Court Usher - Band F

Brook Street; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector agency is seeking a Court Usher in Reading. The role offers full-time hours and involves serving as the first point of contact for court users, assisting with administrative tasks, and ensuring the smooth operation of court activities. Ideal candidates should possess excellent customer service skills, the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, and good communication skills. This contract role lasts until the end of March 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Qualifications

• Friendly and approachable manner with excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to multitask whilst working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an essential first point of contact for all court users.
• Assist the administrative staff and judiciary in court operations.
• Prepare court/hearing rooms and complete documentation.

Skills

Customer service skills

Multitasking ability

Written and verbal communication

IT proficiency

Organizational skills

Job description

Our client HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is an agency of the Ministry of Justice. HMCTS provides administrative support for the legal system across England and Wales, ensuring justice works for everyone.

Our justice system defends our fundamental rights and freedoms. It is a cornerstone of our modern society and it must serve all those who call on it, when they call on it. From some of the most vulnerable people in our society, to families in crisis, claimants and commercial businesses, HMCTS has a responsibility to administer a justice system that is accessible to everyone and operates efficiently.

Full Time, 37 hours per week 9am - 5pm

This role is a contract role until end of March 2026 (with a possibility of extension) but one in which you would be able to gain valuable exposure/experience working within the Public Sector.

Pay rate: £12.21 per hour

We are currently recruiting for a Court Usher at Reading Courts.

Responsibilities

• Balance usher and administrative duties, allowing you to work where needed.
• Serve as an essential first point of contact for all court users.
• Maintain regular contact with the judiciary and assist the administrative staff.
• Meet members of the public, including vulnerable witnesses, and their legal representatives; prepare court/hearing rooms.
• Complete documentation and ensure the court runs efficiently.
• Carry out general clerical work as required to support the work of HMCTS.
• Work within a team with regular management support and be responsible for your own time.

Skills and Experience

• Friendly and approachable manner with excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to multitask whilst working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• IT proficient with the ability to learn and adapt to different technologies and software packages.
• Excellent organisational and time‑keeping skills.

The Court Usher acts as an essential first point of contact for all court users involved in hearings. Regular contact is maintained with the judiciary, assisting the administrative staff with the smooth flow of court work. Meetings with members of the public and their legal representatives, preparation of court/hearing rooms, and completion of documentation are key tasks, all aimed at ensuring the court runs smoothly and efficiently. General clerical work may also be required to support HMCTS.

An Usher must react quickly and professionally to situations that may be unexpected, especially when dealing sensitively with vulnerable and stressed individuals. Advice and support are readily available, and procedures largely dictate actions, sometimes requiring a firm stance when procedures are not understood or welcomed by a court user. Teamwork with regular management support and self‑management of time are essential.

Please apply online.

Brook Street is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and guarantees to interview all candidates who are veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel, provided they meet all 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, a supplier to the Public Sector Resourcing Framework (PSR), will offer a guaranteed interview with a PSR Sourcer.

Candidates who identify as having a disability, or as a veteran or spouse/partner of military personnel and meet all essential criteria for the role, are encouraged to register interest and state the role on the Brook Street website. We are committed to engaging with you.

In cases where a high volume of ex‑military candidates/military spouses/partners meet all essential criteria, Brook Street will interview the best candidates from within that group.