Lay Observers

Lay Observers

Location: North of England, the East/West Midlands, East of England, South Wales/Western England, Thames Valley

Number of Vacancies: 20 positions

Rewarding opportunity if you value Human Rights and are willing to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves

The Lay Observers are seeking to appoint enthusiastic and open-minded individuals who are natural communicators and possess sound, objective judgment.  If you are looking for a role which is challenging and rewarding, and gives you a unique chance to make a difference to the treatment of those individuals involved in court processes – then this could be the role the role for you.

Lay Observers regularly visit every major court across England and Wales, on an unremunerated basis, to inspect the treatment of people who are transported to and from courts and prisons and held in court custody suites. They act as a totally independent voice to make sure people held in court custody are treated with respect and decency, and their welfare needs are appropriately managed.

Lay Observers are appointed by Ministers but are completely independent of government and other agencies in the criminal justice system.  In a humane society it is a vital role to undertake.

We are recruiting Lay Observers in the North of England, East/West Midlands, East of England, South Wales/Western England and Thames Valley.  Lay Observers are expected to undertake a minimum of 2 to 3 half day visits per month, with flexibility to choose when visits are made.

You need to be over 18 but do not need any special qualifications or experience as we will provide all necessary training and support. Travel and other expenses are payable.

You might be a student, a person of working age, or retired but we would especially welcome candidates who are black, Asian, or from an ethnic minority background, as a diverse group strengthens the work we do.

You are subject to the Government’s public appointment process including a sift and panel interview, followed by the appropriate vetting checks before formal ministerial appointment of successful candidates.

For more information about the role and the application process, please click 'Apply'

Closing date: midnight, Wednesday 5 May 2021.