Court Usher

We are currently seeking to recruit a number of new standby/relief ushers for the South London Coroners service.  Whilst you will not be required to have previous experience of the court service/coroners service you will be required to be well presented, be calm under pressure have good interpersonal and IT skills and willing to undertake training and development in this area of work. 

The court usher acts as an essential first point of contact for all the court users involved in hearings, which can take place physically in court or virtually via MS Teams or similar software. There will be regular contact with the Senior Coroner, assisting the administrative staff with the smooth flow of court work. You will meet members of the public and their legal representatives; prepare court /hearing rooms, and complete documentation, as well as ensuring the court runs smoothly and efficiently. You will also carry out some general clerical work as required to support the work of the Senior Coroner and the admin support team.

Although many of the tasks are straightforward, regulated by well-established guidelines and/or detailed instructions, an Usher needs to be prepared to react quickly and professionally to situations, some of which may be unexpected. You will be comfortable in dealing sensitively and professionally with people from all walks of life; many of whom may be vulnerable and under stress. Advice and support is readily available and there is little discretion to depart from standard procedures, which may well require you to take a firm stance when those procedures are not understood or welcomed by a court user. Ushers work within a team with regular management support and are responsible for their own time.

Whilst you will be allocated to a specific court or office base, there may be a need for flexibility to work on an ad hoc basis at other courthouses.

Key responsibilities include:

• Management of virtual court users via MS Teams or similar software
• Operating recording equipment and maintaining records of recordings of hearings
• Collecting and delivering files and bundles to the Senior Coroner and clerks ensuring they have the necessary papers
• Sort and deliver lists of hearings for internal & external notice boards
• Collating and recording Jurors expense claims
• Operating office and court equipment e.g. computers, fax machines, scanners, photocopiers, switchboards, messaging equipment, tape, and video recorders, MS Teams, Skype and similar software etc.
• Preparing rooms for hearings, tribunals, trials, meetings and clearing the court / hearing room down at the end of the day etc.
• Using electronic diaries
• Using MS Teams, Skype or similar software to ‘admit’ virtual court users into the Inquest hearing
• Providing information related to proceedings, escorting court users into and from the building, swearing oaths etc.

Other duties

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.

Skills & Qualifications

2 GCSE’s at Grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications OR have experience of working with the public in a busy public service environment. Ability to use a computer and manage virtual meetings at the level required for the work.

Casual (adhoc/varied zero hour contract)

CV’s will not be considered. Please ensure you include a supporting statement with your application.

Closing date:            18th April 2021 at 11:59pm

Shortlisting:               Week beginning 19th April 2021                                                            

Interview dates:        Week beginning 26th April 2021                               

Equal opportunities statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.