We’re recruiting 10 Presenting Officers to represent the Secretary of State at First-tier Immigration Tribunal hearings. This is a challenging and important role where you’ll use strong analytical and problem-solving skills to support fairness and integrity across the UK’s immigration system.
The closing date for applications is 26 October 2026. This role is at Higher Executive Officer grade.
You’ll receive a starting salary of £41,750 in national locations or £45,750 in London, plus employee benefits.
As part of Appeals, First Tier Tribunals, within Asylum and Human Rights Operations, you’ll prepare and present cases, review decisions, and develop specialist skills in legal analysis and advocacy. This is an opportunity to develop your experience in a legal environment, while contributing to work that has a real impact across the UK.
About the role
As a Presenting Officer, you’ll represent the Secretary of State at the First-tier Immigration Tribunal, preparing and presenting a challenging caseload independently.
You’ll review complex legal arguments, defend decisions where appropriate, and help make sure outcomes are fair and legally sound. The work is demanding and often fast moving, requiring focus, accuracy, resilience, and sound judgement.
You’ll regularly engage with legal representatives and Immigration Judges, responding to challenge with professionalism and confidence. You’ll also undertake target-driven review work, applying strong analytical and problem-solving skills to decisions that can have a significant impact on people’s lives and the wider immigration system.
You’ll need to develop a strong working knowledge of immigration law and apply it effectively. Sound judgement, resilience, critical thinking, and confident communication will help you succeed in this demanding role.
Meet the team
You can learn more about our work and ask questions at our one of our Presenting Officer online information events. Sign up below to secure your place on Eventbrite.
Wednesday 30 September 1:30 – 2:30pm
Wednesday 7 October 10:00 – 11:00am
Here, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities in this role, along with guidance and tips to help you with your application.
Working Arrangements
- Working pattern: Full-time and part-time working is available. Minimum part-time requirement is 30 hours per week across a minimum of 4 days
- Tribunal attendance: You may be required to present at the Immigration Tribunal for up to 60% of your contracted working days. In some locations, the hearing centre is away from your home unit, and you may occasionally need to travel to other centres
- Office attendance: You will be required to attend the office for training, mentoring, and typically once every fortnight for team engagement
- In some locations, hearing centres are located away from the home unit, and occasional travel to other centres may be required
- You must attend training in person, and there is limited flexibility around training times
Training
You’ll complete a comprehensive foundation and mentoring programme to develop the knowledge and skills you need for the role. We’ll formally assess your progress to make sure you’re competent to carry out the work. Through mentoring, you’ll continue building your advocacy skills and knowledge of immigration law.
Benefits
- Civil Service pension with employer contribution of 28.97%
- In-year reward scheme for one-off or sustained exceptional personal or team achievements
- A comprehensive foundation and mentoring programme
- 25 days’ annual leave on appointment, rising with service to 30 days
- Eight days of public holidays, plus one additional privilege day
- A culture that encourages inclusion and diversity
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This role is available in the following locations:
- Cardiff
- Feltham
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Londo
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Salford
- Solihull
You can select up to two locations in order of preference. Only select locations you’re prepared to travel to. If you’re offered a role at one of your preferred locations and decline it, your application will be withdrawn.
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- Present cases before the Immigration Tribunal on approximately 60% of your contracted working days
- Review decisions, legal representations, and evidence to assess whether decisions are sustainable
- Prepare and present clear, well-supported legal arguments
- Build and maintain your knowledge of immigration law, policy, and processes
- Deliver structured submissions and cross-examine in an adversarial environment
- Adapt to changes in court listings and prepare or present cases at short notice
- Complete post-hearing work accurately and within required timescales
- Undertake immigration review work when you’re not attending court or when operational needs require it
- Build effective working relationships with Immigration Judges, HM Courts and Tribunals Service colleagues, legal representatives, and Home Office colleagues
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- Ability to develop a strong working knowledge of immigration law
- Ability to analyse complex information and identify key issues with a high degree of accuracy
- Excellent communication and influencing skills to engage with a range of stakeholders.
- Ability to remain resilient and effective when faced with challenge, pressure, or differing perspectives
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment under time pressure
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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This vacancy uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework and will assess Behaviours, Ability and Experience.
First, you’ll provide some basic information to confirm your eligibility. You’ll then be invited to complete the Civil Service Verbal Test.
If you pass the test, you’ll complete the full application form, including a Personal Statement of no more than 1,000 words. Your statement should explain how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria.
The selection stages are:
- Civil Service Verbal Test
- Application and Personal Statement
- Sift
- Interview
The sift will be based on your Personal Statement.
At interview, you’ll:
- prepare and deliver a 10-minute presentation
- answer follow-up questions
- answer experience-based questions linked to the essential criteria
You’ll receive the presentation topic at the start of the interview. Slides will not be accepted.
The interview will take place on Microsoft Teams.
The presentation will assess:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
As well as standard pre-employment checks and security clearance, successful candidates will be subject to additional checks relevant to the role. Offers will remain provisional until all checks have been completed successfully.
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Ready to apply? Select the link below to visit Civil Service Jobs, where you can read the full job description and start your application
