Head of Courts

Are you ready for a new and exciting challenge? Would you like to work as the Head of Courts and Tribunals Service in a unique and vibrant community in a stunning natural environment? If so, come and join our friendly team of experienced professionals in the beautiful Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.

The Role

This is an exciting time for the Falkland Islands. Our thriving Islands community is entering a new era of economic and social growth thanks to the effective management of traditional industries such as agriculture and fishing and the increasing development in sectors such as tourism and hydrocarbons.

To help ensure that our judicial system is ready to support the next chapter in the Islands development we are seeking to appoint a new Head of Courts and Tribunals Service (Senior Justices Clerk and Registrar).  This is a key appointment which will provide essential support to the professional judiciary of the Falkland Islands. The central responsibility is to ensure effective management of Courts administration with a focus on monitoring its efficiency, progress and quality. The post demands excellent leadership and influencing skills, political foresight and the ability to support, engage and motivate people at all levels.

To find out more about the work of the Courts and Tribunals, access the website at www.courts.gov.fk

The Person

Applicants will have at least 5 years postgraduate experience as a Barrister or Solicitor (or equivalent in any Commonwealth Country or the Republic of Ireland) and at least 5 years’ experience in the Courts Service as a Clerk to the Justices, and/or be a legally qualified Clerk or Registrar to a higher court for a similar legal environment (or equivalent in any Commonwealth Country or the Republic of Ireland).

In addition, you will have demonstrable experience in the Courts Service as a Legal Adviser to lay magistrates and/or as a legally qualified Clerk or Registrar to a higher court or other similar legal environment (or equivalent in any Commonwealth Country or the Republic of Ireland). Experience in developing and/or maintaining systems processes and procedures relating to court administration. Is also essential. Importantly, you must also be able to develop and deliver training programmes to lay parties and other court staff in order that the clear vision of excellence we have for delivery in this field is translated into effective performance.

The Package

• Initial 4 Years Fixed Term Contract, with potential for extension by mutual agreement. Our preference is to offer the role on a fixed term contract basis for up to 4 years, we are also open to consider applications from those seeking a secondment or a position on loan terms
• Starting Salary £47,428 - £54,424; starting salaries will be dependent upon experience and more may be available for an exceptional candidate.
• Eligibility for a 25% Gratuity, paid upon successful completion of the contract.
• 30 Days Annual Leave, plus government and public holidays (totalling 41 days leave).
• Relocation Allowance, to help with moving costs.
• Flights Package for you and recognised dependents at the beginning and end of contract, and additional annual return flights contingent on the duration of the contract.
• Government housing for rent and a starter pack to help you settle in.
• Favourable income tax rates.
• A stimulating and supportive setting to work in and a unique and beautiful setting to live in.

 How to Apply

 Interested candidates can download the job description and view further information from our online vacancy page.  For further information regarding the position please contact Aisha de Four at headofcourtservice@courts.gov.fk  or by calling +500 27271.

To apply, please complete our online application form from our vacancy page www.jobs.gov.fk, by clicking on 'Apply Now' and completing the form. 

Closing Date: 02 March 2025, 23:00 UK time

Shortlisting to be completed: 05 March 2025

Interviews commencing: 19 March 2025 (interviews will be conducted remotely via MS Teams) 

If you have any questions about working for the Falkland Islands Government or would like further information about applying, you can find more in the Candidate Pack.