Operational Support Officer, Ministry of Justice, Leicester – Visa Sponsorship Available

This Operational Support Officer role with the Ministry of Justice in Leicester is ideal for diligent individuals seeking a meaningful career in public service. While the role was previously open to foreign applicants needing a UK work visa, new immigration rules effective July 22, 2025, mean only those who held a Skilled Worker visa continuously before this date can be considered for sponsorship. The position offers a salary of £25,582, with options for full-time, part-time, and flexible working arrangements.

Job Description

As an Operational Support Officer, you will be a vital part of HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), contributing to the smooth running of justice in England and Wales. Your daily tasks will involve providing excellent customer service and comprehensive administrative support to court and tribunal users, the judiciary, and management.

You will be responsible for progressing cases through the system, preparing crucial papers and files for court, and accurately updating digital records. This dynamic role requires adaptability, as you will handle sensitive information, communicate regularly with diverse court users, and ensure court proceedings run efficiently by preparing hearing rooms and acting as a primary point of contact for the public, including vulnerable witnesses.

Requirements

• Strong customer service skills, comfortable in a public-facing, service-led environment.
• Proficient digital and administrative skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective communication abilities, both in person, over the telephone, digitally, and in writing.
• Resilience and empathy to navigate sensitive information and challenging situations.
• A collaborative team player, able to work flexibly to achieve HMCTS objectives.
• For visa sponsorship, applicants must have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously prior to July 22, 2025, in accordance with new UK immigration rules.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £25,582.
• Opportunities for full-time, part-time, and flexible working, including hybrid arrangements.
• A role with a genuine purpose, contributing to the administration of justice.
• Support for professional development within the Civil Service.
• Generous annual leave and a strong pension scheme.

How to Prepare

For Nigerians and other African immigrants eyeing this Operational Support Officer role, preparing a UK-optimised application is crucial. Focus your CV on demonstrating strong customer service, administrative proficiency, and your ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and resilience, aligning with the job description's emphasis on public service and legal support. Ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects these skills and is tuned for UK employers.

When crafting your Statement of Suitability, highlight experiences where you’ve provided administrative support in a professional setting, managed sensitive information, or interacted with diverse stakeholders. If you reach the interview stage, be ready to discuss your right-to-work status clearly, especially if you fall under the transitional Skilled Worker visa rules. Emphasise your commitment to public service and your understanding of the UK justice system's values.

• Tailor your CV to showcase UK-relevant administrative and customer service experience, using action verbs.
• Prepare a compelling Statement of Suitability addressing the lead criterion and demonstrating your alignment with HMCTS values.
• Practice articulating your communication and organisational skills with examples of previous success.
• Be ready to discuss your visa status and how you meet the specific Skilled Worker visa requirements if applying for sponsorship.
• Research the Ministry of Justice and HMCTS to show genuine interest and understanding of their mission.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship for this role is available only for applicants who have continuously held a Skilled Worker visa prior to July 22, 2025, due to recent changes in UK immigration rules. Foreign applicants who meet this specific criterion are encouraged to apply and must raise this during vetting checks. If you do not meet this transitional provision, you will need to secure your own right to work in the UK.