Witness Service Court Based Volunteer - Norwich Crown & Magistrates' Courts

What will you do?

• Support witnesses (and their friends and families) through the experience of attending court and giving evidence.

• Give witnesses and their supporters confidential support, guidance and information.
• Help witnesses cope with the emotional impact of giving evidence.
• Explain court procedures, legal terms and outcomes.
• Show witnesses and others around the courtroom before a trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.
• Carry out the paperwork necessary to record and evaluate our work.
• Help witnesses prepare themselves for a range of possible trial outcomes. 
• Go into the courtroom with a witness if permitted.
• Identify additional support to which we can signpost witnesses.
• Work as part of a team with other Witness Service court and outreach volunteers and staff as well as liaising with court personnel.
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What’s in it for you?

• Contribute to the service’s aims of supporting witnesses.
• Training, accreditation and continued personal development and support in the role.
• Use your skills and life experiences to help others.
• The chance to take on additional internal roles such as a volunteer mentor.
• Gain valuable experience and development of interpersonal skills.
• Have a positive impact in your community and on the lives of witnesses and their supporters.
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses.

What do you need to have?

You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:

• Be friendly, caring, supportive and empathetic towards others.
• Be non-judgemental and impartial.
• Have good communication skills; both written and verbal, as well as being a good listener.
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team and build positive working relationships with a diverse range of people.
• Be reliable, committed and flexible.
• Have a willingness to adapt to change, and learn and grow with the Service.
• Be willing to embody our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Have an understanding of and commitment to the principles of confidentiality.
• Be willing to work within the service’s values, procedures and policies.
• Be willing to use computers for training and communication.
• The ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
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• The role will require an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (a criminal record check), which we will arrange.
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How much time do you need to give?

You will need to: 

• Attend from 9am-5pm on your chosen day(s). We usually require a commitment of one day a week for at least 12 months after training and accreditation, which can take at least 3 months, but welcome suggestions from applicants for flexible arrangements. 
• attend all relevant training required for the role

attend volunteer meetings and regular one-to-one support sessions