National Trainee Legal adviser Scheme Spring 2020 - SSCL ...
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National Trainee Legal adviser Scheme
Spring 2020
1
Contents
Introduction Eligibility
Diversity and Inclusion Terms, conditions and benefits
The role FAQs
The Success profile Civil Service & Legal adviser code
The Recruitment Process Contact Details
2
Justice Matters
‘What the courts and tribunals do every day is
supremely important. States without justice do
not function; the rule of law is one of the things
that makes us civilized, and lets us live life
knowing that there are fundamental
underpinnings of fairness.
We are looking for those who are passionate
about the justice system, to serve the public
and our society and develop their career in a
complex and challenging system that matters
to us all’.
Susan Acland-Hood
Chief Executive of HMCTS.
3
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to becoming the
most inclusive employer in the UK
I have been a legal adviser for over 15
We are committed to respecting and representing as broad a range
years. Everyone relies on you for the smooth,
of views understanding, and backgrounds as we have in UK society.
effective and lawful running of the court
We Know that diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to an
room. The Magistrates and other court users
effective, modern Civil Service.
look to me for legal advice, so it’s imperative
that I know both the law and the procedures. I
Our Vision is to ensure the Civil Service represents modern
didn’t think it was possible for me to know
Britain and is a truly inclusive employer – an example to other
everything I need to know, but with the
employers.
support, guidance and in-depth training
provided by professional mentors and
We will create an organisation where diversity is not only
trainers, the knowledge and skills I have
respected and valued, but celebrated.
gained are invaluable. This role is exciting,
challenging and varied, no two days or two What’s next?
cases are the same. If you want a legal role
You’ve taken the first step. We
that puts you at the heart of the Criminal
What’s in it for me? encourage you to look through this
Justice System, where you are both academic
We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses pack to understand the skills and
and practical ,then I would highly recommend
to work for us –regardless of background. experience needed to be a successful
becoming a legal adviser.
Trainee Legal adviser. Justice matters.
Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work Join us in achieving our ambitions and
environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, let us help you to achieve yours.
engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and
professional development.
Harinder Panesor
Legal Adviser
A short history of reform
The Role - Trainee Legal Advisor
Pay Range
Band C - starting salary : National locations £24,002 pa. Inner London £30,845 pa
Due to the importance of this role, the Lord
Location: Various – Nationwide. Travel will be expected and base location could change within a
Chief Justice requires the Judicial College to
region due to business needs.
provide the core legal and skills training
materials for legal advisers and to have What are my responsibilities?
oversight of their training programme.
During the training period, our trainees gain experience of:
HMCTS is responsible for the day to day
management of the training programme and for • Managing an efficient and effective court room
the legal advisers’ development. The Judicial • Advising the Bench on law, practice and procedure
College programme is supplemented with • Facilitating the decision-making process applying a structured approach
regional training, which covers both legal and • Identifying relevant issues to be incorporated into Justices’ reasons
skills development. Each trainee is assigned a • Assisting with the drafting of Justices’ reasons
personal legal adviser mentor and training • Conducting legal research
supervisor. • Promoting partnership and team working with colleagues and the Bench
• Using delegated judicial powers effective for effective case management
The range of work dealt with in the magistrates’ • Communicating in clear and concise language
court is very varied and legal advisers have the • Facilitating the administration in the court room with the use of technology
opportunity to specialise in a number of • Adult and youth criminal law/and or family law and procedure
jurisdictions. I have been in the role for 30 years • See the full job description attached here
and still find the job fulfilling and rewarding.
Training
HMCTS prides itself on providing all trainee Legal Advisers with a comprehensive training and
Rachel Newman mentoring programme to ensure successful completion of your period of recognised training. Each
Deputy Justices’ Clerk legal adviser is assigned a mentor and training supervisor.
Justice Matters
Meet two of our team. Click on the pictures below to hear D and Hannah talk about the role of Trainee Legal
Adviser
Learn more about HMCTS values here
6
Success Profile The Selection process will use the Civil Service Success Profiles Framework
which assesses, behaviours, strengths and their potential. Please find
below the following areas we will be testing throughout the process:
20 years ago I commenced my training contract with
the Magistrates’ Courts. Criminal law held the most
interest for me, but I did not want to be representing
defendants in the police station in the middle of the
BEHAVIOURS TECHNICAL
night or attending prison visits. As a trainee legal
adviser I was able to work in a courtroom setting,
advising magistrates and unrepresented defendants in
criminal law.
It provided me with an opportunity to be at the centre
of the criminal justice system where each day was ABILITY STRENGTHS
different; be it sitting in a remand court, trials court or
private prosecutions. I completed my training contract
and my career progression escalated . I became a legal
manager within 5 years specialising in youth court
work.
MOTIVATION
Tracey Bagley Move your mouse pointer on the subject in the
Legal Manager boxes above and click for more information
Behaviours
We will be testing the following Level 3 Behaviours on the framework for Band C:
When looking at WORKING TOGETHER - Application and Interview
behaviours, we want to
get an understanding of MAKING EFFECTIVE DECISIONS - Application and Interview
the actions and activities
that you have done (or COMMUNICATING & INFLUENCING - Application and Interview
would do) that result in
effective performance in a DELIVERING AT PACE - Interview
job.
MANAGING A QUALITY SERVICE - Interview
Please find further information about each of the behaviours by
viewing the Civil Service Success Profile Behaviours framework
A short history of reform
Ability
The following points below are essential criteria for this job role:
LEGAL INTELLECT – Tested at Interview
When testing your
ability we want to A sound knowledge and understanding of legal principles or, a potential to develop such
knowledge and understanding
understand your
aptitude for a Able to research and assimilate unfamiliar areas of knowledge, including technical areas of law
particular type of work The ability to analyse a set of facts, so as to identify the relevant factual and legal issues
The ability to give clear and accurate advice in open court in line with the principles of the
human voice of justice
The ability to apply principles logically, precisely and with sound Judgment
The ability to produce clear and structured written work
The ability to present a case both orally and in writing in a measured, engaging and persuasive manner
Clear and articulate in oral communication
Ability to make independent decisions and clearly articulate reasoning behind those decisions
Please find further information about each of the behaviours by
viewing the Civil Service Success Profile Ability Framework
A short history of reform
Technical
The following points below are essential criteria for this job role:
In order to apply for the UNDER GRADUATE DEGREE
HMCTS National Legal Candidates must hold a minimum of a 2:2 university undergraduate degree – this
does not need to be in law. Equivalent undergraduate degrees will be considered
Trainee Scheme e.g. degrees completed in another country
candidates must be able Candidates with a university undergraduate degree at a minimum of a 2:2 in a
subject other than law must have completed one of the following conversion
to meet the following courses:
criteria. Any candidates • Law (GDL)
• Common Professional Examination
who do not meet these
standards will be POST GRADUATE QUALIFCATIONS
Candidates must have successfully completed, or be due to complete the Bar
automatically removed Professional Training Course (BPTC) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC) to enable them
from the process. to start within HMCTS from 1 st October 2020
This qualification must be successfully completed, with results provided to the HMCTS
Recruitment Team by 1 September, 2020 at the latest. If candidates are unable to provide
confirmation of passing their BPTC / LPC by this time then they may be removed from the
process.
HMCTS does not offer sponsorship for vocational qualifications
We will check for all certificates and academic qualifications if successful and invited
to complete an online video interview. Any candidates who are found to not meet
the academic eligibility criteria will be removed from the process
Please find further information about each of the behaviours by
viewing the Civil Service Success Profile Technical FrameworkA short history of reform
Strengths
Strengths will be tested at interview and will not be provided in advance
When looking at your
strengths, we want to The Civil Service is a diverse and inclusive workplace and we want to help you demonstrate
find out whether you your full potential throughout the assessment process
and the organisation or During your interview you will be asked questions to understand whether you have strengths
job role are a good fit. relevant to the job role. It is important to remember that there are no right or wrong answers
to these questions. Do not rehearse your answers because we are looking for your initial
We will look at what response. The qualities required for the role will be described in the job description. The best
way to prepare is to reflect on what you feel your personal strengths are and your preferred
you enjoy doing and ways of working.
what you do well and Your strengths will be assessed alongside the other elements of the Success Profile to get a
often. more rounded picture of your suitability for the role. The job description will outline the
elements required for the role.
Please find further information about each of the behaviours by
viewing the Service Success Profile Strengths FrameworkA short history of reform
Motivation
The following points below are essential criteria for this job role:
We are looking for
your motivation as
Have a demonstrable interest in law, in particular the areas of Criminal, Civil and Family law
to why you want and be motivated by public service
to work in public
service, law and Demonstrates knowledge & understanding of the work of HMCTS and its role in the wider
Justice System
HMCTS as a whole.
A strong focus on continuous learning with the ability to apply knowledge of Criminal, Civil and
Family law from study and experience
Be motivated to maintain relevant legal knowledge
A commitment to a career as a lawyer practicing Criminal, Civil and Family law with HMCTSRecruitment Process
EXPECTED TIMELINE
Conditional Confirmed
Application Sifting Interviewing offer Vetting Start
Offer
Opens 8th February March and April to May May to June September October
January 2020. April onwards
Closes 3rd depending on
February 2020 location
These dates are subject to change however it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments or interviews. Y ou are therefore asked to note
the timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process, in order to meet the dates given. The a nticipated timetable is as shown.
13A short history of reform
The Recruitment APPLICATION INTERVIEW
Successful candidates will be invited to the
Process Apply using the Application form on the Civil
Service Jobs advert. Your application should final stage of the recruitment process, which
contain your work history and qualifications, will be an assessment and interview.
including key responsibilities and achievements.
Failure to provide details on your application The final panel interview will consist of
To apply for this post, form that you meet the academic eligibility experienced Legal Advisors/Justices’ Clerks
criteria will result in your application being and representatives.
click here to view our withdrawn.
The Interview process will include a legal
vacancies scenario assessment to help us assess your
ability to work effectively in an HMCTS court.
SIFTING
Applications must be Applications will be sifted on the behaviours Successful candidates will be offered a
outlined in slide 8. In the event of excessively position– subject to pre-employment checks.
submitted no later than high volume, applications will be sifted on the on the HMCTS Trainee Legal adviser Scheme
23:55 on 3rd February lead behaviour of communicating and with a start date of October 2020 onwards.
influencing .
2020
We operate a blind recruitment policy. Personal
information is not provided to colleagues
completing the sift. Application answers are not
provided to the panel who conduct your
interview.
Find out more: Civil Service Name blind
recruitmentThe Recruitment REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS RESERVE LISTS
Process If you require any reasonable adjustments to
our recruitment process please let the
If HMCTS receives applications from more
suitable candidates than we have vacancies for
recruiting manager know. Examples of at this time, we may hold suitable applicants
adjustments include providing documents in on a reserve list for 12 months for any future
large print or braille, allowing more time for Trainee Legal Adviser vacancies could be
I chose the Trainee Legal Adviser role a test or interview or providing assistance at offered to candidates on a reserve list without
within HMCTS given its unique and an assessment centre. having to re-apply.
diverse opportunities to demonstrate
problem solving, judicial/legal/
administrative decision-making skills,
and to understand the Justice system. A
robust foundation is offered during the
training period enabling you to become a FEEDBACK
competent Legal Adviser. If you are able CONDITIONAL OFFER
to provide tenable advice to ensure Due to the high volume of candidates,
justice is carried out appropriately and in All offers will be conditional. Final offers
will be confirmed upon successful feedback will only be given to candidates
a timely fashion and you want to flourish who reach the final interview stage.
in a dynamic and driven environment completion of The LPC and provision of
this is certainly a career to consider. academic certificates to the Recruitment
team.
D Kumar
Trainee Legal AdviserEligibility
Post Graduate Qualifications Nationality and Immigration Security Checks
Academic Eligibility
The HMCTS Trainee Legal adviser All successful candidates will be
Candidates must have successfully
In order to apply for the HMCTS National 2020 scheme is open to applicants subject to pre-employment checks,
completed, or be due to complete the Bar
Legal Trainee Scheme candidates must be who are: including a minimum of a Disclosure
Professional Training Course (BPTC) or the
able to meet the following criteria. Any • UK nationals and Barring Service (DBS) security
Legal Practice Course (LPC) to enable them to
candidates who do not meet these standards • European Economic Area (EEA) checks.
start within HMCTS from October 2020
will be automatically removed from the • Nationals
process. • Swiss nationals Some HMCTS areas may require higher
• Commonwealth citizens security clearance such as SC and DV
This qualification must be successfully clearance. HMCTS is exempt from Section
Undergraduate Degree completed, with results provided to the This is in accordance to the Civil Service 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of the Offenders
Recruitment Team at MoJ-recruitment- nationality requirements. In addition to Act 1974. Therefore an offer of employment
Candidates must hold a minimum of a 2:2 vetting-enquiries@sscl.gse.gov.uk. meeting the Civil Service nationality may not be made to anyone who has been
university undergraduate degree – this does If candidates are unable to provide requirements, candidates must also be legally cautioned, has been convicted, or has spent
not need to be in law. Equivalent confirmation of passing their BPTC / LPC by entitled to work in the UK. If you do not have convictions, for an offence listed on our
undergraduate degrees will be considered this time then they may be removed from the an existing right to remain in the UK please Proscribed Offences List.
e.g. degrees completed in another country. If process. HMCTS does not offer sponsorship
candidates believe they hold an equivalent be aware that HMCTS is not a registered
for vocational qualifications. We will check sponsor and is therefore unable to offer any
degree then the onus is on the candidates to for all certificates and academic qualifications
provide evidence of equivalence. Candidates form of visa sponsorship. As HMCTS
if successful and invited to interview. Any prosecutes cases in courts throughout
with a university undergraduate degree at a candidates who are found to not meet the
minimum of a 2:2 in a subject other than law England and Wales, in the Wales/Cymru area,
academic eligibility criteria will be removed the ability to speak Welsh will be an
must have completed one of the following from the process. . advantage.
Knowing that every decision you make
conversion courses: and every time you give advice it will
It is the responsibility of the candidate to have an impact on whether justice is
Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) provide supporting evidence of their
done and is perceived to have been
eligibility regarding qualifications, within the
Common Professional Examination specified done by the public, is both challenging
(CPE) application deadline. and also, immensely rewarding.
Candidates that have already
completed / or part completed either
pupillage or a period of recognised Esin Uslu
training with HMCTS are not eligible Deputy Justices’
to apply for role of Trainee. Clerk•
Terms, conditions
and benefits
Personal Development Pension Staff Wellbeing Training and Development
Whatever your role, we take your career and Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward The Department offers engaging jobs in work that
Flexible working including part-time or term-
development seriously and want to enable you package. really matters. These jobs have a direct impact on
time working and access to Flexible Working
to build a really successful career with the the quality of public services.
Schemes allowing you to vary your working day
Department and wider Civil Service. It is crucial We provide you with a competitive contributory as long as you work your total hours
that our employees have the right skills to pension scheme that you can enter as soon as you Our roles can offer great job satisfaction. There are
develop their careers and meet the challenges join, and where we will make a significant many opportunities to develop and progress both
Generous paid maternity and paternity leave
ahead. At HMCTS you’ll benefit from regular contribution to the cost of your pension. Also, your within the Department and across the wider Civil
performance and development reviews to contributions will come out of your salary before Service
Childcare benefits (policy for new employees as
ensure this development is ongoing. As a Civil any tax is taken of 5 April 2018): The government has introduced
Service employee, you’ll be entitled to a large To create a more skilled and unified organisation,
the Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) Scheme, so working
range of benefits. In extreme cases such as illness or death before the Civil Service is developing 10 specialist areas of
parents can open an online childcare account
retirement, your pension will continue to provide expertise.
Appointment Term valuable benefits for you and your family. For more
and for every £8 they pay in, the government
Permanent adds £2, up to a maximum of £2000 a year for
details, visit Cross-government functions provide professional
Location each child or £4000 for a disabled child. Parents
https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ services and support to departments and
then use the funds to pay for registered childcare.
Various – Nationwide. Travel will be expected across supplement the 25 recognised professions within
Existing employees may be able to continue to
the region and base location could change within a Generous Annual Leave and the Civil Service.
claim childcare vouchers, so please check how the
region due to business needs.
Bank Holiday Allowance policy would work for you here.
We are also committed to investing in our staff and
Working Arrangements 25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a sliding we offer a range of work-based training and
•
This role is available for full-time however scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service. This is in Season Ticket and Bicycle Loan qualifications, coaching and mentoring
requests for part-time or flexible working addition to 8 public holidays. opportunities and a guaranteed five days of learning
Interest-free loans allowing you to spread the cost of
arrangements may be considered – subject to a year.
an annual travel season ticket or a new bicycle.
business needs. This will be complimented by one further day paid
Equality Diversity and Inclusion privilege entitlement to mark the Queen’s Birthday
The Civil Service values and supports all its
Modernised Terms and Conditions
Employees With competitive maternity, paternity and parental
leave we also recognise the importance of a good Civil Servants taking up appointment on promotion
work-life balance and offer flexible working and a will adopt the modernised Civil Service terms and
For example, we have strong and pro-active staff conditions which came in to effect from 1 July 2013.
networks, special leave policies for hospital family friendly approach to work.
Existing Civil Servants appointed on level transfer
appointments, reasonable adjustments put in place will retain their existing terms and conditions.
for those who need them and diversity talent
programmes to help everyone irrespective of
background, to achieve their potential. 14FAQs
1. Can I apply if I am not currently a civil 4. Is security clearance required? 9. What reasonable adjustments can 12. Do you offer extensions to the
servant? Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing to be made if I have a disability? deadline dates?
Yes. This role is open to suitably qualified people obtain, security clearance to DBS level. Certain We are committed to making reasonable No. We are unable to offer extensions to the
in the external market, to existing civil servants areas may also require a higher level of SC or DV adjustments in order to support disabled job dates provided however some of these dates
and those in accredited Non Departmental clearance. More information about the vetting applicants and ensure that you are not may be subject to change but it may not be
Bodies. process can be found at the following link disadvantaged in the recruitment and possible to offer alternative dates for
2. Will the role involve travel? https://www.gov.uk/guidance/security-vetting- assessment process. Reasonable adjustments assessments or interviews. You are therefore
and-clearance could include: allowing extra time during asked to note the timetable, exercising
Yes. Travel will be required for this role as Band selection tests, ensuring that information is flexibility through the recruitment and
C Legal Trainee grade is classed as mobile. 5. Do you offer visa sponsorship? provided in an accessible format or, by selection process, in order to meet the dates
No. In order to be eligible for this role you must providing training. given.
3. What nationality do I need to hold have the right to work and remain in the UK.
If you feel that you may need a reasonable
in order to apply? adjustment to be made, or you would like
6. Do you offer funding or
To be eligible for employment to this role you must to discuss your requirements in more detail,
sponsorship for the BPTC / LPC? please state this on your application form
be a national from the following countries:
• The United Kingdom No. We do not offer sponsorship and and feel free to contact us directly.
• The Republic of Ireland candidates must have completed or be due to
• The Commonwealth* complete their BPTC / LPC ahead of the 10. I want to change something on my
• A European Economic Area (EEA) Member State proposed start date.
application form, can I resubmit my
• Switzerland 7. I have a third class undergraduate application?
• Turkey degree, am I able to apply? No. Once your application has been submitted
No. Applicants must have a minimum 2:2 you are unable to amend or submit another
Certain family members of EEA, Switzerland and
undergraduate degree in order to apply application, so do ensure that you are happy
Turkish nationals are also eligible to apply regardless
for the scheme. with your application before submitting.
of their nationality.
8. Is this role suitable for part-time
(*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the UK, who 11. Can I receive feedback on
working
have no right of abode in the UK and who do not
have leave to enter the UK are ineligible to apply.) This a full-time role however requests for part- my application?
For further information on whether you are eligible time or flexible working arrangements may be Due to the high volume of candidates we are
to apply, please visit Gov.UK considered however this is subject to business only able to provide feedback to candidates
need. who reach the final interview stage.
16The Civil Service Commissioners and the Civil
Service Code
The Commissioners have two key functions:
To maintain the principle of selection for appointment to the Civil Service on merit, on the basis of fair and open competitio n. For the most senior posts
in the Civil Service, the Commissioners discharge their responsibilities directly by overseeing the recruitment process and chairing the final selection
panel. For more information please see http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/
To promote an understanding of the Civil Service Code which sets out the constitutional framework in which all civil servants work, the values they are
expected to uphold, and to hear and determine appeals made under it. For more information please see www.civilservice.gov.uk
HMCTS adheres fully to the Civil Service Code and to the requirements and best practice suggested by the Civil Service Commissioners.Please Note: Assistant Justice’s clerks are known widely as Legal Advisers
The role of the Justices' Clerks and Assistant Justices' Clerks
To maintain the confidence of the wider community and the Magistracy in the system of summary justice, Justices’ Clerks (when exercising their judicial and advisory responsibilities)
must act, and be seen to act, independently. This independence has to be preserved in the interests of justice. It is not a p rivilege granted to Justices’ Clerks or Assistant Justices’ Clerks
by virtue of their office, but an essential safeguard of individual liberty and for the impartial resolution of disputes, par ticularly those between the citizen and the Government or other
institutions of the State. As such they should act in conformity with the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, as these principles establish a standard of ethical conduct that provides
guidance to Justices’ Clerks (and Assistant Justices’ Clerks) and affords them a framework for the regulating of their conduc t.
Justices' Clerks act both:
in a judicial capacity, exercising the powers of a Justices' Clerk and of a single magistrate to ensure that cases (criminal, civil and family) come to trial in a
timely and well-prepared form, and
in an advisory capacity, advising magistrates on all matters of law, practice and procedure, etc.
The six Bangalore principles are:
Judicial independence is a pre-requisite of the Rule of Law and a guarantee to all of fair trials and therefore a Justices' Clerk and an Assistant Ju stices' Clerk shall both uphold their
independence and that of the magistracy.
Impartiality is essential to the proper discharge of a Justices' Clerk's and an Assistant Justices' Clerk's responsibilities including mak ing any comment in public or otherwise that might affect
the fair trial of any person or issue.
Integrity is essential to the proper discharge of a Justices' Clerk and an Assistant Justices' Clerk's responsibilities
Propriety and the appearance of propriety, are essential to the proper discharge of a Justices' Clerk's and an Assistant Justices' Clerk's responsibilities and are subject to the proper
performance of judicial duties
Ensuring equality of treatment to all before the law is essential to the proper discharge of a Justices' Clerk's and an Assistant Justices' Cle rk's responsibilities
Competence and diligence are a pre-requisite to the proper discharge of a Justices Clerk's and an Assistant Justices' Clerk's responsibilitiesJustice and the rule of law are hallmarks of a civilised society. England &
A final say from Tom Ring, Wales has a system of justice of international renown. We are looking
for committed, enthusiastic, and talented lawyers who want to work
Head of legal profession in within our justice system. We are a team of more than 1,000 lawyers
supporting the work of the magistrates’ court and the Family Court.
HM Courts and Tribunals Most of what we do takes place in the public forum of the courtroom,
and we need confident, articulate individuals, with good analytical skills,
who can think ‘on their feet’. You will need to be able to simplify
complex issues, and adapt your communication style so that it meets
the needs of magistrates, professional users, and other court users who
may be at their most stressed and vulnerable. The legal adviser role
offers variety, intellectual challenge, and professional development. If
If you have any questions please contact: you think that you fit the bill, then please apply to join us.
Tom Ring – Head of the legal profession in HM Courts and Tribunals
MoJ-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@sscl.gse.gov.uk Service
Please note that the team’s working hours are: Monday to Friday 9am to
5pm
Tom Ring – Head of the legal profession in HM Courts and Tribunals Service
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