Court Volunteer - Truro Courts

We’re looking for volunteers who have a friendly, supportive and empathetic manner towards others. Full training is provided and no prior knowledge or legal experience is expected. 

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

• Give witnesses and their supporters emotional support, guidance and information at court (e.g. explain court procedures and legal terms, support them with completing expense forms).
• 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.
• Go into the courtroom with a witness on trial day if permitted.
• Identify additional support to which we can signpost or refer witnesses.
• Work as part of a team with other Witness Service volunteers and staff as well as liaising with court personnel

What do you need to have?

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

• Be friendly, caring, supportive and empathetic.
• 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 diverse team 
• Be reliable, committed and flexible.
• 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.

What’s in it for you?

• Have a positive impact in your community and on the lives of witnesses and their supporters
• Training, accreditation and continued personal development and support in the role
• Use your skills and life experiences to help others
• The opportunity to take on additional roles such as a volunteer mentor
• Gain valuable experience and development of interpersonal skills
• Reimbursement of agreed out of pocket expenses

You’ll also need an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (a criminal record check), which we will arrange. Having a criminal record is not in itself a barrier to volunteering with us.

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. 

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Global Majority and LGBTQ+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff, and volunteers, and expect volunteers to share this value.