Operational Support Officer

Role Summary

Operational Support Officers provide excellent customer service and administrative support to court and tribunal users, judiciary and management. The role is primarily based within the courtroom, supporting the smooth running of court proceedings while carrying out administrative duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare papers and files for court, tribunals, hearings and meetings, handling sensitive information accurately.
• Create and update records digitally, interpreting information required on a court file.
• Communicate with the public, judiciary, other court and tribunal users and representatives of other agencies.
• Support the smooth running of court proceedings, prepare court and hearing rooms, and ensure courts run efficiently.
• Act as the first point of contact for court users, meeting members of the public, vulnerable witnesses and their representatives when required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong customer service skills in a service led, customer facing environment.
• Good digital and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective communication and organisational skills, confident in person, over the phone, digitally and in writing.
• Resilient and empathetic, able to deal with sensitive information and situations.
• A team player, able to work collaboratively and flexibly to deliver HMCTS objectives.

Location & Hours

Based at Basildon Crown Court with regular travel to Southend Crown Court. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday).

Visa & Eligibility

This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas under the current immigration rules. Applicants must have held a Skilled Worker visa prior to 22 July 2025, or must have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Please confirm your status during the vetting process.

Working Arrangements

The Ministry of Justice offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. 60% of working time must be spent in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years' service.
• Scheme to buy or sell up to three days leave each year.
• Paid public holidays and one privilege day.
• Flexible benefits: voluntary benefits, retail vouchers, government childcare support schemes.
• Pension: choice of Civil Service pension schemes.
• Training: extensive range of training and development opportunities.
• Employee networks for minority groups, including ethnicity, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTQ+ employees.
• Support: flexible benefits, paid paternity/adoption/maternity leave, free annual sight tests for screen users.

Lead Criterion

Statement of Suitability is the sole selection criterion, applied only if a large number of applications are received.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and a Disability Confident employer. We offer reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.