MAGISTRATES in Northamptonshire have issued an appeal for more people to join the bench.
The Judiciary of England & Wales and the Ministry of Justice are calling on people from all walks of life in Northamptonshire to be part of a new wave of volunteers.
Data on the diversity of the current magistracy in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire & Rutland and Lincolnshire over the last five years shows an increase in magistrates from underrepresented groups, including those aged under 50 – currently almost one in five of the local judiciary – and from an ethnic minority background.
The opportunity to apply to join the Northamptonshire Bench is now open. 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.
Current magistrates on the Northamptonshire Bench have been reflecting on their role. Jake (main picture) is a retired Army officer whose interest in the law was sparked when he represented soldiers in court for minor offences. Now a pensions manager, he has been a magistrate for 11 years.
“I would describe my role simply as a person from the local community, helping to decide how to deal with a range of cases brought to the court,” says Jake. “It is so rewarding to know that I am making a contribution where I live.
“I was living in a very multicultural area and wanted to help diversify the voices on the bench to ensure the public and defendants have confidence in the justice system.”
Magistracy is open to anyone aged between 18 and 70. Successful applicants must commit to sitting for a minimum 13 days a year for at least five years. The role is voluntary, with no legal qualifications, degree or experience required.
Volunteers receive thorough training as well as ongoing support to help make decisions on cases in criminal or family court. Magistrates work in groups of three with a legal advisor, who offers guidance on the law.
The campaign is aiming to recruit 2,000 new magistrates across England and Wales this year to sit in family or criminal court.
Mark Beattie pictured left, 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.”
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 and effective decision-making skills.
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.”
Applications are now open in Northamptonshire. For more information, visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk.
