Volunteering to become a magistrate

Volunteering for a role that makes a difference to the local community can help foster a sense of pride and personal influence. And being able to take time off work to volunteer

can drive an employee's job satisfaction and engagement with an organisation. Magistrates benefit from excellent training and gain a wide range of highly valued and transferable skills - such as critical analysis, complex problem solving, mediation, influencing and decision making - which can bring significant benefits to any place of work.

Dispelling the Myths……

Magistrates don't need a degree, legal experience or specific qualifications but are expected to be open minded, have a sense of fairness with the ability to communicate with people from all backgrounds. Training is provided as well as ongoing support. Magistrates also come from all walks of life. They are aged between 18 and 74 and have to commit to at least 13 days a year plus training, for at least five years. 

What are the responsibilities as an Employer?

Employers are obliged to allow time off work for employees to volunteer in a public role. It is at their discretion whether this is paid or unpaid leave, and there is no legal stipulation in terms of the number of days they have to provide leave. Many employers support their employees by granting paid leave for at least some of the time.

For more information about this very rewarding opportunity including a section on guidance for employers, please visit Magistrates Recruitment - Volunteer as a magistrate (judiciary.uk) or send an email to south-east-advisory@justice.gov.uk with Surrey and Sussex Advisory Committee as the subject of the email.