Scientist Gemma urges people to become magistrates this International Volunteer Day
A scientist from Wolverhampton is calling on more volunteers to join 14,600 magistrates already delivering justice in communities across England and Wales.
New research published today shows 45% of adults in England and Wales would consider volunteering in the next 12 months, with 'Making a difference to others and the local community’ and 'Meeting new people or being part of a team’ given as the main reasons for choosing a volunteering opportunity, while over half (57%) of the general public think that volunteering in their local community is important.
Data also showed that for those already in volunteer roles, 81% say it helped them learn new skills and 80% would recommend volunteering to others. Testimonies from magistrates show this is also the case for many of them.
Magistrates hear criminal and family court cases in their local area, playing a crucial role in cutting court backlogs and keeping the public safe.
Gemma Staite, from Wolverhampton, became a magistrate in 2017 at the age of 33 after a visit to the Old Bailey. She is a biomedical scientist for the NHS and sits in court on her lieu days after working weekends. She says: "It was after that visit that I read more into it and realised magistrates are not just all retired solicitors.
“It can be intense but I do enjoy it. You are making a difference and giving something back to the community, helping to get justice for people.
“There are plenty of transferable skills you can learn, it has helped me to become a leader at work and built my confidence.
"You don't need any legal background – magistrates come from all walks of life. What you do need is an open mind, sound judgement, and the ability to work as part of a team. Everything else is taught, and you'll have expert legal advisers supporting you every step of the way.”
Magistrates hear criminal and family court cases in their local area, playing a crucial role in cutting court backlogs and keeping the public safe. Magistrates' courts handle many criminal cases in England and Wales, alongside vital family work that changes lives every single day. The Ministry of Justice is currently looking for people aged 18 and over to volunteer, with the expectation of five years’ service and statutory retirement age of 75.
All magistrates receive full training, mentoring, and on-going support from a legal adviser, who will help them follow the correct procedures. All decisions will be made as part of a team of magistrates to ensure a balanced and fair consideration of cases.
To find out more about becoming a magistrate or to register your interest, visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk
