People from all walks of life in Cambridgeshire are being urged to consider becoming magistrates. 

The appeal is part of a national drive to increase the number and diversity of those volunteering across England and Wales. 

The Judiciary of England and Wales and the Ministry of Justice are calling on people from the county to be part of a new wave of volunteers, giving back to their local community and helping the magistracy better reflect the diversity of British society. 

No legal qualifications or experience is required to be a magistrate, but volunteers will work closely with two other magistrates and a legal advisor, who offers guidance on the law.  

The role also gives people a chance to give back to their community, build relationships with new people and develop new skills. 

From teachers to electricians, to stay-at-home parents, anyone aged between 18 and 70 who can commit to at least 13 days a year for at least five years is encouraged to come forward. 

With support from magistrates in Cambridgeshire the campaign seeks to boost numbers by recruiting 4,000 new magistrates across England and Wales over the next few years. 

Rita, from Whittlesey, became interested in the justice system after being involved in a case as a witness.  

It inspired her to get involved and do her bit to help keep communities safer. She was the first wheelchair user to be appointed as a magistrate in Cambridgeshire in 2000. 

Rita said “I was a witness in an assault case, and I became fascinated by how the system worked.  

“The work is interesting and satisfying, but you must have integrity and the ability to listen impartially and weigh the pros and cons of a given case.  

“You don’t need any particular qualifications – you’ll get all the training and support you need. What’s more, the skills you learn, you can use in all aspects of your life.” 

Magistrates are given robust training and an experienced mentor in their first year to develop their skills and legal knowledge.  

They typically develop highly transferrable skills such as critical analysis, complex problem-solving, mediation, influencing and decision-making, all of which stand to benefit them in their wider lives. 

Rushda, from Cambridge, has been a magistrate for five years. She believes she has a duty to represent her community and do what she can to make sure the law is being upheld by individual “everyday” people. 

Rushda said: “I didn’t know much about the magistracy at all, but a colleague of mine at work started telling me about how interesting it was.  

“When I researched further, I was excited to contribute, especially as there are so few magistrates in my demographic.” 

She added: “The law is the bedrock of our society, and this is a great way to make an important contribution. 

“Having ‘everyday’ people serve as magistrates, with different backgrounds and perspectives, helps reflect the diverse local communities we serve.” 

Being a magistrate is a part-time role that can fit around other working commitments.  

From making an impact on families’ futures and children’s lives as a family court magistrate, to handling criminal cases as a criminal court magistrate, candidates are being sought to fill positions across all jurisdictions. 

Whether a family or criminal court magistrate, whichever role volunteers take up, magistrates regularly make decisions that will shape the lives of individuals for years to come. 

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." 

Applications are now open in Cambridgeshire; anyone looking to volunteer should visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk for more information.