Judicial Assistant (part time) (Ref: 10339)

HM Courts and Tribunals Service; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A government service in the UK is seeking a part-time Judicial Assistant to support a sight-impaired Family Judge in Sheffield. Responsibilities include providing assistance during court sessions and ensuring the Judge's safety and confidentiality. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills and the ability to guide effectively. The role promises flexible working hours and competitive salary with benefits.

Benefits

Salary of £29,303

Civil Service pension contributions

Flexible working options

Access to learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to act as a sighted guide for individuals with severe sight impairments.
• Strong communication skills to assist the Judge effectively.
• Confidentiality and diplomacy in handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance to a sight-impaired Judge during court proceedings.
• Ensure safety and security of the Judge at all times.
• Participate in management meetings and non-court activities.

Skills

Sighted guiding

Confidentiality

Communication

Flexibility

Job description

Overview

Are you interested in developing a career with a real purpose? We are looking for individuals committed to public service and to making a difference in peoples lives to deliver justice. HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) administers criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Joining us offers a chance to play a pivotal role in the smooth running of our courts, providing access to potentially life-changing justice. This is a part-time role with core hours 9 hours a day, Mon/Tues/Weds between 8am and 6pm (27 hours per week in total). Flexibility is required to ensure full coverage of the Judge7;s needs beyond court sitting times.

The role is to work alongside two other Judicial Assistants (JAs): one full-time (core hours: 35 per week, 9am to 5pm) and one part-time (core hours: 18 hours over Thursdays and Fridays). The position is to provide assistance for a severely sight-impaired Designated Family Judge dealing with family cases primarily at the Sheffield Designated Family Court.

Responsibilities

• Act as a sighted guide for the Judge, ensuring support at all times while in court buildings; meet the Judge on arrival and remain with them throughout the day until departure; typical day 8am to 6pm with flexibility for overrun or other commitments.
• Assist the Judge in moving around the building, alerting to the presence of people in chambers and courtroom, and describing room layouts to provide environmental context.
• Sit with the Judge in court using a laptop that mirrors the Judge7;s to provide information as required and observe the courtroom, keeping the Judge discretely informed of needs.
• Prioritise safety and security of the Judge and the courts, maintaining confidentiality, sensitivity, courtesy and diplomacy in all activities.
• As a leadership judge, participate in management meetings and attend non-court activities (Judicial College, conferences, social events). Occasionally, the Judge may sit in London for a week, involving travel and overnight stays; costs are covered by the business. Approximately 45 days identified this year; coverage by agreement among the JAs.
• Work flexibly as a member of the JA team.
• Interview process includes a written exercise comprising proofreading documents.

Working arrangements and interview

Interview will include a written exercise on proofreading documents. The role may involve travel and overnight stays for duties in London when required.

Visa and eligibility

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 for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants under current immigration rules. The Department cannot sponsor unless there is continuous Skilled Worker visa history since before 22 July 2025. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously, raise this during vetting checks for eligibility assessment under immigration rules and transitional provisions. If you do not meet the criteria, consider options to obtain or maintain the right to work in the UK.

Security and nationality

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and baseline security checks. This job is broadly open to: UK nationals; nationals of the Republic of Ireland; nationals of Commonwealth countries with right to work in the UK; EU/EEA/Swiss/Norwegian/Icelandic/Liechtenstein nationals and family members with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) or who have made a valid application; individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible under EUSS; Turkish nationals and certain family members with the right to work in the Civil Service. Further information on nationality requirements is available.

Benefits and additional information

• Salary of £29,303 plus pension contributions to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (£8,489 contributed by HMCTS).
• Access to learning and development opportunities.
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance.
• Inclusive and diverse working culture.
• Civil Service pension with employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Annual Leave, Public Holidays, and Season Ticket Advance.

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances, please visit the Candidate Information Page.