RESIDENTS are being urged to consider becoming magistrates as part of a recruitment drive for the ‘vital role’ in the area.

The Judiciary of England and Wales and the Ministry of Justice are calling on people in Cheshire and Merseyside to be part of a new wave of volunteers, giving back to their local community.

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.

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.

The campaign seeks to boost numbers by recruiting 4,000 new magistrates across England and Wales over the next few years.

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

Magistrates 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.

Alf, a retired police officer of 30 years from Cheshire, who has been a magistrate for the last 10 years, said: “Following my longstanding career in the force, I wanted to continue to support and give back to my local community.

“Being a magistrate has allowed me to do that. You can help create positive change for your local community while learning new skills and enjoying different challenges.

“Working in the family or criminal court, you can have a meaningful impact on the lives of individual children and families – and make a difference to wider society.”

Justice Minister Mike Freer added: “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."

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

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.

Applications are now open in Cheshire and Merseyside, and anyone looking to volunteer should visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk for more information.