EMPLOYERS are being called on to actively promote and support the voluntary role of magistrates within their workforce.
The government is encouraging businesses 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.
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.
The campaign says being a magistrate is a flexible, part-time voluntary role that can fit around other commitments, including full-time employment.
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.”
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 Wales.
In a research carried out by Censuswide it was revealed that 84 per cent of hiring managers in the West Midlands would support their organisation to add the magistrate role to the company’s volunteering suggestions, to raise awareness of the position.
It also found when looking for new talent, almost two thirds of those involved in the hiring process at organisations say they would be more likely to hire someone with previous volunteering experience.
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.”
For more visit the Employer Advice page on the I can be a magistrate website.
