Call to become volunteer magistrate in Leeds

New research published today shows 45% of adults in England and Wales would consider volunteering in the next 12 months, with 'Making a difference to others and the local community’ and 'Meeting new people or being part of a team’ given as the main reasons for choosing a volunteering opportunity. While over half (57%) of the general public think that volunteering in their local community is important.

This International Volunteer Day (5 December), Luke Sambridge, 38, who has been a magistrate since he was 20-years-old, is urging more people from West Yorkshire to volunteer as magistrates.

Luke, who works for AXA insurance, lives with his partner and two children.

He says: "Most people are surprised to learn this is a volunteer role – but that's what makes it so special. Anyone can step up and make a real difference in their local community. I wanted to help fix things, be part of the solution, and not someone who sits back and moans about things.

"I’m still often the youngest person on the magistrates bench, so I would like to see more young people, and others from the LGBT+ community, consider volunteering as magistrates.

“It can be an intimidating experience for people, coming to a court building, so perhaps seeing a younger person like me reassures them a little.

“I always feel like I’m making a difference. People may think the role is handing out sentences and sending people to prison, but it’s just as much about helping people get the rehabilitation they need.

“I’ve lived here all my life so it’s my community so the decisions I help to make directly affect my local area.

“If you have good critical thinking skills, can learn and can take a balanced view, then you can probably do this role. I learn something new every time I go into court.”

Data also showed that for those already in volunteer roles, 81% say it helped them learn new skills and 80% would recommend volunteering to others. Testimonies from magistrates show this is also the case for many of them.

Magistrates hear criminal and family court cases in their local area, playing a crucial role in cutting court backlogs and keeping the public safe.

Magistrates' courts handle over 90% of criminal cases in England and Wales, alongside vital family work that changes lives every single day. No qualifications, legal knowledge, or experience is needed to become a magistrate. The Ministry of Justice is currently looking for people aged 18 and over to volunteer, with the expectation of five years’ service and statutory retirement age of 75.

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

Join 14,600 magistrates already delivering justice in communities across England and Wales. To find out more about becoming a magistrate or to register your interest, visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk