Crown Court Clerk in Guildford

Proud to Serve. Proud to keep justice going. Our Crown Court Clerks are essential to ensure Crown Court hearings run smoothly. They have 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. Our Crown Court Clerk training programme provides a structured yet flexible approach to building the skills required to perform 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. Our roles support our service users and colleagues within HMCTS, where people and businesses access potentially life‑changing justice. We’re looking for individuals who are committed to public service and making a difference in people’s lives to deliver justice.

About you: This is a unique position at the heart of justice. It requires high emotional resilience, along with the ability to understand and be sensitive to many, sometimes difficult, issues and take a non‑judgemental approach to our service users. You’re an active listener and confident communicator; able to speak publicly in court, with the self‑assurance to confidently liaise with the Judge, the defence, prosecution, media, members of the public and more, regarding complex and sensitive matters in a calm and professional manner. A real team player, working with the clerking team, you’ll ensure the smooth running of all the Crown Courts sitting daily, able to intervene in Court when required and maximise judicial sitting time. With experience in producing exact and time‑critical documentation, your ability to focus will be key in taking verdicts, conducting arraignments, producing Court orders and recording hearing outcomes accurately and efficiently. Resilient, keen to learn and the ability to multi‑task, you’re familiar with working within process and have the IT skills to adapt to new systems and technologies as we’re constantly investing in digital solutions to improve the way we deliver the justice people deserve in today’s world.

Your skills and experience:

• Able to speak publicly and within a court room environment.
• Excellent communication, organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to complete documents accurately and to deadlines.
• IT proficient with the ability to learn and adapt to different technologies and software packages.

Working arrangements and hours: Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week. HMCTS welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns where they 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’s Flexible Working policy. Applications for part‑time working would be considered however due to the nature of the role the minimum hours would be 30 hours per week over full days. Occasional travel to local courts may be required for coverage when needed. This role can only be worked in the UK.

Skilled Worker Visa: This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the current immigration rules.

Nationality: This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals, Nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020, Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.

Benefits: The MoJ offers a range of benefits. Annual leave is 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service. Scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part‑time and job‑share posts will be calculated on a pro‑rata basis. Pension – The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best. Training – The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities. Networks – Opportunity to join employee‑run networks that provide advice and support and enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed directly to senior management. Networks include those for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. Support – Family‑friendly policies such as reduced hours or job share. Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services. Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave. Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.