Crown Court Clerk & Team Lead – Norwich Combined Court

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is looking for a resilient, confident, and highly organized individual to serve as a Crown Court Clerk at Norwich Combined Court. This is a high-profile operational role at the heart of the justice system. You will be responsible for the seamless execution of court hearings, acting as the primary liaison between the Judge and all court participants. Beyond the courtroom, you will also hold line management responsibilities, guiding and motivating a clerking team to maintain high performance and service standards.

The Role: At the Heart of the Courtroom

As a Crown Court Clerk, you are the “engine room” of the hearing. Your presence must be calm and professional, even when dealing with sensitive or distressing case material. You will be expected to speak publicly in a formal courtroom setting, conducting arraignments and taking jury verdicts with absolute precision.

Key Courtroom Responsibilities:

Public Speaking: Conducting formal court processes such as arraignments (reading charges to the defendant) and taking jury verdicts.
Judicial Liaison: Working closely with the Judge to ensure hearings run on time and administrative hurdles are cleared quickly.
Documentation: Producing exact, time-critical court orders and recording hearing outcomes accurately on digital systems.
Stakeholder Management: Communicating confidently with the prosecution, defence, media, and members of the public.

Management & Operational Duties

This role is not limited to the courtroom; it is a leadership position within the Norwich Combined Court administrative structure.

Line Management: Leading a team of clerks, setting clear directions, and conducting regular 1-to-1 meetings to support staff wellbeing and development.
Performance Monitoring: Measuring team objectives and ensuring the “clerking team” maximizes judicial sitting time.
Digital Adaptability: Utilizing and mastering new IT systems as HMCTS continues its digital transformation.
Regional Support: Regular travel to King’s Lynn (typically once a week) is expected to support regional court requirements.

Person Specification & Behaviours

HMCTS is looking for an “active listener” with high emotional resilience. You must be non-judgemental and able to maintain professionalism in a high-pressure environment.

Core Behaviours to be Assessed:

Leadership: Motivating and supporting a team to deliver excellence.
Communicating and Influencing: High-level public speaking and stakeholder liaison.
Managing a Quality Service: Ensuring documents are accurate and deadlines are met.
Delivering at Pace: Handling time-critical documentation without sacrificing accuracy.

Salary & Civil Service Benefits

Salary: £28,312 (Standard starting salary for new Civil Service recruits).
Pension: Access to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension (Employer contribution of 28.97% or approximately £8,201).
Working Hours: 37 hours per week (Minimum of 4 full days for part-time requests).
Training: A structured and flexible Crown Court Clerk training programme is provided.
Location: Office-based in Norwich (NR3 1UR) with weekly travel to King’s Lynn.

Important Information: Right to Work & Visas

Please note that as of April 2024, the salary for this role falls below the general threshold for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. Applicants must generally already possess the legal right to work in the UK without sponsorship.

To apply for this job please visit talents.studysmarter.co.uk.