Witness Service Court Volunteer - Southend Law Courts

Volunteer Centre Harlow; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A community volunteer service in Southend-on-Sea seeks Witness Service Volunteers to offer essential support to witnesses during court proceedings. Volunteers will provide emotional reassurance, help navigate court procedures, and accompany witnesses on trial day when permitted. This role requires no formal qualifications but a caring attitude and good communication skills. Training and ongoing support will be provided, along with reimbursement of agreed expenses.

Benefits

Full training and accreditation

Ongoing development

Reimbursement of expenses

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications are required – just the right attitude and dedication.
• Ability to handle challenging situations and solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Support witnesses and their supporters during the court process.
• Provide emotional reassurance and practical guidance.
• Accompany witnesses in the courtroom on trial day.
• Identify additional support services for witnesses.

Skills

Friendly and empathetic

Good communication skills

Non-judgemental

Reliable and committed

Comfortable using computers

Job description

Witness Service Court Volunteer - Southend Law Courts

As a Witness Service Volunteer, you’ll provide vital support to witnesses, their friends, and families as they navigate the court process. Your role will be to offer practical guidance and emotional reassurance, helping them feel more at ease and confident about giving evidence.

As a Witness Service court-based Volunteer you will be asked to…

• Support witnesses and their supporters by providing emotional reassurance, clear guidance, and practical information about court procedures.
• Show witnesses around the courtroom before a trial (outside London) to help them feel more comfortable.
• Carry out the paperwork necessary to record and evaluate our work.
• Accompany witnesses in the courtroom on trial day, if permitted.
• Identify and signpost witnesses to additional support services if needed.
• Work closely with fellow volunteers, staff, and court personnel as part of a supportive team.
• Travel to different courts within your area if required.

What’s in it for you?

• Make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and your community.
• Receive full training, accreditation, support and ongoing development.
• Use your skills and experiences to support others in a unique and rewarding way.
• Have the opportunity to take on additional roles such as a buddying or IT champion.
• Gain valuable interpersonal skills and experience.
• Reimbursement of agreed out of pocket expenses.

Skills

What do you need to have?

No formal qualifications are required — just the right attitude and dedication! We’re looking for volunteers who:

• Are friendly, caring, and empathetic.
• Are non-judgemental and able to remain impartial.
• Have good communication skills; both written and verbal, and are a good listener.
• Can work well as part of a diverse team.
• Are reliable, committed and flexible.
• Are comfortable using computers for training and communication.
• Can handle challenging situations and use their initiative to solve problems.

You’ll also need to complete an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (criminal record check), which we will arrange. Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from volunteering with us.

Posted for: Citizens Advice - Witness Service

Interests

• Civic Responsibility and Communities
• Crime, Victims and Offenders
• Health and Social Care

Activities

• Advice and Information
• Legal Work
• Supporting People and Befriending

  Share opportunity

  Details

  • Accessibility
  • Data Protection policy
  • DBS check required
  • Equal opportunities policy
  • Expenses reimbursed
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Ongoing support
  • Suitable for under 18s
  • Training provided
  • Volunteer induction
  • Volunteer policy
  • Volunteers covered by insurance
  • Written role description

  When can I volunteer?

  Start Date: 13/10/2025

  End Date: 31/12/2026

  Availability Details

  How much time do you need to give? It can take around 3 months to become fully accredited as a Witness Service Volunteer. The expectation is that you can volunteer for a minimum of 12 months after you’ve completed your training.

  We’ll ask you can offer a minimum of one day per week at court where you will usually be needed from 9am-5pm. This would be agreed between you and your Team Leader and we welcome requests for flexible arrangements. You’d also be invited to and expected to attend — ongoing training, volunteer meetings and regular one-to-one support sessions, which are typically held every quarter.

  Location

  The Court House,
  80 Victoria Ave,
  Southend-on-Sea
  Essex
  SS2 6EU

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