At a Glance
- Tasks: Support court operations, assist judges, and manage courtroom activities.
- Company: Join HM Courts & Tribunals Service at St Albans Crown Court.
- Benefits: Earn £12.95 per hour with pension and holiday pay.
- Why this job: Be part of the justice system and make a difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and customer service experience required.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for extension and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: St Albans Crown Court
Contract: Full-time, Temporary (6 months, likely to extend)
Pay: £12.95 per hour (includes pension & holiday pay)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm (37 hours/week)
Agency: Brook Street, on behalf of HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
Role Overview
We are recruiting a Court Usher to support the smooth operation of court hearings at St Albans Crown Court. This front-line role involves courtroom preparation, assisting judges and legal professionals, and providing administrative support.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and maintain courtrooms for hearings
- Assist judges and court staff, in person and via Microsoft Teams
- Swear in witnesses and track attendance
- Supervise jury deliberations when required
- Manage documents: scanning, uploading, photocopying
- Handle scheduling, liaise with parties, and serve legal documents
- Process payments and warrants (including chip & pin use)
- Ensure professional standards of conduct and presentation
- Support with admin duties in the listings team
Requirements And Skills
- Good communication and customer service skills, experience working in a customer service is required
- Professional to all court users with good timekeeping
- Confidence to speak in court publicly
- Comfortable handling sensitive or distressing criminal case material
- Calm, polite, and professional under pressure
- Admin experience
- Confident with Microsoft Office
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
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.
Brook 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 in St Albans employer: Virtual Bridges
Contact Detail:
Virtual Bridges Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Court Usher in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the court environment! Familiarise yourself with how court proceedings work and the roles of different court staff. This will help you feel more confident during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the Court Usher role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be interacting with judges, legal professionals, and the public, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former court ushers! They can provide insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out in your application. Plus, it’s a great way to get a feel for the team dynamics at St Albans Crown Court.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and serious about landing the Court Usher position.
We think you need these skills to ace Court Usher in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Court Usher role. We want to see how you can support the smooth operation of court hearings, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since good communication is key in this role, let us know about your customer service experience. We’re looking for candidates who can confidently interact with judges, legal professionals, and court users, so share examples that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
Be Professional and Polite: Remember, professionalism is crucial in a court setting. When writing your application, keep your tone respectful and formal, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We appreciate candidates who can remain calm and polite under pressure!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do, so why not give it a go?
How to prepare for a job interview at Virtual Bridges
✨Know Your Courtroom Etiquette
Familiarise yourself with courtroom procedures and etiquette. Understanding how to address judges, handle documents, and interact with court staff will show that you’re serious about the role and respect the environment you'll be working in.
✨Brush Up on Your Admin Skills
Since the role involves a lot of administrative tasks, make sure you're comfortable with Microsoft Office and document management. Practise scanning, uploading, and photocopying documents so you can demonstrate your efficiency during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Court Usher, you'll need to communicate effectively with judges, legal professionals, and the public. Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled customer service situations in the past, especially under pressure.
✨Prepare for Sensitive Topics
Be ready to discuss your comfort level with handling sensitive or distressing material. Think about how you would maintain professionalism in challenging situations and be prepared to share your strategies for staying calm and collected.