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Campaign to recruit over 4,000 magistrates


The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has launched a campaign to recruit over 4,000 new magistrates across the UK.

People from all walks of life can be magistrates, as long as they are aged between 18 and 70. It is a voluntary role, which people can do alongside any employment.

New recruits will join the current 12,000 magistrates already playing a vital role in the justice system. Over 90% of criminal cases are dealt with by magistrates sitting in local criminal courts, ruling on cases such as drink-driving, theft and assault.

Becoming a magistrate doesn’t just help our communities – it holds real benefits both for the individuals who volunteer and for the organisations that employ them.

As an employer you stand to benefit from any staff volunteers developing business critical skills and, more broadly, supporting employees to volunteer can boost your recruitment and retention.

For more information, see the document below.