Court Usher
Summary
* Location: Manchester
* Pay Rate: £12.21 per hour
* Contract Type: Temporary
About the Role
The Court Usher plays a vital role as the first point of contact for all court users attending hearings. You will support the smooth and efficient running of court proceedings, working closely with the judiciary, court clerks, administrative staff, and external stakeholders.
This is a public-facing role that requires professionalism, sensitivity, and the ability to respond calmly to unexpected situations. You will regularly interact with members of the public, many of whom may be vulnerable or under stress, and you will be expected to apply court procedures confidently and consistently.
Key Responsibilities
Administration
* Collecting and delivering files and bundles to judiciary and court clerks
* Supporting colleagues and judiciary outside of hearing times
* General clerical duties including computer use and switchboard operation
* Completing standard forms and documentation
* Operating court recording equipment and maintaining accurate records
* Sorting and displaying hearing lists for internal and external notice boards
Correspondence
* Completing standard forms where information is clearly defined
* Drafting straightforward correspondence such as acknowledgements, confirmations, court orders, and warrants
Post Handling
* Opening, sorting, distributing, and dispatching post
* Collecting and delivering post between relevant offices
Monitoring Stock
* Ensuring courtrooms are stocked with required forms and stationery
* Collecting and distributing stationery across offices
Data Entry and Recording
* Accurately recording results and checking information against guidelines or proformas
* Handling straightforward financial tasks, such as issuing jury payments and petty cash under instruction
Operating Equipment
* Using office and court equipment including computers, scanners, photocopiers, switchboards, and recording devices
Telephone Handling
* Answering standard enquiries and passing messages to appropriate colleagues
Meetings and Hearings
* Preparing courtrooms and meeting rooms for hearings, trials, and meetings
* Clearing down courtrooms at the end of the day
* Using electronic diaries to support scheduling
Reception of Court Users
* Welcoming members of the public, judiciary, juries, solicitors, barristers, police, and external agencies
* Providing procedural information and escorting court users within the building
* Calling parties into court in priority order
* Swearing oaths and liaising with court clerks, legal advisers, and the Witness Service
* Keeping all parties informed of changes to courtrooms or hearing times
Other Duties
* Undertaking any other duties reasonably requested by line management, in line with the grade and responsibilities of the role
Skills & Qualifications
* 2 GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent)
OR relevant experience working with the public in a busy public service environment
* Ability to use a computer to the level required for the role
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Professional, calm, and confident approach when dealing with challenging situations
* Ability to work independently while being part of a supportive team
Operational Delivery in HMCTS
This role is part of the Operational Delivery Profession, the outward-facing workforce of government that delivers essential public services.
Operational delivery roles within HMCTS include:
* Face-to-face court roles (e.g. Court Ushers)
* Contact centre roles (e.g. call centre advisers)
* Processing roles (e.g. court and tribunal administration staff)
Brook Street is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and as such, we guarantee to interview all candidates who are veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel, and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.
As a Disability Confident Leader, and holder of the Gold Award status from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, Brook Street, as a supplier to the Public Sector Resourcing Framework (PSR), will offer you a guaranteed interview with a PSR Sourcer.
Should you identify as a candidate with a disability and/or as a veteran or spouse/partner of military personnel and meet all the essential criteria for the role, we encourage you to reach out to us via the Brook Street website. Here you will find a link to register your interest and state the role that you are interested in. We are committed to engaging with you.
In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses/partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, Brook Street will interview the best candidates from within that group.