At a Glance
- Tasks: Support court operations and assist the public with their legal needs.
- Company: Join HM Courts and Tribunals Service, a vital part of the UK justice system.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Five positions available with potential for part-time and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and strong communication abilities are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 € per year.
Fixed Term, Detached Duty, Loan, Permanent
Number of jobs available: 5
Reserve List: 12 Months
Job ID: 17278
Descriptions meeting members of the public, which may include vulnerable witnesses, and their legal representatives. Preparing court/hearing rooms, as well as ensuring the court runs efficiently.
Your knowledge, skills and experience:
- Customer service skills; ability to work in a service-led customer-facing environment.
- Digital and administrative skills; with excellent attention to detail.
- Communication and organisational skills.
- Able to communicate confidently in person, over the telephone, digitally and in written communications.
- Resilience and empathy to be able to deal with sensitive information and situations.
- A team player; able to work collaboratively and flexibly to deliver business objectives.
Lead Criterion: Statement of Suitability. A sift based on the statement of suitability may be held if a large number of applications are received.
These operational roles are customer facing, requiring successful applicants to be office based to provide HMCTS services to the public.
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.
For the full-time roles: 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 5 days.
There are five posts available:
- Preston County Court (PR1 2LL) 1 x permanent full-time role (37 hours per week)
- Preston Crown Court (PR1 2LL) 1 x FTC part-time role (30 hours per week)
Fixed Term Appointments (MoJ Staff): Before applying, employees must seek approval from their line managers to ensure they can be released for the duration of the FTA and can return to their substantive role at the end. If there is no role available at the end of the FTA, the employee will be subject to redeployment and potentially redundancy procedures.
Loans: The terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return. Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis should be obtained before commencing the application process.
Skilled Worker Visa: This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the 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 such a visa continuously, please raise this during your vetting checks and eligibility will be assessed in accordance with the immigration rules and transitional provisions in place. If you have not held a Skilled Worker visa prior to the 22 July 2025 changes, you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK in light of these changes.
Successful applicants must ensure they have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom.
Operational Support Officer employer: Ministry of Justice
As an Operational Support Officer with HMCTS, you will be part of a dedicated team that values customer service and collaboration in a dynamic court environment. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our flexible working arrangements, allowing for part-time and job-sharing options, while also providing opportunities for professional growth within the Civil Service. Located in Preston, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises resilience and empathy, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on HMCTS and its values. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on showcasing your customer service skills and how you handle sensitive situations with empathy.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and appropriate for the role. A smart outfit can boost your confidence and set the right tone for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:When writing your application, keep in mind that we’re looking for someone who can handle customer-facing roles with empathy and resilience. Tailor your language to reflect an understanding of the sensitive nature of the work and show us you can communicate effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to showcase your customer service skills and any digital or administrative experience you have. We want to see how your attention to detail and organisational skills will help us run our court efficiently.
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability:This is your chance to shine! Use the statement of suitability to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Be specific about your experiences and how they align with the job description. Remember, a strong statement can make all the difference!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of an Operational Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the court environment and the importance of customer service in this role. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your customer service skills and any experience dealing with sensitive situations. Prepare examples that demonstrate your resilience and empathy, as these are crucial for handling vulnerable witnesses. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Practice Communication
Since communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to explain how you would handle a difficult situation or communicate with a member of the public. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, working patterns, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the job is the right fit for you.
