The Ministry of Justice is calling for south east Londoners to apply to become volunteer magistrates within the community.

The initiative is part of the ministry’s goal to increase staffing numbers in London by 4,000 over the next few years and to diversify their workforce to more widely reflect the community.

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 70 with the ability to commit 13 days a year for a period of five years is welcome to apply.

No legal experience is necessary, and all volunteers receive training which can help build valuable skills that can be used outside the courtroom.

Within first year, new magistrates are given legal training and coached by a mentor to develop their skills and experience.

Research from the Ministry of Justice revealed that HR and business representatives regarded those who volunteer as a magistrate to have sound judgement and effective decision-making skills.

This comes as part of a new plan for the ministry to have an even more diverse range of magistrates after statistics revealed that magistrates from ethic minorities are increasing as well as young people and women.

Justice Minister Mike Freer said: “Magistrates have a vital role to play in our justice system and we want to see every part of society represented on their benches.

"By volunteering their time and experience from other walks of life, they play a hugely important part in transforming lives and delivering justice for victims."

One such person is longstanding magistrate Kevin Hern, who began volunteering as a magistrate in 2001.

Being legally blind, Kevin didn’t feel that he saw himself represented in the court room and wants to encourage others with similar feelings to apply for the role.

Kevin said: “When I first joined, I didn’t really fit into the Magistracy - I am registered blind and from a working-class background, neither of which characteristics were well represented at the time.

News Shopper: Kevin Kevin (Image: Contributor)

"While the bench is now more diverse, it is so important that a wide range of people consider joining today.

"I would love to mentor a younger visually impaired magistrate as there are still only a few of us on the bench.

"Being blind certainly doesn’t hold me back and the team I work with have been hugely supportive.

"This is an extremely fulfilling role, which helps make positive change to your own community.”

The role is varied from serving in family court cases to being involved in a criminal court case depending on each magistrate’s individual interests.

The National Chair of the Magistrates’ Association, Mark Beattie JP said: “The Magistrates’ Association believes that more magistrates are needed to help deliver speedier justice for all, so we welcome this continued drive to recruit 4,000 much-needed volunteers.

"It is crucial that magistrates reflect the communities they serve, so we would encourage those from underrepresented groups and areas to apply to perform this most rewarding of voluntary roles.

"We look forward to sitting alongside you and to welcoming you as members soon.”

Applications can be made at icanbeamagistrate.co.uk by November 30, 2022.

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