Lay Observers

We are currently recruiting new Lay Observers across all regions.

Lay Observers are unpaid public appointees, appointed by the Secretary of State to provide independent oversight on the welfare of detained persons whilst in court custody and during transportation between prison and court.

This is a unique and varied role. You will get to make regular visits to court custody suites within England and Wales and speak to a variety of people from diverse backgrounds and many walks of life.

You will get to see and report on what happens within a vital part of the UK justice system: whether individuals are being given sufficient access to legal counsel, what support there is for the most vulnerable, including children, and how the needs of detained people are met.