JURA Frequently Asked Questions
What is JURA?
JURA is the Ministry of Justice Recreation Association which caters for the recreational (sporting, social, musical and other) interests of staff who work for the MoJ and associated offices across the UK. JURA exists to improve work-life-balance, promote physical health and emotional well-being and highlight the benefits of CSSC (Civil Service Sports Council) membership for the benefits of MoJ staff, family and friends.
How do I become a member of JURA?
Any member of staff who works for the Ministry of Justice (and associated offices) is automatically a member of JURA; there are no additional costs and you can take part in any of our events. There are normally discounts at events for MoJ staff who hold CSSC membership.
Why should I become a member of CSSC?
JURA is funded by the CSSC through an annual grant which is based on the number of MoJ staff holding CSSC membership. The more MoJ staff that join CSSC the greater our funding, and the better the events we can offer. You can sign up for CSSC membership here.
What sort of events do you run?
In the past few years we have run events such as quiz nights, a pantomime, cheese and wine evening and theatre trips. We have two major sporting events every year: the badminton tournament at the Royal Courts of Justice in June and the 5-aside Football tournament in August. If you have any suggestions for events, email us at sportsandsocial@justice.gsi.gov.uk. JURA is always open to new, and novel ideas.
Can I use work time to participate in JURA activities?
Most events that we run will be outside of working hours and are intended as recreational and leisure events after of the working day. In instances where you are closely involved with organising an event or committee the HR Special Leave guidance says the following:
Special leave of varying amounts can be granted with pay where individuals:
- qualify for the final of an individual Civil Service sports championship by winning a preliminary zone competition;
- are selected to represent the Civil Service in team events
- attend regional councils and regional executive committees of the Civil Service Sports Council
Special leave of one day with pay is permitted for staff who have official responsibility in organising or running MoJ events provided it does not conflict with business requirements. Examples include organising and refereeing at the annual MoJ's football tournament.
All other participants will be required to take the time as annual or unpaid leave, or where applicable, as flexi-leave. As all this guidance is at the discretion of line managers and dependent on business requirements we appreciate that sometimes this can be difficult to negotiate. If you have concerns about the way your request to participate in JURA activity has been handled please contact us as per the details further below.
How can I get involved?
If you want to run your own event for fellow staff, JURA may be able to help subsidise it based on certain criteria (see below). If you are interested in becoming part of the committee, we hold an AGM each year to elect members with named roles (i.e. Chair, Treasurer etc.) but JURA welcome enthusiastic members at anytime.
Who can submit a funding bid and what could it cover?
MoJ staff with CSSC membership can submit a funding bid to subsidise local events [click here to access Funding Bid Form] for MoJ staff (family and friends). Funding bids could also be used to subsidise by 50% entry fees for individuals / teams participating CSSC-run competitions, events and activities in the name of JURA.
How does JURA approve funding?
Funding bids are approved by majority vote of the JURA Committee. JURA will approve requests for funding/subsidy based on benefit (first and foremost) to MoJ staff with CSSC members and the potential of any one event or activity to promote JURA and increase CSSC membership. In general funding bids will be approved to:
Cover 50% of entry fees for individuals / teams entering CSSC - run "Barbados Challenge" events in the name of JURA.
Promote the involvement of MoJ staff towards establishing JURA regional Committees JURA Committee Contact Details
Promote JURA and CSSC membership among MoJ staff
How can I contact JURA?
We have our own email address which is sportsandsocial@justice.gsi.gov.uk
Alternatively you will find the contact details for individual committee members on the JURA webpages.
