Lay Observers play an important role in the justice system by monitoring the welfare and access to justice of people being brought to court and held in court custody.
They are appointed by the Secretary of State under the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (CJA 1991) to provide independent oversight of how people detained in court cells and cellular vehicles are cared for and their access to justice.
Governance
Lay Observers are organised through a Chairman, a National Council and a number of Lead Lay Observers.
They are responsible for:
- planning the overall strategic direction of the Lay Observers
- recruitment and training of new and existing Lay Observers
- reporting to and meeting with key stakeholders
Read more about our governance
The role
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.
Learn more about the role of a Lay Observer
Annual report
The Lay Observer National Chair produces an annual report on how detained people are treated and the conditions in which they are held whilst in court custody and during transportation to and from prison. This is based on Lay Observer in person visits throughout the year.
Current vacancies
We only accept applications during recruitment campaigns. See if we are currently recruiting for the Lay Observers