Court Officer

Ipswich Borough Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council authority is seeking a motivated Court Officer to join their Recovery Team. This role involves preparing and presenting cases in court, negotiating with debtors, and ensuring the efficient collection of council tax and benefits overpayments. Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant experience, understanding of court procedures, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary, pension scheme, and various employee benefits including flexible working options.

Benefits

Career grade average pension scheme

Generous holiday and sick pay entitlements

Subsidised parking

Public transport discounts

Gym membership

Cycle purchase scheme

Personal and professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• At least 2 years’ relevant experience.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Revenues legislation.
• Experience in debt collection and preparing court documentation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare court papers and presentations for cases.
• Engage in negotiations with debtors.
• Make decisions on recovery actions for non-payment.

Skills

Debt collection

Court procedures understanding

Organizational skills

Excellent communication

Numerical skills

Presentation skills

Education

1 A level or 5 GCSEs (including Maths and English)

Level 3 qualification in a related field

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Court Officer to join our successful Recovery Team within the Shared Revenues Partnership, serving three Local Authorities. This is a varied and rewarding role involving the preparation and presentation of cases in Court, effective negotiation with debtors, and contributing to the efficient collection of Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates and Housing Benefit overpayments.

As a Court Officer, you will:

• Ensure all recovery tasks are completed within agreed timescales.
• Prepare court papers, statements and supporting evidence for cases referred to Court.
• Present cases in Court and engage in negotiations with debtors.
• Make informed decisions on further recovery action for non-payment, including attachments, enforcement agents, committals, charging orders and bankruptcy.
• Communicate professionally with customers and businesses in line with our Debt Policy.
• Resolve complex queries, provide clear explanations, and offer expert guidance on legislation, policies and procedures.

You will bring:

• At least 2 years’ relevant experience and either 1 A level, 5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) or a Level 3 qualification in a related field.
• Up-to-date knowledge of Revenues legislation or experience in a similar environment.
• Experience in debt collection and preparing court documentation.
• Understanding of Court procedures.
• Strong ability to organise, prioritise, analyse information and meet tight deadlines.
• A flexible, proactive approach with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication, numerical and presentation skills.
• A strong customer focus and commitment to high-quality service.

As well as a good salary, we offer a career grade average pension scheme, generous holiday and sick pay entitlements, subsidised parking for work and leisure, public transport discounts, free swimming and gym membership, cycle purchase scheme, plenty of personal and professional development opportunities, flexible working, hybrid working opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.

For more information about this role please contact Conor Jacobs on 01473 433917 or via email [e-mail] or Laura Bull on 01473 433942 or via email [e-mail].

If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process, please let us know so that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role: Job Description and Person Specification

The selection process will be an interview in person. Interviews will be held on Wednesday the 11th of February 2026.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications.

Please note CVs are not accepted.