[From Four Agency]
APPEAL FOR MORE PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER AS MAGISTRATES
The Judiciary of England and Wales and the Ministry of Justice are calling on people from all walks of life to be part of a new wave of volunteers, giving back to their local community and helping the magistracy better reflect the diversity of British society.
People from a wide range of backgrounds are being urged to consider becoming magistrates as applications open for another year. The appeal is part of a national drive to increase the number of those volunteering across England and Wales, including people from underrepresented groups in the magistracy.
No legal qualifications, degree or experience is required to be a magistrate. Volunteers will be given thorough training as well as ongoing support to help make decisions on cases in criminal or family court. Magistrates work closely in groups of three with a legal advisor, who offers guidance on the law.
From teachers to electricians, to stay-at-home parents, anyone aged between 18 and 70 who can commit to at least 13 days a year for at least five years is encouraged to come forward. Become a magistrate and you’ll learn new skills, enjoy new challenges, and help create positive change for your community. The role also gives people a chance to give back to their community, build relationships with new people and develop new skills.
With support from magistrates, the campaign seeks to boost numbers by recruiting 2,000 new magistrates across England and Wales this year. Being a magistrate is a part-time voluntary role that can fit around other working commitments. From making an impact on families’ futures and children’s lives as a family court magistrate, to handling criminal cases as a criminal court magistrate, candidates are being sought to fill positions across all jurisdictions. Whichever role volunteers take up, they will regularly make decisions that will shape the lives of individuals for years to come.
Magistrates are stepping forward to talk about the benefits the role brings to their lives, from make a difference to wider society to gaining a wide range of highly valued and transferable skills.
Kevin, from London, was one of the first visually impaired magistrates to apply to the bench and joined the Magistracy in 2001. Since then, he has sat on the bench on average three times per month. Despite acting as a mentor for less experienced magistrates, he feels he still learns something new every time, as no two days are the same.
On his role as a magistrate, Kevin says: “20 years ago when I first joined, I didn’t really fit into the Magistracy – I am registered blind and from a working class background, neither of which characteristics were well represented at the time. While the bench is now more diverse, it is so important that a wide range of people consider joining today. I would love to mentor a younger visually impaired magistrates as there are still only a few of us on the bench. Being blind certainly doesn’t hold me back and the team I work with have been hugely supportive. This is an extremely fulfilling role, which helps make positive change to your own community.”
Sarah works as Learner Services Co-Ordinator for Hull Training & Adult Education in Kingston Upon Hull. Wanting to support her local community, she became a magistrate in 2005 after hearing on a local radio advert promoting magistrates. Initially thinking she would not be accepted being visually impaired, she has now been a magistrate for 17 years.
On her role as a magistrate, Sarah says: “Being a magistrate is a rewarding role and you gain lots of new skills, friends and experiences, while giving something back to the community. I was a little hesitant to apply at first, as I’m visually impaired, but you’re given all the training you need to do the role well. All decisions made on cases are the shared responsibility of you, and two other magistrates who sit on your bench – so you always feel supported.”
Justice Minister Mike Freer said: “Ordinary people up and down the country play a vital role as magistrates helping ensure that crimes in their community are punished and we want more people to join them.
I am always impressed by the people I meet who volunteer their time and experience from other walks of life and I would encourage anyone with a desire to help victims get justice to apply.”
As part of the application to sit in the criminal court, applicants are required to observe at least two magistrates’ sittings in court. This is an opportunity to learn more about the role and see magistrates in action. Hearings deal with a range of offences, from less serious crimes, such as speeding and criminal damage to much more serious offences, including murder, manslaughter and robbery.
Family court hearings are heard in private so public observations are not possible. To apply to sit in the family court, applicants must complete research exploring what it’s like being a family court magistrate. This may include watching videos and reading information on the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website. Family court magistrates can have a significant impact on a child’s life and a family’s future. They make decisions that affect vulnerable children, such as enforcing child maintenance orders and protecting children subject to significant harm so they move to a safe environment.
Magistrates typically develop highly transferrable skills such as critical analysis, complex problem-solving, mediation, influencing and decision-making, all of which stand to benefit them in their wider lives. Research from the Ministry of Justice among HR and business leaders showed they felt people who volunteer as magistrates were likely to have sound judgement (89%) and effective decision-making (81%).**
Mark Beattie JP, National Chair of the Magistrates’ Association, said: “Magistrates are the cornerstone of the justice system of England and Wales, so we welcome this continued drive to recruit much-needed volunteers to help deliver speedier justice for all. Diversity is one of the strengths of the magistracy, so we would encourage those from underrepresented groups and areas to apply to perform this most rewarding of voluntary roles. We look forward to sitting alongside you and to welcoming you as members soon.”
Applications are now open, anyone looking to volunteer should visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk for more information.
You can find and visit any court you like for your observations and see opening hours and contact details here: www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk
I may give this a try. It would be really interesting to venture into the judicial system and expand my knowledge and learn new skills. Had to turn off my VPN so sending this comment again.