At a Glance
- Tasks: Support courtroom operations, assist users, and manage case announcements with professionalism.
- Company: Join Brook Street, a trusted partner in public sector recruitment, supporting the justice system.
- Benefits: Earn £13.25/hour with pension and holiday pay; full-time temporary role with potential extension.
- Other info: Background checks are mandatory; guaranteed interviews for veterans and candidates with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the justice system while gaining valuable public sector experience.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in a court or public service role is essential; strong communication skills required.
Location: Old Bailey, Central London working fully onsite 5 days.
Salary: £13.25 per hour Pension & Holiday Pay
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary (6 months, potential to extend)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (37 hours/week)
We are hiring a Court Usher to join a Government client’s team based in Central London, supporting operations for the Old Bailey. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience within the public sector and make a difference in the justice system.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Courtroom Operations: Open and close courtrooms, ensuring they are prepared and organized for hearings. Punctuality, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills are essential.
- Support and Escort Court Users: Guide and assist court users (witnesses, defendants, public) to appropriate locations, ensuring comfort and understanding of proceedings. Requires customer service skills and professionalism.
- Call Legal Professionals: Announce solicitors and barristers at the appropriate times, ensuring smooth transitions with clear communication and professionalism.
- Case Announcements: Announce cases in order and ensure timely hearings, using live streaming and Court Video Platform (CVP) for remote participants. Requires time management and punctuality.
- Record Hearing Times: Log start and finish times for accurate records, maintaining attention to detail and strong time management.
- Handle Inquiries: Respond to questions from the public, legal professionals, and court users in person, requiring effective communication, problem-solving, and empathy.
- Manage Court Files: Collect and deliver legal bundles, manage, and securely dispose of files. Discretion, attention to detail, and organizational skills are required to handle sensitive information.
Additional Skills & Attributes:
- Punctuality and Professionalism - Timely arrival and professional conduct are essential to maintaining a smooth, respectful, and efficient courtroom environment.
- Discretion and Confidentiality - Handle sensitive information with care and maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Customer Service - Providing excellent customer service to court users by offering guidance, answering questions, and ensuring a supportive environment throughout their experience at court.
- Calm Under Pressure - The role may involve high-pressure situations, and remaining composed and professional is key to handling challenges effectively.
Essential Experience:
- Previous experience working within a court environment or similar legal/justice setting.
- Proven experience in a front-facing, public service role, preferably within a high-traffic or sensitive environment.
- Confident in dealing with members of the public, legal professionals, and judiciary with professionalism and discretion.
- Experience managing queues, sign-in processes, or public inquiries in a calm and organised manner.
Key Skills:
- Must be polite and helpful to all customers both external and internal.
- Remains calm, tactful and sensitive when dealing with difficult situations or people.
- Is aware of the customer needs and is efficient in dealing with these.
- Passes on important information to all concerned promptly and clearly, with tact and honesty.
- Works effectively on own and with others.
Important: Successful candidates will be subject to a thorough background and clearance check, including Criminal Record Checks (DBS Checks), Reference Checks (Employment, Education, and any gaps) covering the past three years, as well as Address checks for the past five years. This process may also include obtaining character references and/or other evidence to cover periods of unemployment.
Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.
Brok Street is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and as such, we guarantee to interview all candidates who are veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel, and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.
As a Disability Confident Leader, and holder of the Gold Award status from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, Brook Street, as a supplier to the Public Sector Resourcing Framework (PSR), will offer you a guaranteed interview with a PSR Sourcer. Should you identify as a candidate with a disability and/or as a veteran or spouse/partner of military personnel and meet all the essential criteria for the role, we encourage you to reach out to us via the Brook Street website. Here you will find a link to register your interest and state the role that you are interested in. We are committed to engaging with you.
In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses/partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, Brook Street will interview the best candidates from within that group.
court Usher- Old Bailey, Temp in London employer: Virtual Bridges
Working as a Court Usher at the Old Bailey offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the justice system while being part of a supportive and professional environment. With a focus on employee growth, this role provides valuable experience in the public sector, alongside competitive pay, pension benefits, and a commitment to inclusivity for veterans and individuals with disabilities. The vibrant location in Central London enhances the work culture, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land court Usher- Old Bailey, Temp in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with courtroom procedures and terminology. Understanding the basics of how a courtroom operates will help you feel more confident during the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in customer service or public-facing roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled difficult situations or provided excellent service, as these skills are crucial for a Court Usher.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your ability to remain calm under pressure. Think of instances where you've had to manage stressful situations effectively, as this is a key attribute for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Old Bailey and its significance within the justice system. Showing that you understand the importance of the venue and its operations can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace court Usher- Old Bailey, Temp in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key duties and responsibilities of a Court Usher. Highlight your relevant experience in your application, especially any previous roles in a court or public service environment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and attributes mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your customer service skills, attention to detail, and ability to remain calm under pressure, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that specifically addresses why you are a good fit for the Court Usher position. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your professionalism, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive situations.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virtual Bridges
✨Understand Courtroom Operations
Familiarise yourself with the key duties of a Court Usher, such as opening and closing courtrooms. Be prepared to discuss how your organisational skills and attention to detail will help ensure smooth courtroom operations.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves guiding court users, think of examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Highlight your ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Prepare to discuss how you would handle inquiries from the public and legal professionals, ensuring clarity and professionalism in your responses.
✨Emphasise Discretion and Confidentiality
Given the sensitive nature of the information handled in court, be ready to explain how you maintain confidentiality and discretion in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of these attributes in a courtroom setting.
