New year, new you? Volunteer as a magistrate and make a difference while delivering justice

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Sheila is among thousands of magistrates across England and Wales playing a vital role in the justice system · New magistrates do not need any previous legal experience and are supported by a legal adviser · Your area needs you – you only need to make a minimum commitment of 13 days a year

The new year is a time for many people to think about making changes to their life – but have you considered a voluntary role that would see you make a real difference to your community, teach you new skills, boost your confidence and help your career?

You could join the thousands of people who volunteer as magistrates in England and Wales - ordinary people from all walks of life and who have no previous legal experience.

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More candidates are needed in 2025, with magistrates also required across family courts to ensure they represent the community they serve and deliver justice.

Sheila has been a magistrate for nearly 40 yearsSheila has been a magistrate for nearly 40 years
Sheila has been a magistrate for nearly 40 years

Magistrates hear cases in the criminal court or the family court in their communities, and play a crucial role in keeping the public safe.

Sheila has been a magistrate in Surrey for 37 years. She says serving on the bench helped her career to progress and she wants to see new people take on the role in 2025.

She says: “A lot of people simply don’t realise that being a magistrate is a volunteer role. If you are someone who wants to make a difference in society, give back to your community and help to deliver justice, then you should apply.

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“I was in banking in the city, and when my children started school I had more time so started sitting as a magistrate. I learned a lot and it helped me to go on and take on other roles in the public sector.

"Even when my career was demanding I was able to do the minimum amount of days by sitting on Saturdays – it was completely manageable.

"There is huge variety in being a magistrate, you deal with 95% of all crime, it’s very interesting and diverse.

“Each court has a legal adviser so you do not need any legal experience, and we are given a lot of training. We are mentored by more experienced magistrates, the learning curve is gradual and you are never made to feel uncomfortable.

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“Your view is as important to the court as someone like me who has been doing it for more than 35 years.”

The judiciary want as many people from as many different walks of life as possible, to reflect the community they serve.

What matters are strong communication skills, a sense of fairness, and an ability to consider different sides of an argument in a professional way.

The Ministry of Justice is currently looking for people between the ages of 18 and 74 to volunteer in Surrey and the south west. Sheila added:

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“Volunteering as a magistrate can help you grow and develop in your professional life too, all while providing a really important service to your community.

“It gives you confidence, critical thinking skills, and helps with public speaking. You will develop listening skills. You have to be able to persuade the other two magistrates of your view and take responsibility for a collective decision.

“It’s a great privilege to be entrusted to deliver justice in your community – I'd highly recommend it to people who want to play a part in what is a core role in our judicial system.”

All magistrates receive full training, a mentor, and on-going support from a legal adviser, who will help them to follow the correct procedures. All decisions will be made as part of a team on a panel of magistrates to ensure a balanced and fair consideration of cases.

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The panel of three work together in court to hear and decide cases and support one another.

Volunteering as a magistrate enhances career prospects by developing key skills such as teamwork, decision-making, and rational thinking.

To find out more about becoming a magistrate or to register your interest, visit here.

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