Application Support Officer – National Magistrates Recruitment Taskforce
Employer: HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
Department: Ministry of Justice
Job Reference: 480971
Vacancy Reference: 22186
Job Grade: Administrative Officer (AO)
Salary: £25,582 – £30,109 per year
Contract: Fixed term/loan
Duration: Initially up to 12 months, with the option to extend to 24 months
Working Pattern: Full-time, part-time, flexible working and job share
Vacancies: 4
Location: National – locations across England, Scotland and Wales
Closing Date: Monday 28 September 2026 at 11:55pm
Visa Sponsorship – Important
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
HMCTS states that the position does not meet the current eligibility requirements for applicants seeking a Skilled Worker visa for the first time.
The department cannot sponsor applicants unless they have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously since before 22 July 2025, subject to the applicable transitional provisions.
Applicants must already have, and maintain, the legal right to live and work in the UK and the Civil Service.
About the Role
HM Courts & Tribunals Service is recruiting four Application Support Officers to join the newly established National Magistrates Recruitment Taskforce, a partnership between HMCTS and the Judicial Office.
The Taskforce has been created to transform the way magistrates are recruited across England and Wales. Its aim is to create a faster and more consistent recruitment process, reducing recruitment timescales from around 12 months to approximately 12 weeks.
The programme supports the ambition to recruit up to 7,000 additional magistrates by 2028/29 and contribute to a 20% increase in sitting days.
As an Application Support Officer, you will provide administrative and processing support across multiple magistrates recruitment campaigns. You will help ensure applications are processed accurately, eligibility checks are completed, interviews are organised and candidate communications are issued promptly.
The role involves handling detailed and sensitive information, maintaining accurate records and identifying issues or delays that could affect recruitment campaigns.
Key Responsibilities
- Process applications and complete eligibility and completeness checks.
- Maintain accurate campaign tracking information and audit trails.
- Support interview scheduling and panel logistics.
- Issue standard candidate communications and outcome notifications.
- Update systems and records in line with agreed processes.
- Monitor campaign progress and flag issues or delays at an early stage.
- Provide administrative support to candidates throughout the recruitment process.
- Handle sensitive information carefully and in accordance with established procedures.
Requirements / Person Specification
The successful candidate should have experience of working in an operational or administrative environment.
Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:
- Recruitment support
- Customer service
- Process-driven administrative work
- Judicial recruitment
- Working alongside magistrates
- Operational environments
You should be:
- Organised and reliable.
- Accurate and attentive to detail.
- Comfortable working to deadlines.
- Able to follow structured processes consistently.
- Confident handling detailed and sensitive information.
- Able to identify and escalate issues appropriately.
- Delivery-focused and able to work effectively as part of a team.
Behaviours Assessed
Candidates will be assessed against the following Civil Service behaviours:
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
The selection process uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework and will assess behaviours, strengths and experience.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range is £25,582 to £30,109, depending on base location.
The national salary is £25,582, while the London salary is £30,109.
Benefits include:
- Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97%.
- Annual leave.
- Public holidays.
- Season Ticket Advance.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Flexible working options.
- Inclusive and supportive working environment.
Working Pattern
The standard full-time working week is 37 hours.
HMCTS welcomes applications for:
- Full-time working
- Part-time working
- Flexible working
- Job sharing
Part-time applications will be considered, but because of the nature of the role, applicants must be available for a minimum of 30 hours over five days.
Flexible and job-sharing arrangements must meet business requirements and be agreed before appointment.
Right to Work
Successful applicants must have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the UK and the Civil Service.
The vacancy is broadly open to eligible UK nationals, Irish nationals, certain Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK, eligible EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and others who meet the Civil Service nationality requirements.
Applicants should check the nationality and right-to-work requirements before applying.
Security Checks
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a basic or equivalent criminal record check.
Candidates working with government assets must also complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks.
Application / Selection Process
Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Justice recruitment system.
The recruitment process uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework and will assess:
- Behaviours
- Strengths
- Experience
Applicants should ensure that all examples and statements in their application are truthful and based on their own experience.
The vacancy also states that artificial intelligence tools may be used to support an application, but candidates remain responsible for ensuring that their examples are accurate and genuinely reflect their own experience.
Closing Date
Applications close at 11:55pm on Monday 28 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Full Details + Apply
For the full job description, eligibility requirements and application process, use the official HMCTS recruitment page:
Application Support Officer – National Magistrates Recruitment Taskforce (Ref: 22186)
Salary: £25,582 – £30,109
Vacancies: 4
Contract: Fixed term/loan
Working: Full-time, part-time, flexible or job share
Sponsorship: Not eligible for new Skilled Worker sponsorship
Closing: 28 September 2026
FAQs
Is Skilled Worker visa sponsorship available for this job?
No. HMCTS states that this role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas under the current immigration rules.
Applicants who have continuously held a Skilled Worker visa since before 22 July 2025 may be considered under the relevant transitional provisions.
How many positions are available?
There are 4 Application Support Officer vacancies.
What is the salary?
The salary is £25,582 to £30,109, depending on the applicant’s base location. The London salary is £30,109.
Is the position full-time?
The standard full-time working pattern is 37 hours per week. Part-time, flexible and job-share arrangements are also considered.
Part-time applicants must work at least 30 hours over five days.
Where is the job based?
The position is described as national and can be based across England, Scotland and Wales, including London and the regions listed in the vacancy.
Do I need recruitment experience?
Recruitment, customer service or process-driven experience is advantageous. The employer is looking for candidates with experience in an operational or administrative environment who can work accurately and follow structured processes.
What is the contract length?
The initial appointment is for up to 12 months, with an option to extend up to 24 months.
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