A job advertisement for a Shariah Law Administrator, posted on the UK Government’s Find A Job portal, has sparked political and public controversy.
Listed by the Manchester Community Centre, the role supports the Manchester Shariah Council in delivering community-based services.
Despite being independently funded, the listing drew sharp criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who raised concerns over the presence of religious law within UK institutions. The incident has reignited debates about diversity, legality, and public accountability.
What Are the Key Responsibilities and Requirements of the Shariah Law Administrator Role?
Overview of the Role
The Shariah Law Administrator position offered by the Manchester Community Centre is designed to provide legal, administrative, and community support for individuals seeking guidance from the Manchester Shariah Council (MSC).
This role is full-time and based on-site in Didsbury, Manchester, with a weekly workload of 36 hours from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
The role is intended for individuals with specific expertise in Shariah Law, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage sensitive cases with discretion and professionalism.
The successful candidate is expected to liaise with consultants and community members to support family and matrimonial matters within an Islamic framework.
Core Responsibilities of the Role
The position involves a variety of responsibilities that require legal knowledge, organisational capabilities, and interpersonal skills. Daily tasks include:
- Conducting confidential interviews with individuals and families
- Assessing and documenting the legal and personal needs of clients
- Providing accurate information and appropriate referrals
- Managing the administrative needs of the Manchester Shariah Council
- Coordinating meetings, bookings, and communications with legal consultants
- Maintaining thorough and accurate records for all case interactions
- Organising and overseeing all MSC-related Shariah services and events
These duties demand a balance of empathy, efficiency, and professionalism, especially when working with vulnerable families or individuals in distress.
Essential Skills Required for the Role
The role demands a comprehensive skill set. Some of the most critical skills include:
- Active listening to accurately interpret client needs
- Setting boundaries to maintain professionalism in emotionally charged situations
- Critical and creative thinking to manage complex referrals and decisions
- Effective communication in face-to-face, phone, and written interactions
- Interpersonal skills to build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds
- IT proficiency to manage digital case records and documentation
- Organisation and planning to manage daily operations and case loads
- Emotional resilience to deal with challenging family circumstances
Qualifications and Experience
To be eligible for this position, applicants must have:
- A recognised Diploma or Degree in Shariah Law
- Previous experience working in Shariah Law-related fields or Shariah Courts
- Familiarity with UK Law or Common Law principles
- Experience with family, women, and community services
- Fluent English communication skills (mandatory)
Working Conditions and Weekly Schedule
The Shariah Law Administrator will work from Monday to Saturday, with a total of 36 hours per week. The role is on-site only, reflecting the need for direct community engagement.
Role Summary Table
| Category | Details |
| Job Title | Shariah Law Administrator |
| Organisation | Manchester Community Centre |
| Location | Didsbury, Manchester |
| Salary | £23,500 per year |
| Working Hours | Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm |
| Job Type | Permanent, Full-Time |
| Key Responsibilities | Client interviews, admin tasks, referrals, case coordination |
| Required Qualifications | Diploma/Degree in Shariah Law |
| Experience | Previous Shariah law practice or court work, community service |
| Essential Skills | Listening, organisation, communication, resilience, IT proficiency |
| Language Requirement | Fluent in English |
| Legal System Familiarity | UK Law and/or Common Law knowledge preferred |
This table offers a concise snapshot of the expectations and demands of the role, making it easier for potential applicants and readers to understand the scope of the position.
Why Did Nigel Farage React Strongly to the DWP Job Advert?
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, strongly criticised the job advertisement, calling it an example of how British values are being undermined.
On social media platform X, he posted a screenshot of the listing and declared that “our country and its values are being destroyed.” His response was grounded in long-standing concerns about the presence of religious legal systems operating alongside British civil law.
The public nature of the job listing, appearing on an official government website, gave the impression that the role was state-supported.
Although the job is not paid for by taxpayers, Farage’s critique tapped into wider anxieties about cultural and religious integration, national identity, and the separation between church and state.
Supporters of Farage’s view believe that allowing such positions to be listed on a government platform lends them legitimacy and could set a precedent for other culturally or religiously specific roles.
Critics of his statement argued that community-based services like these play a role in social cohesion, particularly in diverse urban areas.
Is the Shariah Law Administrator Role Government-Funded?
One of the most debated points surrounding this controversy is whether the role is taxpayer-funded.
The Department for Work and Pensions clarified that while the job was listed on the government-run Find A Job portal, the role itself is offered and funded by a third-party charity. The platform operates as an open-access system where any registered organisation can post vacancies.
This clarification is significant. The Find A Job service exists to help jobseekers access opportunities across a broad spectrum of sectors, from retail to finance to community services. The presence of a job on the platform does not mean it is a government role.
This detail was overlooked in initial public and political responses. Statements from Reform UK officials referred to the position as “government-funded,” a claim that has been widely disputed and corrected in follow-up discussions.
What Are the Core Responsibilities of a Shariah Law Administrator?
The responsibilities of the Shariah Law Administrator are community-oriented and administrative in nature.
The individual is expected to work closely with Muslim families and individuals who seek guidance from the Manchester Shariah Council on religious matters. These may include matrimonial issues, family disputes, and community concerns.
Some of the key tasks include:
- Conducting interviews with clients to assess and understand their concerns
- Liaising with consultants for case discussions and referrals
- Performing administrative tasks such as record-keeping and appointment scheduling
- Organising day-to-day operations for the council’s services
- Coordinating with community members and ensuring compliance with council procedures
The role requires resilience, as it often involves emotionally sensitive situations. The candidate must demonstrate strong communication skills, cultural competence, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
IT proficiency is important as case documentation is handled digitally. Equally essential are time management skills, as the administrator must oversee multiple cases while responding to community needs effectively.
How Do Shariah Councils Operate Within the UK Legal Framework?
Shariah councils are informal bodies that offer religious guidance and dispute resolution services in line with Islamic principles.
They operate entirely outside of the UK’s legal system and do not hold any formal jurisdiction. Their authority is voluntary, and they cannot enforce decisions in any legal capacity.
These councils mainly deal with religious matters such as:
- Islamic divorces or “khula” proceedings
- Family counselling
- Religious arbitration on ethical or communal issues
In most cases, women approach these councils to obtain a religious divorce when their husband refuses to grant one.
However, the decisions made by Shariah councils are not legally binding unless both parties voluntarily accept the outcomes.
The table below outlines key differences between UK civil legal processes and Shariah council practices:
| Legal Function | UK Civil Courts | Shariah Councils |
| Jurisdiction | Mandatory, legally binding | Voluntary, religious advisory only |
| Enforcement | Enforceable through legal orders | No enforcement power |
| Marriage recognition | Requires civil registration | Religious only, not legally recognised |
| Divorce process | Through courts under UK law | Religious divorce, often women-initiated |
| Appeals | Legal appeals allowed | No formal appeals process |
There is concern among policymakers about the growing reliance on these councils by UK residents, especially women in conservative households who may feel pressured into using religious avenues instead of formal courts.
What Are the Political and Public Reactions to the Job Posting?
The reaction to the job advert was swift and polarised. Reform UK officials, including Laila Cunningham, described the position as “disgusting” and accused the government of promoting religious law.
Cunningham stated that the listing “undermines our country, our laws, and everything we stand for.” Her remarks reflect a wider concern among conservative groups about religious accommodation within public life.
However, several voices online countered these claims. Some users clarified that the role is listed by a third-party charity and that it is not publicly funded.
They pointed out that the DWP platform serves as a job listing site, not an endorsement of any organisation or ideology.
Political commentator Bella Wallersteiner added to the controversy by stating that “Sharia law has no place in this country” and called for the banning of such councils. This statement reignited long-standing debates around national legal integrity and multiculturalism.
Are There Broader Concerns About Shariah Law in the UK?
The presence and function of Shariah councils in the UK has been a topic of discussion for over a decade. A report from The Telegraph suggested that by the end of last year, there were 85 Shariah councils operating in the country. Their increasing number reflects growing demand among Muslim communities for religious adjudication that aligns with their beliefs.
Concerns often centre on the possibility that these councils may perpetuate gender inequality. Critics argue that since most Shariah council members are male scholars, women may not receive fair treatment or be encouraged to pursue their full rights under UK law.
Another significant concern is that many couples married through religious ceremonies alone may not have any legal protections. This becomes a major issue during separations or disputes over custody and inheritance.
To illustrate the implications, the table below compares key aspects of civil marriage versus religious-only marriage in the UK:
| Feature | Civil Marriage | Religious-Only Marriage |
| Legal Status | Legally recognised | Not legally recognised |
| Divorce Rights | Full legal protections | Limited or no legal recourse |
| Inheritance Rights | Covered under UK inheritance law | Not automatically protected |
| Property Division | Decided by court based on contributions | May not be addressed at all |
| Spousal Support | Enforced through court | No enforceable mechanism |
Should There Be Stricter Regulations on Faith-Based Legal Services?
Calls for tighter regulations are growing louder, particularly from members of the Conservative Party. Nick Timothy, former chief adviser to Theresa May, has stated that religious marriages should be criminalised if they are not accompanied by a civil marriage.
He argues that this is necessary to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly women, from being trapped in marriages without legal safeguards.
Some reform advocates suggest that faith-based councils should operate only under a strict code of conduct and with greater public oversight. Others propose integrating religious advice services within legal aid frameworks, ensuring that individuals understand their full rights under UK law before engaging with religious forums.
Opponents of regulation argue that doing so would infringe on religious freedom and the right to cultural expression. They point out that many communities voluntarily use these councils and find value in their decisions, as long as they are not in conflict with civil obligations.
What Does This Controversy Reveal About Diversity in UK Employment?
The listing of the Shariah Law Administrator job has revealed a complex tension between diversity, inclusion, and national identity in the context of employment.
While platforms like Find A Job are designed to be inclusive, there is little public understanding of how such platforms function. This often leads to confusion about whether listed jobs reflect state endorsement.
This case raises questions about whether the government should play a more active role in reviewing culturally or religiously specific job listings, particularly when they touch on sensitive areas like law or education. At the same time, it opens a dialogue about the need to recognise the contributions of community-based organisations that cater to specific religious or cultural groups.
There is a growing need for clearer policies that define how and where religious roles can be advertised, the conditions under which they are permitted, and how the government communicates the distinction between public service and public access platforms.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the Shariah Law Administrator job post highlights the delicate balance between religious inclusion and national legal integrity.
While the role serves a specific community need, its appearance on a government platform triggered wider concerns about public endorsement and cultural boundaries.
As conversations around diversity, legal systems, and faith-based services continue to evolve, it remains vital for policymakers and the public to distinguish between support for community engagement and the protection of a single, unified legal framework.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Shariah council and a UK court?
Shariah councils are informal religious bodies that issue guidance on family and religious matters for Muslims. UK courts are official legal institutions whose decisions are binding and enforceable under national law.
Can someone get legally married through a Shariah council in the UK?
No. Marriages conducted by Shariah councils are not legally recognised in the UK unless they are also registered through a civil ceremony under British law.
Why are Shariah councils controversial in British society?
Controversy arises due to concerns over gender inequality, lack of oversight, and the perception that they create parallel legal systems within the UK.
How many Shariah councils currently operate in the UK?
According to recent estimates, around 85 Shariah councils are active in the UK, with most focusing on family law and religious divorce.
Is advertising religious-based roles on public job boards legal?
Yes, as long as the platform is open to all employers and the job listing complies with UK anti-discrimination and employment laws.
What qualifications are needed for a Shariah Law Administrator?
Typically, a degree or diploma in Shariah Law, experience in legal or advisory roles within Islamic contexts, and knowledge of UK common law are required.
Does this job contradict British values or laws?
The job itself does not contradict British law, as it is advisory in nature and not funded by the government. However, public opinion is divided on whether it aligns with broader British values.
