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17 March 2025
11:59pm on 14 April 2025
23 April 2025
16 May 2025
Lay Observers (LOs) are an important part of the justice system. Appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice, LOs visit courts to confirm that detained persons are being treated with decency and respect. We welcome applications from people over 18 from all walks of life and your background can be as a student, a person of working age, or retired. We would especially welcome candidates who are black, Asian, or from an ethnic minority background, as a diverse group strengthens the work we do. Candidates need to be able to commit to a minimum of 2 visits per month. Lay Observers can choose when visits are made but are expected to undertake their visits during weekdays as many courts are not open at weekends. This is a rare opportunity to get involved in a role that is challenging, educational, rewarding, and crucial to the justice system. Please click on https://layobservers.org/become-a-lay-observer/ to find out how becoming a Lay Observer can benefit you and make a real difference to people’s lives.
Applicants can find further information and apply online via the LO website https://layobservers.org/become-a-lay-observer/current-vacancies/
In exceptional circumstances a paper copy of the application may be possible applicants should contact LOrecruitment@justice.gov.uk in the first instance. Please note that interviews will take place via Zoom.
Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process which is conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages. We aim to conclude the appointment process within three months of the deadline for applications – this is in accordance with the Governance Code.
The assessment process
In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.
There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.
The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards.
You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:
you are disqualified from acting as a company director (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);
have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;
your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.
When you apply, you should declare if:
you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this.
you are subject to a current police investigation.
You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points.
When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)Lay Observers have unrestricted access to custody suites when they are in use. For this reason, all Lay Observers must be security cleared. Lay Observers are required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Enhanced DBS clearances.
We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.
Please write or email the Lay Observers at the address or email address given below, quoting the appropriate reference.
Complaints must be received by the Lay Observers within 12 calendar months of the issue you are complaining about or after the recruitment competition has closed, whichever is the later.
Your complaint will normally be acknowledged within 5 working days of receipt and answered as quickly and clearly as possible; at the most within 20 working days of receipt. If this deadline cannot be met, we will inform you why this is the case and when you can expect a reply.
Lay Observers
3rd Floor, Post Point 2
10 South Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London, E14 4PU
Email - LayObservers@justice.gov.uk