At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of the court, assisting users and ensuring smooth proceedings.
- Company: Join HM Courts & Tribunals Service, dedicated to delivering justice in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working options, and a Civil Service pension scheme.
- Other info: Part-time and flexible working arrangements available; some Saturday work may be required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a friendly approach are essential; IT proficiency is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
The Court Usher is a pivotal role in court proceedings and a vital link between court users and the Judiciary to ensure the smooth running of the hearings. You will be an essential first point of contact for all the court users. There will be regular contact with the judiciary and assisting the administrative staff. You will meet members of the public, which may include vulnerable witnesses, and their legal representatives; prepare court/hearing rooms, and complete documentation, as well as ensuring the court runs efficiently. You will also carry out some general clerical work as required to support the work of HMCTS. Ushers work within a team with regular management support and are responsible for their own time. These operational roles are customer facing, requiring successful applicants to be office based to provide HMCTS services to the public.
Working pattern and arrangements
- 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.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are available where business needs allow. All employees are expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
- Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working; arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and reviewed regularly.
- For nationally advertised roles, candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office to their home postcode, on its pay scale. For existing MoJ employees, base location will be changed accordingly.
Special terms
- This is a business-critical role requiring full-time hours. Fixed Term Appointments (MoJ Staff) may apply with manager approval. If there is no role available at the end of the FTA, redeployment and potentially redundancy procedures may apply.
- Loans: terms of the loan will be agreed between home and host department and the Civil Servant. Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis should be obtained before applying.
- Saturday working: you may be required to work Saturdays and Bank Holidays; a day off in lieu will be provided based on business needs. There is no requirement to work Sundays. This does not include Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Immigration and rights to work
Skilled Worker Visa: From 22 July 2025, the Government increased the salary threshold and skills level for Skilled Worker visas. This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship for first-time applicants under current immigration rules. The Department cannot sponsor unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously since before 22 July 2025. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously, raise this during vetting checks and eligibility will be assessed. If you do not meet the new criteria, consider options for maintaining your right to work in the UK. Successful applicants must ensure they have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom. The Department will comply with UK Immigration Rules. See details on Skilled Worker visas and eligibility criteria in official guidance.
Qualifications and skills
With a friendly and approachable manner, you will possess strong communication skills, the ability to address court users clearly and confidently, and the ability to multi-task, prioritise and organise your own time. You should be comfortable using IT with attention to detail to ensure court documents are accurate and able to adapt to and learn new software packages. You take pride in providing help and reassurance calmly and professionally in challenging situations.
Organisational values and service
Communicating and Influencing; Managing a Quality Service. HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) administers criminal, civil and family Courts and Tribunals in England and Wales. We seek individuals committed to public service and making a difference in people’s lives to deliver justice.
Benefits and development
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service; buy/sell up to three days per year plus paid public holidays and one privilege day.
- Pension: Civil Service pension schemes available.
- Training: extensive training and development opportunities.
- Networks: employee networks for minority groups and allies.
- Family-friendly policies, flexible benefits, and childcare support options where applicable.
Equality and recruitment
The Civil Service Code sets out expected standards of behaviour. We recruit on merit through fair and open competition. MoJ is a Disability Confident employer, offering adjustments during recruitment and the workplace and providing interview opportunities for disabled candidates who meet minimum criteria.
Skilled Worker Visa in Crawley employer: Ministry of Justice
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises public service and employee well-being. With flexible working arrangements, extensive training opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, HMCTS empowers its staff to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in various offices across England and Wales, employees benefit from a collaborative environment where they can thrive and contribute to the justice system.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skilled Worker Visa in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the court system and procedures. Understanding how the courts operate will not only help you in your role but also impress during interviews, showing your commitment to the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Develop strong communication skills by engaging in public speaking or volunteering in customer service roles. This will enhance your ability to interact confidently with court users and judiciary members.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former court ushers or legal professionals. They can provide insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out in your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on changes in immigration rules and the Skilled Worker Visa requirements. Being knowledgeable about these aspects will demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the role's context.
We think you need these skills to ace Skilled Worker Visa in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Court Usher position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as strong communication abilities and organisational skills.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the requirements of the Court Usher role. Emphasise your customer service experience and any previous roles that involved working in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and explains why you are a good fit. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations and provide excellent service.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the Court Usher position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Court Usher role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with court procedures and the importance of being a first point of contact for court users, as this will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous positions. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to address various court users clearly and confidently during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Highlight your ability to multi-task and organise your time effectively. You might be asked about how you prioritise tasks, so think of specific instances where you successfully managed multiple responsibilities.
✨Prepare for Challenging Situations
Be ready to discuss how you handle stressful or challenging situations, especially when dealing with vulnerable witnesses. Providing examples of how you've maintained professionalism and calmness under pressure will show your suitability for the role.
