Legal Admin Support Officer

Ministry of Justice; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A governmental agency in the UK is seeking an individual for administrative support across the South West region. The candidate will manage duties related to magistrate recruitment, training approvals, and general bench support. Strong customer service, multitasking abilities, and IT proficiency are required. The position offers a hybrid working model and is part-time with a fixed-term contract of up to 12 months. Ideal for those committed to delivering effective public service.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills and a friendly demeanor are essential.
• Ability to multitask is crucial in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Proficiency in IT and adaptability to various software is necessary.
• Excellent organisational skills to manage various responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Support advisory recruitment committees and facilitate online interviews.
• Assist various committees with appraisals and applications.
• Manage communications with magistrates across the regions.
• Help with the day-to-day management of magistrate rosters.

Skills

Customer service skills

Multitasking

Written communication

Verbal communication

IT proficiency

Organisational skills

Job description

Overview

To provide administrative support to the magistracy across South West region.

Responsibilities

• Support to Advisory Recruitment Committees, including magistrates recruitment, facilitating online interviews via Teams and working with the online recruitment portal 'Affinix'; process magistrate retirements/resignations using the Magistrates Rota and Judicial HR portal.
• Support to Justices' Training Approvals, Authorisations & Appraisal Committees, dealing with reception of appraisals and applications and providing administrative support across South West region.
• General Bench Support, comprising sending out communications to the magistracy across South West region and dealing with responses appropriately.
• Support to Magistrates Rota: assist wider teams in managing day-to-day running of the magistrate's rota across South West region.

Qualifications

• Friendly and approachable manner with excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• IT proficiency with ability to learn and adapt to different technologies and software packages.
• Excellent organisational skills.

Working Arrangements

Hybrid approach; postholders will be required to work in the office for 60% of their time. Standard full‑time hours: 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.

Fixed‑term contract – up to 12 months, based at Taunton Magistrates or Southampton Magistrates – part‑time only, requiring 27.75 hours per week (Monday and Thursday mandatory). Separate fixed‑term contracts at Southampton and Bournemouth Magistrates also offering 12‑month terms; part‑time applications considered but minimum 3 days required, including Monday and Friday mandatory.

Immigration and Eligibility

This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the current immigration rules. The department cannot sponsor you for this role unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa prior to 22 July 2025. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously, please raise this during your vetting checks and eligibility will be assessed. Successful applicants must ensure they have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the UK.

About 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 court users and colleagues, delivering justice. We are looking for individuals committed to public service and making a difference in people's lives to deliver justice.

Lead Criterion

Statement of Suitability. A sift based on the statement of suitability may be held if a large number of applications are received.