Court Usher

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS); Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the United Kingdom is seeking a Court Usher to assist court users and ensure smooth proceedings in courts. The successful candidate will help prepare court rooms, maintain documentation, and manage responsibilities within the team. Strong communication skills and the ability to multitask are essential. The position allows for flexible working arrangements in Swindon with competitive benefits, including training and development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 after five years

Choice of Civil Service pension schemes

Extensive training and development opportunities

Family-friendly policies and flexible benefits

Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Proficient in IT with attention to detail.
• Quick adaptability to new software.

Responsibilities

• Assist court users including vulnerable witnesses.
• Prepare court rooms and documentation efficiently.
• Maintain accurate court documents using IT.
• Carry out clerical tasks to support operations.
• Manage time and responsibilities within the team.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to multitask

Detail-oriented with IT skills

Adaptable to new software

Professional presence in challenging situations

Job description

General Information

Salary: £25,012

Working patterns: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

Location: Swindon, South West

Closing date: 02-Feb-2026

Job type: Permanent

About Us

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) administers criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals across England and Wales. We support service users and colleagues, aiming to deliver justice and make a difference to people's lives.

Role Overview

The Court Usher is a pivotal role in court proceedings, acting as the essential first point of contact for all court users and bridging the organisation with the judiciary.

Responsibilities

• Assist court users, including vulnerable witnesses and their legal representatives
• Prepare court and hearing rooms, complete necessary documentation, and ensure hearings run efficiently
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date court documents using IT systems
• Carry out general clerical tasks as required to support HMCTS operations
• Manage own time and responsibilities within the team, reporting to management as needed

Skills & Experience

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a friendly, approachable manner
• Ability to multitask, prioritise and organise own workload effectively
• Comfortable using IT, with a keen eye for detail in document accuracy
• Capability to adapt to new software packages and learning new systems quickly
• Professional, calm, and reassuring presence in challenging situations

Working Arrangements

• Standard full‑time hours are 37 hours per week; part‑time, flexible, and job‑sharing arrangements are considered
• Saturdays and Bank Holidays are required; a day off in lieu may be allocated where applicable
• No requirement to work Sundays, Good Friday, or Christmas Day
• Hybrid working is permitted, with a minimum of 60% of time required to be spent in an office

Skilled Worker Visa

This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas. Eligibility depends on having held a Skilled Worker visa prior to 22 July 2025.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service
• Scheme to buy/sell up to three days of leave each year
• Paid public holidays and one privilege day; pro‑rata for part‑time and job‑share posts
• Choice of Civil Service pension schemes
• Extensive training and development opportunities
• Employee‑run networks for minority and disabled staff, as well as other communities
• Family‑friendly policies, flexible benefits, and various leave entitlements
• Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens

Eligibility

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and settled or pre‑settled family members
• EU nationals with valid settlement applications under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain, eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued right to work in the Civil Service

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months for further appointments.

Recruitment & EEO Statement

We recruit by merit, with a commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity. The Civil Service Code governs behaviour. Complaints can be made to the Ministry of Justice or the Civil Service Commission. We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.