Legal Aid Certifying Officer

About the role Could you deliver impartial, high‑level legal decision‑making in a role with Island‑wide impact? As Legal Aid Certifying Officer, you will take on an independent statutory position charged with making impartial decisions that shape access to justice. You’ll apply the Legal Aid merits test to applications, review and certify disbursements, authorise amendments, and ensure decisions are consistent, transparent and firmly grounded in the Legal Aid Act and its Regulations. This role involves close collaboration with Advocates, providing guidance on the merits test where needed, and leading updates, tutorials and engagement with the Legal Aid Panel. You’ll prepare reports and papers for the Legal Aid Committee, contribute to user groups and consultative meetings, and support ongoing improvements to Legal Aid systems, processes and documentation. Working independently, while supported operationally through the Social Security Division, you’ll play a central part in modernising Legal Aid, strengthening governance, and ensuring the system remains fair, robust and accessible. Flexible Working We understand that 9-5 doesn’t work for everyone. We encourage applications from people looking to work on a part-time basis, or compressed hours. We are committed to flexible working and support a range of working patterns to help our people balance their professional and personal lives. If you are considering working reduced hours we would love to hear from you to discuss what flexibility we have available and what skills you could bring to our team. We recognise the importance of flexibility and support working arrangements that enable our people to perform at their best. A workplace that invests in you ✔ A competitive salary that increases each 12 months until you reach the salary maximum. ✔ A generous annual leave entitlement, a Privilege Day and 10 Bank Holidays; your annual leave will increase after your first year and again after your third year. ✔ A flexi-time scheme where you can accrue additional time worked to take as leave. ✔ Enjoy a flexible hybrid schedule with a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration throughout the week. ✔ Subject to meeting eligibility criteria, the IOM Public Service offers two pension arrangements: the Isle of Man Government Unified Scheme 2011 or the Isle of Man Government Defined Contribution (DC) Arrangement. ✔ Access to the Learning, Education and Development training facility, which is exclusively for Public Service employees, to keep on top of your continuous professional development. ✔ Discounted access to the NSC gym and island swimming pools as well as 1-to-1 support programmes and exercise classes with qualified instructors. ✔ Free access to the Isle of Man Government Staff Welfare Service which offers professional counselling, emotional support and sign-posting on a wide range of issues. ✔ Ability to apply for an unpaid career break after 3 years’ service. ✔ Access to the Isle of Man Public Service Cycle to Work scheme after your first year of employment. ✔ Access to the Government staff canteen where you can purchase affordable meals, drinks and snacks. Making the Isle of Man your new home A hidden gem in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man boasts an extensive coastline, stunning natural landscapes and unspoilt beaches. There are an abundance of opportunities and lots of places to discover! You can visit our great cafes, bars and restaurants, and become part of the Island’s close-knit community. The island is well connected to the UK with quick, direct flights and ferries to many destinations. Want to find out more about Island life? Visit www.locate.im to find out why you should make your move to the Isle of Man! Working for the Isle of Man Public Service We are the largest employer on the island delivering a diverse range of services to the people of the Isle of Man. We care, nurture and value our employees’ wellbeing, development and career and place great importance on rewarding the commitment by our wonderful employees. We support and promote flexible working, recognising the importance of working flexibly around your life and commitments and the benefits in improving work-life balance. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements where possible and if interested you should discuss this with the Recruiting Manager. The Isle of Man Public Service is committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates equality, diversity and inclusion. We understand how a wide range of views and experiences can benefit us as we work together for the Isle of Man. Your candidate experience is important to us. As a proud member of The Circle Back Initiative, we commit to respond to every applicant that applies for an Isle of Man Public Service role. We are committed to net zero by 2050 and as an entire nation UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, we are transforming public services for a sustainable future and your contributions will directly benefit our community, economy, and environment. Things to note Please note a relocation package is not available for this role. Ready to apply? We understand that you might have some questions about the role and the Recruiting Manager is on hand to support you. You can contact them at carrie.yates3@gov.im. To get the best out of your application, read our article on the important essentials you need to know before applying. Applications will be accepted up to midnight of the closing date specified. If you have difficulties applying online please contact us on 01624 685000 or by email at helpmeapply@gov.im.