The government is calling for employers in England and Wales to actively promote and support the voluntary role of magistrates within their workforce. Employers are being encouraged to support their staff in balancing both their personal and judicial duties, as well as add the magistracy to volunteering policies or CSR guidance for staff.
The appeal comes from Lord Ponsonby, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice. New research highlights almost two thirds (65%1) of hiring personnel at their organisation agree that volunteering as a magistrate benefits the employee and the employer1.
Despite this, less than half (43%) of those surveyed say their organisation actively encourages staff to volunteer as a magistrate.
The research from the magistrate recruitment campaign, run by the Ministry of Justice, surveyed 2,001 managers involved in hiring processes. The survey found resounding support for the benefits that volunteering, particularly as a magistrate, brings to their organisation, including:
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Employees developing transferable skills like critical analysis, time management and conflict resolution (44%)
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Companies positively contributing to their local communities (41%)
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Employees being more motivated (36%)
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A boost in employee productivity (34%)
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Increased employee satisfaction (32%)
The appeal to organisations is part of a renewed drive to encourage and enable more people to volunteer for the magistracy across England and Wales. It is also to ensure the magistracy represents the community it serves. Being a magistrate is a flexible, part-time voluntary role that can fit around other commitments, including full-time employment2.
Encouragingly, 821% of hiring managers would support their organisation to add the magistrate role to the company’s volunteering suggestions, to raise awareness of the position. When looking for new talent, almost two thirds (65%1) of those involved in the hiring process at their organisation say they would be more likely to hire someone with previous volunteering experience. Just over half (511%) agree that they would be more likely to consider hiring a candidate who is already a magistrate, demonstrating the reputation and prestige being a magistrate brings.
Yet, the research suggests a disparity between ambition and awareness regarding the role and their readiness to support staff who are interested in it:
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Almost three fifths (57%) are aware that being a magistrate is an unpaid, voluntary role
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More than one fifth (22%2) said they didn’t have a good understanding of their legal requirements to support as an employer
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A quarter (24%) wouldn’t know how to support a colleague if they wanted to become a magistrate
Lizzie Smith, Director of Workforce at NHS England has seen first-hand the benefits of having magistrates within their workforce, she says, “Magistrates in our workforce bring transferable skills that they can use in their day-to-day role too. From critical thinking and being able to manage tricky situations, to being able to see things from another point of view. Taking on the voluntary role also demonstrates a commitment to serving society and making a difference, which is why we value the role so much in staff and new recruits. I would really encourage other business and organisations to raise the profile of the role within their workforce.”
Lizzie also offers her top tips for raising awareness of the role and supporting colleagues who want to join the magistracy:
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The easiest and quickest way to make people aware of the role is to add information to your company’s volunteering CSR guidance or policy.
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Find out if there are magistrates within your organisation already and see if they’re open to talking about the role to colleagues. Celebrating their work through awards, newsletters or special events is also an effective way to show other staff what being a magistrate means.
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Allow employees to discuss adjusting their work schedules to accommodate their magistrate duties, and if possible, consider offering paid leave for the days required for magistrate to sit in court.
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Consider offering mentoring and support networks for employees who are interested in or already serving as a magistrate in the community.
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You could even collaborate with local courts or legal organisations who can help you to arrange information sessions and support for interested employees.
The Ministry of Justice is hosting a breakfast event on 17th March in Westminster with Lord Ponsonby to help employers understand the benefits of having magistrates on their teams. Attendees include current magistrates and employers who have magistrates within their workforce. The event will also showcase how to best support employees wanting to volunteer in the role.
Lord Ponsonby, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice, says: “Magistrates play a vital role in the justice system and contribute to a fair and accessible legal process for the public. It’s important that magistrates come from all walks of life and that the bench reflects the society we serve. Employers play an important part in enabling working people to sit as magistrates, which is why we’re calling on them today to raise the profile of this positive voluntary role within their organisation.”
Jacqui, from London has been a magistrate for 20 years alongside her part-time role at NHS England. She says: “I’m really proud to be a magistrate and make a meaningful contribution to society. It’s a role that gives me a lot of fulfilment so I’m hugely thankful my employers are so supportive of me taking on the role.
“My employers support me in the role by allowing 2.5 days for voluntary work. It would be five days if I worked full-time. What’s been invaluable for me, is that my Head of Department is aware of my transferable skills that I have developed as a magistrate and has encouraged me to take on additional responsibilities not only within our own department but across the organisation. The transferable skills I have developed during my time as a magistrate include applying a critical thinking mentality to tasks, handling challenging conversations and being a confident communicator as well as working as part of a team.
“Anyone can apply to become a magistrate and it’s important that the bench is representative of the community it serves. So, if you’re driven by fairness and making a difference to lives outside of your own, I’d really encourage you to register your interest and apply when opportunities are available. And if you’re an employer, consider how you could raise awareness of the role within your organisation – you’ll see benefits too!”
In the next year, the Ministry of Justice is looking to recruit up to 2,000 new magistrates from all walks of life. There are currently 14,576 magistrates in post in England and Wales3.
