Operational Support Officer

Proud to serve. Proud to keep justice going.

HMCourts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Our role supports court users and colleagues within HMCTS, helping people access life‑changing justice. We seek individuals committed to public service and making a difference in people’s lives.

The role is based in the courtroom, supporting the smooth running of court proceedings. Administrative duties are also incorporated. You will contribute to overall operational, performance and service targets, progress cases through the court/tribunal system, and provide customer service and administrative support to HMCTS functions.

• Prepare papers and files for court, tribunals, hearings and meetings, including processing and handling sensitive information accurately.
• Create and update records digitally, interpreting information required on a court file.
• Communicate with the public, the judiciary, other court and tribunal users and representatives of other agencies and organisations.
• Serve as the first point of contact for court users, meeting members of the public, which may include vulnerable witnesses and their legal representatives.
• Prepare court/hearing rooms and ensure courts run efficiently.

• Customer service skills and ability to work in a service‑led, customer‑facing environment.
• Digital and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication and organisational skills – confident in person, telephone, digital and written communication.
• Resilience and empathy to handle sensitive information and situations.
• Team player, able to work collaboratively and flexibly to deliver business objectives.

Standard full‑time work is 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday). The role may offer part‑time, flexible or job‑sharing arrangements, with a minimum of 30 hours per week over five days. Hybrid working is available where business need allows; at least 60% of working time should be spent in an office within the UK.

This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas under current immigration rules. If you held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025, you may qualify. Applicants who have not held such a visa must secure the right to work in the UK before applying.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service.
• Pension: choice of civil‑service pension schemes.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.

MoJ is a Disability Confident employer, committed to providing opportunities for disabled candidates and supporting reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Multiple employee networks support diversity and inclusion within the workforce.

Applicants must hold the right to work in the UK. Eligible nationalities include:

• UK nationals
• Nationalities of the Republic of Ireland
• Commonwealth nationals who have the right to work in the UK
• EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein nationals and their settled or pre‑settled family members under the EUSS
• Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued right to work in the Civil Service

Recruitment is by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ offers an interview to disabled candidates meeting the minimum selection criteria.