Tom has been a magistrate for 16 years. "It is important that the bench is representative of the community it serves," he says.
EMPLOYERS across Northamptonshire are being urged to promote and support the voluntary role of magistrates within their workforce.
The call has come from the Ministry of Justice as part of a national campaign to recruit new faces to the bench. It is asking employers to support their staff in balancing both their personal and judicial duties and to 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.
He said: “Magistrates play a vital role in the justice system and contribute to a fair and accessible legal process for the public. It is 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.”
New research highlights that 63% of hiring personnel at their organisation in the East Midlands agree that volunteering as a magistrate benefits the employee and the employer. Yet 40% of those surveyed say their organisation actively encourages staff to volunteer as a magistrate.
The research from the magistrate recruitment campaign, run by the Ministry of Justice, surveyed 2,001 managers in England and Wales involved in hiring processes. In the East Midlands the survey found support for the benefits that volunteering, particularly as a magistrate, brings to their organisation, including:
- Employees developing transferable skills like critical analysis, time management and conflict resolution.
- Companies positively contributing to their local communities.
- Employees being more motivated.
- Increased employee satisfaction.
- A boost in employee productivity.
Being a magistrate is a flexible, part-time voluntary role that can fit around other commitments, including full-time employment.
The study in the East Midlands found that more than three-quarters of hiring managers would support their organisation to add the magistrate role to the company’s volunteering suggestions, to raise awareness of the position. 68% of those involved in the recruiting process said they would be more likely to hire someone with previous volunteering experience and 51% would be more likely to consider hiring a candidate who is already a magistrate due to the reputation and prestige being a magistrate brings.
It is a role that gives me a lot of fulfilment. My employer recognises that being a magistrate is important to me
Tom, who works full time at electric utility company Uniper, has been a magistrate in the East Midlands for 16 years.
“I am really proud to be a magistrate and make a meaningful contribution to society. It is a role that gives me a lot of fulfilment so I am hugely thankful my employers are so supportive of me taking on the role.
“They are a thoroughly supportive employer. Not only do they have a generous corporate policy that provides paid leave for up to 18 public duty days per year but I have also had completely supportive managers. Every manager I have had has been flexible to work with me to find the best time for my sittings and training.
“They recognise that being a magistrate is important to me. But also that it is a way they can support the community and help me develop additional skills in critical analysis, teamwork and conflict resolution, among others.”
Uniper is a former winner of the Magistrates’ Association’s Employer of the Year award. The Ministry of Justice is looking to recruit up to 2,000 new magistrates in the next year. There are currently 14,576 magistrates in post in England and Wales
Tom’s message to anyone considering applying to become a magistrate: “Anyone can apply to become a magistrate and it is important that the bench is representative of the community it serves. So, if you are driven by fairness and making a difference to lives outside of your own, I would really encourage you to register your interest and apply when opportunities are available.
“And if you are an employer, consider how you could raise awareness of the role within your organisation – you will see benefits too.”
Find out more at magistrates.judiciary.uk/employer-advice/
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