The Ministry of Justice has launched a UK-wide recruitment campaign to appoint up to 2,000 new magistrates, calling on employers across the country to support their staff in stepping forward for this unique and impactful voluntary role.
The national appeal is being led by Lord Ponsonby, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, who is urging organisations in all sectors to recognise the personal and professional benefits of magistracy—and to actively support employees who wish to serve.
“Magistrates play a vital role in the justice system and contribute to a fair and accessible legal process for the public,” said Lord Ponsonby.
“It’s important that magistrates come from all walks of life and that the bench reflects the society we serve. Employers are crucial in enabling people to volunteer, which is why we’re calling on them to raise the profile of this important role within their workforce.”
Magistrates are volunteers who sit in courts for at least 13 days per year, making key decisions in criminal and family cases. The role is flexible and can be undertaken alongside full-time employment, caring responsibilities, or other voluntary work—making it ideal for those looking to give back to their community without changing careers.
Volunteering Brings Benefits to Both Staff and Employers
New research from the Ministry of Justice shows a strong appetite among UK employers to support volunteering, with 70% of hiring managers saying they would be more likely to hire someone with previous volunteer experience. A further 41% would be more likely to hire a candidate who is already serving as a magistrate, recognising the prestige and professionalism associated with the role.
Yet despite the enthusiasm, there is a gap in awareness: 46% of employers did not know that magistrates serve in a voluntary, unpaid capacity. The campaign aims to close that gap by encouraging organisations to include magistracy in their volunteering policies and promote it as a meaningful opportunity for leadership and civic engagement.
Lizzie Smith, Director of Workforce at NHS England, has seen the benefits firsthand:
“Magistrates in our workforce bring highly transferable skills—from critical thinking and communication to empathy and resilience.
Volunteering as a magistrate also signals a strong commitment to public service and social responsibility, which is exactly what we look for in our people.”
Diversity and Representation at the Heart of the Campaign
A key aim of the national recruitment drive is to ensure that the magistracy reflects the diversity of modern Britain. The Ministry of Justice is particularly keen to hear from underrepresented groups, including younger professionals, people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
There are currently 14,576 magistrates serving in England and Wales. By recruiting 2,000 more from a broader range of backgrounds, the Ministry hopes to build a bench that is more inclusive and representative of the communities it serves.
Employers are being encouraged to support applicants with paid time off, flexible hours, or awareness campaigns within their organisation to promote the role.
A Call to UK Employers
With backing from senior figures in government and major employers such as the NHS, the campaign is a call to action for employers across England and Wales to step up and play their part in supporting access to justice.
To find out more about how your organisation can support employees in becoming magistrates, visit the official I Can Be a Magistrate – Employer Advice Page.