GREATER MANCHESTER MAGISTRATES BACK CAMPAIGN TO FIND MORE LOCAL MAGISTRATES

People from all walks of life in Greater Manchester are being urged to consider becoming magistrates as applications open in the region for this vital role. The appeal is part of a national drive to increase the number and diversity of those volunteering across England and Wales.

The Judiciary of England and Wales and Ministry of Justice are calling on people from Greater Manchester to be part of a new wave of volunteers, giving back to their local community post pandemic. With no legal qualifications or experience required to be a magistrate, it provides people with the chance to give back to their community while developing new skills.

No legal qualifications or experience is required to be a magistrate, but volunteers will work closely with two other magistrates and a legal advisor, who offers guidance on the law. The role also gives people a chance to give back to their community, build relationships with new people and develop new skills.

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.

With support from magistrates in the North-East the campaign seeks to boost numbers by recruiting 4,000 new magistrates across England and Wales over the next few years.

Data from 2022 on the diversity of the current magistracy in Greater Manchester shows an increase in the number of women (57%), people under 50 (24%) and people from an ethnic minority background (15%) volunteering to be magistrates compared to last year*.

The Judiciary of England and Wales and Ministry of Justice are continuing to build on this work to attract a wave of volunteers who are even more representative of the community they serve.

Magistrates are given robust training and an experienced mentor in their first year to develop their skills and legal knowledge. 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 amongst HR and business leaders showed they felt people who volunteer as magistrates were likely to have sound judgement (89%) and effective decision-making (81%).**

Existing magistrates are stepping forward to talk about the benefits they’ve seen in terms of their own skills boost and the benefits of giving back to encourage others to take part. Claire is a Senior HR Business Partner living in Manchester. Having been interested in the law at an early age, she has been working as a magistrate for the last 3 years after seeing in the local paper that they were recruiting for magistrates.

On her role as a magistrate, Claire says:

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“I find working as a magistrate so interesting. You never know what cases you will be dealing with that day and the variety is so wide. I feel I’m giving back to my community and I have a great sense of pride carrying out my duties. It’s also great to build up new skills in team working, managing differences of opinions and leading with honesty, and these skills have transferred into my HR career, especially in regards to my team management.”

Mariam, from Salford Quays, is a Commercial Director and has been a magistrate for the last 12 months.

Mariam says of her role as a magistrate:

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“As a second-generation British-born Pakistani Muslim from working-class roots, I would like to strongly encourage people from a diverse background and younger individuals to apply. It’s an incredibly rewarding role. Becoming a magistrate can help create positive change for your local community while learning new skills and enjoying different challenges.”

Justice Minister Mike Freer, said:

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“Magistrates have a vital role to play in our justice system and we want to see every part of society represented on their benches. By volunteering their time and experience from other walks of life, they play a hugely important part in transforming lives and delivering justice for victims."

Mark Beattie JP, National Chair of the Magistrates’ Association said:

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“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.”

Being a magistrate is a part-time role that can fit round 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. Whether a family or criminal court magistrate, whichever role volunteers take up, magistrates regularly make decisions that will shape the lives of individuals for years to come.

Applications are now open in Greater Manchester, anyone looking to volunteer should visit https://icanbeamagistrate.co.uk for more information.