Daniel Swaby

Senior Courts Costs Office (August 2022 - August 2024) The first objective that I look forward to doing the majority of my time being at the Senior Courts Costs Office was the linking. It was the first duty I had to complete as a new recruit of the team, after we received the contents of the new case files we received from the post and took note of each item e.g. 1 Red Folder, along with the date we received the contents so we as an office had records of what came in on each day. I had to upload the contents of each file specifically onto the computer with the exact date so whenever customers contact us on the progress of their case files being looked over, we are able to locate their contents on the system usually with a comment left by a Costs Officer to be able to provide them with a speedy update. Another task I had to undertake, I also handled the majority of Provisionals. Once the case files were uploaded onto the system and processed by our Costs Officers, it was my role to photocopy a physical copy of the bill along with the signature of the Cost Officer who assessed it and the name of our office. I would upload the photocopied version of the bill onto the system as proof that we've assessed it. Managed the processing of new bills submitted by solicitors' firms. I had to look over the details of multiple digital copies of new bills, making sure all of the information was correct as a lot of money was involved in each bill we took in to be assessed. If any of the information was missing or incorrect, i.e. the calculations of the money owed or no signature from the solicitor's firm, I would have to contact the firm and ask for an updated copy and leave that new bill on hold until the problem is solved. After checking the new bill over at least twice, I would print a copy with the information of the patient's name, the price range value of the bill so it would be easy to locate whenever the Costs Officer is ready to review. Managed high volume of phone calls to assist solicitor's firms with bill progress, effectively alleviating team workload during short staffing and backlog situations. To add to my list of office activities, I also had to train new employees. Trained new employees by providing guidance and support, ensuring their successful integration and performance while balancing own responsibilities. Completed extra tasks to ensure smooth workflow during busy times. during high-demand periods. Gained knowledge of the procedures to follow when the office porter was unavailable from the first day. Once the bills had been assessed and were ready to be sent back, I had to take note of each box or package to go out along with the mail, seal them and take them across the Royal Courts of Justice to the post room, ready to be dispatched. Coordinated trips to basement for retrieval and delivery of bill boxes for Costs Officers, receiving recognition for filling in as porter while fulfilling Administrative Officer duties. It initially took me some time to settle but I had a great connection with the people around me and it helped me perform at the best of my ability during my time at the Senior Courts Costs Office.

• Managed daily office operations, maintaining efficient workflow and meeting administrative deadlines.
• Handled daily office activities, including data entry and database auditing, maintaining smooth operations.
• Answered calls and emails efficiently, recording accurate messages and swiftly following up on enquires.