Crown Court Clerk

About the Role

This role is located at Maidstone Combined Court, The Law Courts, Barker Road, Maidstone, ME16 8EQ. Crown Court Clerks are vital for the smooth running of Crown Court hearings. They confidently communicate with judges and all participants in court and are skilled in producing precise and timely court documents. The role includes a structured but adaptable training programme to develop the necessary skills.

Organisation Overview

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) manages criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals across England and Wales. Working with them means contributing to delivering crucial justice services that affect people and businesses alike. This is an opportunity for those dedicated to serving the public and impacting lives positively.

Candidate Profile

This unique position requires high emotional strength and the capacity to deal sensitively and non-judgmentally with a range of challenging issues faced by service users. The incumbent must be an active listener and an assured speaker within court, capable of liaising calmly with judges, defence, prosecution, media, and public regarding complex matters.

As a cooperative team member, you will assist in ensuring efficient daily court operations, including intervening when necessary and optimizing judicial time. Document preparation must be accurate and timely – taking verdicts, managing arraignments, recording outcomes, and drafting court orders.

The role requires resilience, eagerness to learn, multitasking ability, and IT proficiency, adapting to various systems and technologies as the justice system evolves digitally.

Requirements & Skills

• Ability to speak confidently in public and courtroom settings
• Excellent communication, organizational, and prioritization abilities
• Capable of preparing documents with accuracy and meeting deadlines
• Proficient with IT and adaptable to new software and technology

Additional Information

Court Attire: Court clerks will be provided with a collar and tabs, plus either a jacket or gown. Professional dress and dark shoes are required when attending court or chambers. Wigs are mandatory when clerking for High Court Judges or at the Central Criminal Court.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are 37 per week. Flexible, part-time (minimum three full days), or job-sharing arrangements are considered where operational needs allow and are agreed beforehand.

Travel: Occasional travel to nearby courts, notably Canterbury, for cover may be necessary.

Visa and Eligibility: This role does not support new Skilled Worker visas due to immigration regulations effective 22 July 2025. Applicants must have existing rights to work in the UK in accordance with current laws and service policies. Eligible applicants include UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals, certain Commonwealth nationals with UK work rights, eligible EU nationals, and others as specified under the European Union Settlement Scheme.

Benefits and Culture

• Starting salary of £29,303 with an additional £8,489 employer pension contribution
• Access to comprehensive learning and professional development
• Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life balance
• Inclusive workplace culture promoting diversity
• Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme with substantial employer contribution
• Annual leave, public holidays, and Season Ticket Advance

Selection and Security

Applicants will be assessed against behaviors including managing quality service, leadership, communication and influence, and delivering at pace. Candidates must undergo criminal record checks and baseline personnel security standards before appointment.

Application Guidance

Applications must be truthful and reflect your own experiences—use of artificial intelligence must not lead to plagiarism. Feedback is provided only to those interviewed or assessed. Further details and candidate instructions are available upon inquiry.

Contact Information

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0345 241 5359