Job description
Job Title: Administrative Officer (AO)
Location: First Avenue House, 42-49 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6NP
Organisation: Central Family Court (part of HM Courts & Tribunals Service)
Pay Rate: £15.59 per hour
Booking Number: 431156
Contract: Full-time, office-based
End Date: 30/09/2026 (with potential to extend - not guaranteed)
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and organised Administrative Officer (AO) to join the team at the Central Family Court in High Holborn, London.
Administrative Officers play a vital role in supporting the effective operation of the courts and tribunals. You will contribute to the smooth progression of cases through the court system while delivering excellent customer service to court users, judiciary members, legal professionals, and internal stakeholders.
This role operates within a structured framework of systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs), with opportunities to use initiative, contribute to continuous improvement, and support Lean working practices.
While based at First Avenue House, flexibility may be required to support other local HMCTS offices on an ad hoc basis.
Key Responsibilities
Administration
Preparing papers and files for court hearings, tribunals, and meetings
Producing court/tribunal documentation
Photocopying, filing, and document management
Updating and maintaining records on internal systems
Opening and dispatching post
Booking and organising meeting rooms and supporting training events
Preparing agendas, joining instructions, and handouts
Drafting
Producing standard correspondence, minutes, reports, submissions, and other documentation in line with guidelines
Court Operations
Clerking civil and family court hearings
Supporting listing and rota management
Assisting court users and handling face-to-face, telephone, and written enquiries
Contacting relevant parties and scheduling hearings
Managing fines and fee collection (including chip and pin transactions)
Supporting Team Information Board (TIB) meetings and problem-solving activities
Undertaking ad hoc duties such as Jury Bailiff Officer, Health & Safety roles, or L&D Co-ordinator tasks
Casework Processing
Handling court orders, claims, fines, fees, and legal aid documentation
Accurately recording court outcomes
Working to workload and accuracy targets
Checking & Verifying
Reviewing documents, claims, records, and accounts for compliance
Cross-checking colleagues' work where required
Ensuring documentation meets quality standards
Information & Reporting
Preparing statistical data, reports, returns, and court bundles
Undertaking basic financial processing and reconciliation
Calculating juror numbers and supporting efficient court operations
Communication
Working closely with judiciary members, magistrates, court staff, and external agencies
Delivering a professional, helpful, and "right first time" customer service experience
Skills & Experience Required
5 GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent, NVQ Level II in Business Administration, or relevant administrative experience
Strong organisational and time management skills
Good attention to detail and accuracy
Confident IT skills and ability to use in-house systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Professional and customer-focused approach
Brook Street is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and as such, we guarantee to interview all candidates who are veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel, and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.
As a Disability Confident Leader, and holder of the Gold Award status from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, Brook Street, as a supplier to the Public Sector Resourcing Framework (PSR), will offer you a guaranteed interview with a PSR Sourcer.
Should you identify as a candidate with a disability and/or as a veteran or spouse/partner of military personnel and meet all the essential criteria for the role, we encourage you to reach out to us via the Brook Street website. Here you will find a link to register your interest and state the role that you are interested in. We are committed to engaging with you.
In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses/partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, Brook Street will interview the best candidates from within that group.
