250 words). Interview stage assessments: Managing a Quality Service, Leadership, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace.
Interview dates: Beginning 12 Feb 2026 (face‑to‑face at Bristol Crown Court).
Security Checks: DBS Basic.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
AI can support your application, but all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate, and reflect your own experience. Plagiarism or AI‑generated content may lead to withdrawal of application.
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Crown Court Clerk employer: HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
Contact Detail:
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Crown Court Clerk
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the court system and the specific responsibilities of a Crown Court Clerk. Understanding the nuances of court procedures will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your public speaking skills, especially in formal settings. Since you'll be required to communicate confidently in court, consider joining a local speaking club or participating in mock court sessions to enhance your ability to articulate clearly under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former court clerks or legal professionals. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out in the application process. LinkedIn is a great platform for making these connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legal issues and developments within the justice system. This knowledge will not only prepare you for potential interview questions but also show your genuine interest in the field when discussing your motivations for applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Crown Court Clerk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and skills required for a Crown Court Clerk. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability: Use the 250-word limit wisely to showcase your relevant experience and skills. Focus on your ability to communicate effectively in court, manage documentation accurately, and work under pressure.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and application form, emphasise any previous roles that involved public speaking, document management, or working in a legal environment. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your competencies.
Prepare for Behavioural Questions: Anticipate behavioural interview questions related to leadership, communication, and delivering results. Prepare examples from your past experiences that illustrate your strengths in these areas.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
✨Show Your Confidence in Court
As a Crown Court Clerk, you'll need to communicate confidently in a courtroom setting. Practice speaking clearly and assertively about your experiences or hypothetical scenarios related to court proceedings. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the pressures of the role.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Accuracy is crucial in this position. Be prepared to discuss your experience with producing documents and managing time-sensitive tasks. Share specific examples where your attention to detail made a significant impact on your work.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
The role requires high emotional resilience due to the sensitive nature of court cases. Prepare to discuss how you've managed stressful situations in the past and how you maintain professionalism when faced with challenging issues.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Technology
Since the role involves adapting to new systems and technologies, be ready to talk about your IT skills. Mention any relevant software you've used and express your willingness to learn new tools that can enhance court operations.