High Sheriff urges firms to consider benefits of magistrate roles

West Midlands businesses are being urged to consider how they can support the Criminal Justice System by encouraging employees to become magistrates.

High Sheriff of the West Midlands Mark Smith is backing a renewed drive to recruit more magistrates across the region by highlighting the benefits to local businesses and third sector organisations.

While there are currently around 850 magistrates working in eight courts across the West Midlands, proposed changes to the justice system mean many more will need to be recruited in the coming years.

Mark Smith (pictured) – a respected businessman who enjoyed a 36-year career with professional services giant PwC - believes there is a two-fold benefit for companies who provide support for employees to become magistrates.

He said: “The Criminal Justice System places huge reliance on the role of magistrates, who are volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. 

“Every criminal case starts life in a Magistrates Court, and the vast majority are heard and concluded in such courts.

“There is no requirement for a magistrate to have any legal background or qualifications, as all the training is provided in the role and the magistrates are supported in court by a qualified legal adviser. 

“What is required is a commitment to sit in court for at least 13 days a year.

“Not only is support for employees to be magistrates a really clear way in which organisations can give back to the communities in which they operate, the skills that these individuals learn have clear application back in the workplace.

“Under proposed changes to the justice system, it is envisaged that the county will need to recruit a significant number of new magistrates in the next few years.”

Applications to become a magistrate are invited throughout November and December. Employers and employees can find out more information here: www.icanbeamagistrate.com