Costs Officer

This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.

Working Pattern:
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

Vacancy Approach:
Cross Government

Location:

London

Closing Date: 06-Jul-2026

Post Type:
Permanent

HEO: 3 positions

Reserve List: 12 Months

Job

HM Courts and Tribunals Service

Location:
Royal Courts of Justice

Job Title:
Costs Officer – Senior Courts Costs Office

Background

HM Courts and Tribunals Service is responsible for the administration of the criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. We work with an independent judiciary to provide a fair, efficient and effective justice system.

The key purpose of the role is to assess Court of Protection bills of costs in a fair and reasonable manner and to deal with all the follow‑up matters as required. The post holder will need to be self‑motivated, confident in decision making, able to prioritise work and have good communication skills.

• Assess allocated Court of Protection bills of costs.
• Exercise a high degree of technical expertise and judgment in approving and assessing costs arising under Part 44 to 47 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
• Work as part of a team to ensure delivery of a consistent and customer‑focussed service.
• Develop and maintain an effective working relationship with the judiciary, colleagues and external customers.
• Conduct detailed assessments of Court of Protection bills up to £42,000.
• Produce written responses to requests for reconsideration of decisions made.
• Check, issue and dispatch all final costs certificates.
• Assist colleagues with complex matters or queries.
• Deal with enquiries by telephone or in person from practitioners or other parties.
• Maintain daily, weekly and monthly statistics.
• Maintain good knowledge of relevant judicial precedents and judgments.
• Work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management.
• Report to the Court of Protection Senior Costs Officer.
• Receive extensive training in conducting assessments and reconsiderations.

The post holder is required to work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post.

Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week. HMCTS welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs and are agreed prior to appointment.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 after five years.
• Leave trading scheme: up to three days per year.
• Additional paid time off for public holidays and one privilege day.
• Pro‑rated leave for part‑time and job‑share posts.
• Pension:
  Choice of Civil Service pension schemes.
• Training:
  Extensive range of training and development opportunities.

• Existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited NDPBs.

All employees will be treated fairly and with respect, free of discrimination or harassment.

Interview Dates:
Expected to commence at the end of July 2026.

Behaviours assessed:
Making Effective Decisions, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace.

Security: DBS Basic, Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).