New magistrates in Yorkshire wanted as Government launches national recruitment campaign

It comes as the Government launched a national recruitment campaign to recruit thousands of new magistrates across every jurisdiction.

Magistrates play a vital role in delivering justice across England and Wales in a variety of jurisdictions – including in the criminal courts. They are all volunteers and are expected to dedicate a minimum of 13 days a year to sitting on cases, meaning many magistrates can fulfil this crucial role easily alongside full-time employment and caring responsibilities.

Emma Bentley, 35, from Holmfirth, is a director of a management consultancy, and when she’s not enjoying the outdoors on her bike or paddleboard, or hiking in the hills, she serves as a family court magistrate across courts in Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield and Kirklees.

Emma first discovered the role while watching Come Dine with Me, when a contestant mentioned being both a pharmacist and a magistrate. Intrigued, she researched the opportunity and found it offered a way to give back to society while fitting around her demanding career.

As a family court magistrate, Emma handles both private law cases involving custody and contact arrangements, and public law cases concerning child protection and adoptions.

Mum of one Emma says the court schedule works well around family life, with sessions running from 10am to 4pm, allowing her to manage nursery drop-offs and pick-ups for her young son.

The current recruitment campaign is seeking to appoint several thousand new magistrates across the country over the next few years. Not only will it aim to appoint more magistrates, but it will also help ensure the magistracy better reflects the communities they serve.

Emma said: "I don't think there are many other volunteering roles where you can make such an incredibly tangible impact on society, which you see every single day with every decision that you make.

"It's made me hugely appreciative of the very many different ways that people can bring up children in a loving and caring environment, and the fact that there is no right answer for how you do that.

"Becoming a magistrate has profoundly broadened my perspective. Working alongside magistrates from different generations and backgrounds, I’ve developed greater empathy for people's varying life circumstances.

“The collaborative process of sitting as a panel of three, where we respectfully challenge each other's views to reach the best decision for children, has also enhanced my professional skills in communication and working with a diverse group of colleagues.

“If you're looking for a give-back role, there's not many that have such incredible impact in such a short space of time."

The launch of the campaign follows the announcement in December that magistrates will play a greater part in delivering justice as part of the Government’s response to part one of Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of Criminal Courts.

Under the plans magistrates in the Magistrates’ Court will hear more cases as defendants will no longer be able to elect for a trial by jury for minor offences. Magistrates would also gain the power to sentence offenders to up to 18 months in prison, with an option for this to be extended to 24 months in the future.

Currently, around 90% of all criminal cases conclude in the Magistrates’ Court with that proportion expected to rise under the Government’s plans.

Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said: "Magistrates play a vital role in our court system – hearing thousands of cases across every jurisdiction and delivering justice.

“They are everyday people – and we need more people of every age and background to volunteer not just to deliver justice but to serve and represent their local communities.

“Volunteering to become a magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives of others – that's why I’m calling on the public to apply and play your part.”

All magistrates are given robust training and an experienced mentor in their first year to develop their skills and legal knowledge. They are also supported with specialist legal advisors to allow them to deal with a range of cases. The top qualities that Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary look for in potential candidates are good communication skills, a sense of fairness and the ability to see an argument from different sides. Candidates are being sought to fill positions across all jurisdictions including criminal work, youth cases, as well as certain civil and family proceedings.

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 are made as part of a team of magistrates to ensure a balanced and fair consideration of cases.

To find out more about becoming a magistrate in Yorkshire or to register your interest, visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk