Court Officer

Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service; Dumfries; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An important justice administration organisation in Dumfries is seeking a Court Officer on a fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will manage court proceedings, interacting with court users and ensuring the courtroom runs smoothly. Responsibilities include preparing the court, assisting with IT systems and liaising with witnesses. This role requires strong communication and teamwork skills. Applications should be sent via CV to the recruitment team before the deadline of 17 December 2025.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with court users.
• Proficiency in using court-based IT systems and audio/visual equipment.
• Ability to work in a team and support colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain order in court proceedings.
• Assist in court reception duties and check-in witnesses.
• Operate court IT and set up equipment for vulnerable witnesses.
• Support administrative functions of the court.

Skills

Communication

IT skills

Teamwork

Tools

Court IT systems

Job description

Job Title: Court Officer

Working Pattern – 17.5 hours average per week

Week 1 – Monday to Wednesday, Week 2 – Tuesday to Wednesday

Fixed term to 31 March 2026

Salary £26,577 per annum (pro‑rata)

Start Date – January 2026

About SCTS

SCTS plays a key role in the administration of justice. We fulfil our purpose by providing the people, buildings and services needed to support the judiciary, the courts, devolved tribunals and OPG. Our work focuses on improving access to justice, reducing delay and cost within the justice system, modernising our services in line with reform, and using leading technology to improve our services for everyone.

The work of SCTS covers a broader range of issues than you may think. In providing support to Scotland’s courts, devolved tribunals and the OPG, we touch the lives of many people on a daily basis – be that through formal court or tribunal business, fulfilling your civic duty as a juror, paying fees or fines, seeking help in managing the affairs of an incapable adult or dealing with the estate of a loved one who has passed away. SCTS deals with over a quarter of a million cases and applications each year. Behind each one of these is an individual – looking to the system to help them assert their rights, address wrongs or provide support in a time of need. It is this work – which takes place every day in our courts, tribunals and administrative centres across Scotland – that consumes most of the time, energy and skill of our staff. We take pride in working as one team and providing high levels of service to all those who use the courts, tribunals and OPG. We are always looking to improve the services we provide – through innovation and development.

About the Role

The main role of the Court Officers is to prepare their court, escort the Sheriff to/from court and attend to the Sheriff’s requirements in court. Court Officers assist in ensuring their court is conducted in an orderly manner, working closely with the Clerk, Police Officer and GEOAmey to ensure the decorum and efficiency of the court is maintained. They are responsible for productions in court and they also collect witnesses from the witness rooms and bring them into court. They have a great involvement in the use of Court Information Technology during proceedings and liaise with other Court users of Dumfries Sheriff & JP Court. You will also be involved with supporting the running of the Evidence giving suite involving vulnerable witnesses.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake reception duties, providing a high quality service by dealing effectively with incoming phone calls, court users and contractors.
• Check in witnesses attending court and direct them to appropriate witness rooms, liaising with Witness Services as required.
• Undertake general duties within court, including calling witnesses, handling productions, escorting the Sheriff to and from court, liaising with witnesses and jurors to keep them informed of the ongoing proceedings and assisting with CCTV evidence cases.
• Use Court based IT systems and set up audio/visual equipment and screens for cases with vulnerable witnesses.
• Help ensure security and appropriate standards of behaviour are maintained within the court building.
• Carry out administrative support duties to assist the smooth running of the court offices, including filing, photocopying and distributing internal court papers.
• Perform messenger duties, including distributing DX Post and Royal Mail post office mail and preparing for onward delivery to the appropriate service providers.
• Work effectively as a team player with immediate colleagues and colleagues from other partner organisations to ensure the smooth operation of the courts.
• Obtain reference books from the library for the Sheriffs or officials during the Court.
• Undertake light portering duties as required.
• Update court reference guides.
• Be responsible for the seclusion of jurors when considering their verdict.
• Report maintenance requirements.

How to Apply

Please send your CV to the recruitment team for consideration at [e-mail] by 11:59pm on Wednesday 17 December.