PEOPLE from all walks of life in Teignbridge are being urged to consider becoming magistrates as applications open in the South West 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 the Ministry of Justice are calling on people from the South West 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. 

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. 

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 South West 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 South West shows an increase in the number of women (57 per cent of the magistracy), people under 50 (20 per cent) and people from an ethnic minority background (6 per cent) volunteering to be magistrates compared to last year.

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. 

One magistrate said: ‘You don’t need any specific legal qualifications and when magistrates do consider legal issues, such as sentencing, we are advised by legally qualified advisor.’

Being a magistrate is a part-time 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. 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.

Justice Minister Mike Freer said: ‘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.’

► Applications are now open in South West; anyone looking to volunteer should visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk for more information.