Court Usher
What is the work like?
Court ushers make sure that everyone involved with a court case is in the right place and knows what they have to do during the hearing.As a court usher, your duties would include:
- preparing the courtroom
- checking that witnesses, defendants and lawyers are present
- calling defendant and witnesses into court
- administering oaths
- labelling evidence and passing it to the judge and jury
- passing messages between lawyers and legal advisers
- keeping order in the public areas
- inputting data to the computer system, filing and photocopying.
In crown court cases, a ‘sworn usher’ swears on oath to stop anyone unauthorised approaching the jury. As a sworn usher you would have extra duties such as:
- escorting the jury to and from the courtroom
- being on duty outside the jury room
- taking messages between the jury and the judge
- organising hotel accommodation if jurors need to stay overnight.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not usually need formal qualifications to become a court usher. The courts will be more interested in your personal qualities and life experience.
You will need experience of dealing with the public and handling difficult situations. A background in the police or the Armed Forces may be particularly helpful. You may also have an advantage if you have experience of administrative work.
You may be expected to have a driving licence, if your job will involve travelling between courts.
What further training and development can I do?
You will be trained on the job, by shadowing an experienced usher and gradually taking on more duties as you gain experience.
Your training will usually include short in-house courses covering security, equality awareness and handling difficult situations.
New work-based qualifications for court services will soon be available, including NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Court Operations. Contact Skills for Justice for more information.
Where can I go for more information?
23 Lauriston Street
Edinburgh
EH3 9DQ
Tel: 0131 229 9200
Petty France
London
SW1H 9HD
Tel: 020 7189 2000
Atlas Way
Sheffield
S4 7QQ
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form.
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Salaries are between £12,050 and £15,100 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a full-time court usher you would work 37 hours a week between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional late sessions if necessary. Part-time work is often available.
You would work in courtrooms and offices, and at reception desks. You may sometimes travel between different courts. If you are a sworn usher, you may spend occasional nights away from home in a hotel. You would wear dark clothes and a calf-length gown in court.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good communication and ‘people’ skills
- a confident, assertive and tactful manner
- the ability to handle people in difficult situations
- calmness under pressure
- a tolerant and non-judgemental attitude
- a clear speaking voice
- the ability to work well as part of a team
- respect for confidential information.
What opportunities are there?
In England and Wales, you would work for Her Majesty's Courts Service (HCMS), which oversees all magistrates' courts and crown courts. In Northern Ireland you would be employed by the Northern Ireland Court Service.
Jobs are advertised in the local press, in Jobcentre Plus and on the relevant Courts Service websites.
With experience, you could supervise a team of ushers, or become a court administrative officer.
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