Judicial Assistant (part time)

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS); Sheffield; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

A government judicial service is seeking a Judicial Assistant in Sheffield to support a visually impaired Judge. This part-time role involves aiding the Judge in court and ensuring safety and confidentiality. Candidates must possess strong discretion and flexibility in working hours. Training and development opportunities are provided, along with benefits like annual leave and pension schemes.

Benefits

Annual Leave up to 30 days

Civil Service pension schemes

Flexible benefits options

Qualifications

• Ability to assist a Judge in navigating the court environment.
• Strong discretion and diplomacy skills are crucial.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required.

Responsibilities

• Support the Judge throughout the court day.
• Ensure the Judge's safety and confidentiality.
• Assist the Judge with tasks and provide necessary information.

Skills

Ability to act as a sighted guide

Confidentiality

Diplomacy

Flexibility

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

General Information

Salary £29,303 - £31,061 pro-rata

Working Pattern Part Time

Vacancy Approach External

Location Sheffield

Region North East

Closing Date 10-Oct-2025

Post Type Permanent

Civil Service Grade EO

Number of jobs available 1

Reserve List 12 Months

Job ID 10339

Job Description

Are you interested in developing a career with a real purpose? We are looking for individuals who are committed to public service and to make a difference in peoples lives to deliver justice. If this sounds like you, please apply.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) administers criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Joining us is a chance to play a pivotal role in the smooth running of our courts, which give people and businesses access to potentially life-changing justice. Your work will be of crucial importance for users of our services, and you can build a varied, challenging and rewarding career.

Role Purpose

The key purpose of the role is to provide assistance for a severely sight impaired Designated Family Judge dealing with family cases primarily at the Sheffield Designated Family Court. The key role is to act as a sighted guide for the Judge. This includes:

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Judge is supported at all times while in the court buildings. Meet the Judge on arrival and remain with him throughout the day until he departs. A typical day will be 8am to 6pm. Candidates are required to be flexible in respect of finish times and work as part of the team to assist the Judge if cases overrun, or if the Judge has other commitments in addition to court hearings.
• Assist the Judge in moving around the building, including alerting the Judge to the presence of people in his chambers and courtroom and describe room layouts to provide a perspective of the environment.
• Sit with the Judge in court using a laptop which mirrors the Judge’s setup to provide information when required and to observe the courtroom, keeping the judge discretely informed of anything he may need to be aware of.
• Be aware of the safety and security of the Judge and the courts, and maintain confidentiality, sensitivity, courtesy and diplomacy in carrying out all activities.
• As a member of the JA team, support attendance at leadership and non-court related activities, including Judicial College, conferences, and related social events. Occasional travel to events (including London) with costs covered by the business, subject to agreement. Approximately 45 days this year identified to date.
• Work flexibly as a member of the JA team.
• Interview preparation will include a written exercise consisting of proofreading documents.

Skills, Qualifications and Eligibility

Key requirements include ability to act as a sighted guide, maintain confidentiality and demonstrate diplomacy. The role requires flexibility to cover core hours (Mon–Wed 8am–6pm, 27 hours per week) and to support Judge needs beyond court sitting times. Ability to work as part of a small team and to travel occasionally with the Judge may be required.

Skilled Worker Visa

From 22 July 2025, the Government increased the salary threshold and skills level for Skilled Worker visas. This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship if you are applying for a Skilled Worker Visa for the first time. The Department cannot sponsor unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously since before 22 July 2025. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously, raise this during vetting checks for eligibility assessment according to immigration rules. You must have the legal right to live and work in the UK.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where possible, subject to business need. This is informal and non-contractual. All employees are expected to spend a minimum of 60% of working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity. Some roles may not be suitable for hybrid working. Arrangements will be discussed with the successful candidate(s) and reviewed regularly. For nationally advertised roles, appointments will be made to the nearest viable office to your home postcode, on its respective pay scale.

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years, with pro-rata adjustments for part-time roles.
• Flexible benefits and opportunities to buy/sell leave; government childcare support options may apply.
• Pension: Civil Service pension schemes available.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee networks and support for minority groups.

Additional Information

Contact information and job reference: 10339. For assistance, MoJ contact numbers are provided in the original posting.