Legal Aid Certifying Officer

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About the role

Could you deliver impartial, high‑level legal decision‑making in a role with Island‑wide impact?

As Legal Aid Certifying Officer, you will take on an independent statutory position charged with making impartial decisions that shape access to justice. You’ll apply the Legal Aid merits test to applications, review and certify disbursements, authorise amendments, and ensure decisions are consistent, transparent and firmly grounded in the Legal Aid Act and its Regulations.

This role involves close collaboration with Advocates, providing guidance on the merits test where needed, and leading updates, tutorials and engagement with the Legal Aid Panel. You’ll prepare reports and papers for the Legal Aid Committee, contribute to user groups and consultative meetings, and support ongoing improvements to Legal Aid systems, processes and documentation.

Working independently, while supported operationally through the Social Security Division, you’ll play a central part in modernising Legal Aid, strengthening governance, and ensuring the system remains fair, robust and accessible.

Flexible Working

We understand that 9-5 doesn’t work for everyone. We encourage applications from people looking to work on a part-time basis, or compressed hours. We are committed to flexible working and support a range of working patterns to help our people balance their professional and personal lives.

If you are considering working reduced hours we would love to hear from you to discuss what flexibility we have available and what skills you could bring to our team. We recognise the importance of flexibility and support working arrangements that enable our people to perform at their best.

A workplace that invests in you

✔ A competitive salary that increases each 12 months until you reach the salary maximum.

✔ A generous annual leave entitlement, a Privilege Day and 10 Bank Holidays; your annual leave will increase after your first year and again after your third year.

✔ A flexi-time scheme where you can accrue additional time worked to take as leave.

✔Enjoy a flexible hybrid schedule with a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration throughout the week.

✔ Subject to meeting eligibility criteria, the IOM Public Service offers two pension arrangements: the Isle of Man Government Unified Scheme or the Isle of Man Government Defined Contribution (DC) Arrangement.

✔ Access to the Learning, Education and Development training facility, which is exclusively for Public Service employees, to keep on top of your continuous professional development.

✔ Discounted access to the NSC gym and island swimming pools as well as 1-to-1 support programmes and exercise classes with qualified instructors.

✔ Free access to the Isle of Man Government Staff Welfare Service which offers professional counselling, emotional support and sign-posting on a wide range of issues.

✔ Ability to apply for an unpaid career break after 3 years’ service.

✔ Access to the Isle of Man Public Service Cycle to Work scheme after your first year of employment.

✔ Access to the Government staff canteen where you can purchase affordable meals, drinks and snacks.

Making the Isle of Man your new home

A hidden gem in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man boasts an extensive coastline, stunning natural landscapes and unspoilt beaches. There are an abundance of opportunities and lots of places to discover!

You can visit our great cafes, bars and restaurants, and become part of the Island’s close-knit community. The island is well connected to the UK with quick, direct flights and ferries to many destinations.

Working for the Isle of Man Public Service

We are the largest employer on the island delivering a diverse range of services to the people of the Isle of Man. We care, nurture and value our employees’ wellbeing, development and career and place great importance on rewarding the commitment by our wonderful employees.

We support and promote flexible working, recognising the importance of working flexibly around your life and commitments and the benefits in improving work-life balance. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements where possible and if interested you…