21151 - Operational Support Officer


Company:	Ministry of Justice
Salary:	£25,582
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	CHELMSFORD, CM1 1NT
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	14 Aug 2026
Closing date:	2 Sept 2026

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Summary

Positions available at:

· Chelmsford Crown Court, CM1 1EL

· Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and Family Court, CM1 1NT

Proud to serve. Proud to keep justice going.

Our Operational Support Officers play a critical role, providing excellent customer service and administrative support to court and tribunal users, judiciary and management.

About us

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family Courts and Tribunals in England and Wales. Our roles support our court users and colleagues within HMCTS, where people and businesses access potentially life-changing justice. We’re looking for individuals who are committed to public service and making a difference in people’s lives to deliver justice. If you are interested in developing a career with a real purpose, please apply.

Your role

The role is primarily based within the courtroom, supporting the smooth running of court proceedings. Administrative duties will also be incorporated into the post.

Working as part of a team, you will contribute to the overall operational, performance and service standard targets across your area of work. You will progress cases through the court/tribunal system and provide customer service and administrative support to functions within HMCTS. You will have regular contact with court / tribunal users, which could include members of the judiciary and the legal profession.

You will be adaptable, able to multi-task and effectively carry out a variety of duties, both office-based and in a court, which will include:

· Preparing papers and files for court, tribunals, hearings and meetings including processing and handling sensitive information and accurately resulting outcomes.

· Creating and updating records digitally, interpreting information required on a court file accurately.

· Communicating with the public, the judiciary, other court and tribunal users and representatives of other agencies and organisations

· Supporting the smooth running of court proceedings, preparing court /hearing rooms and ensuring court runs efficiently.

· When required, you will be an essential first point of contact for all the court users; meeting members of the public, which may include vulnerable witnesses, and their legal representatives.

Your knowledge, skills and experience

· Strong customer service skills with the ability to work in a service-led customer-facing environment.

· Good digital and administrative skills; with excellent attention to detail.

· Effective communication and organisational skills. Able to communicate confidently in person, over the telephone, digitally and in written communications.

· Resilient and empathetic to be able to deal with sensitive information and situations.

· A team player; able to work collaboratively and flexibly to deliver HMCTS objectives.

Court Specific Duties

Duties undertaken within the Court may include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Speak publicly and manage courtroom proceedings.

· Court usher duties which include preparation and management of a courtroom by communication with court users (members of the public).

· Ensuring court video link technology is prepared and working correctly.

· Communication with stakeholders and professionals including Police, Probation Service and Solicitors.

· Administration work including pre and post court functions.

Please refer to the role profile attachment for more information.

Lead criterion at application stage: Statement of Suitability. An initial sift based on the statement of suitability may be held if a large number of applications are received.

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