“I am proud to recognise the vital role employers play in supporting magistrates and strengthening our justice system.
Magistrates are dedicated volunteers who bring community experience, sound judgement and fairness into our courts – but their service is only possible because employers choose to stand behind them.”
Justice Minister, Sarah Sackman KC
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“When organisations support employees to serve as magistrates, they do more than enable civic service. They invest in skills that benefit the workplace every day: leadership, confidence, decision‑making and integrity.
This commitment reflects real civic pride and a belief in giving back to the communities in which we all operate.
This guide is for employers, HR professionals and line managers, to help turn commitment into action. It provides practical support and ready‑to‑use materials to help organisations encourage and sustain magistracy within their workforce, whether they are already doing so or considering it for the first time.
My sincere thanks go to all employers who already support magistrates, and to those exploring how they can. Their commitment is invaluable and deeply appreciated.
I encourage employers across the country to consider how they can play their part in supporting a justice system that belongs to us all.”
Why magistrates matter
Magistrates are ordinary people who make extraordinary contributions. They hear cases in criminal and family courts, helping to deliver fair, local justice. With a time commitment of at least 13 days a year, many volunteers balance the role alongside full‑time employment.
Benefits of having a magistrate employee for your business
Supporting magistrate volunteering could bring real value to your organisation:
- Boost job satisfaction: encouraging employees to volunteer in roles that give back to and impact the local community could enhance their job satisfaction and pride. It also helps retain talent and develop future leaders with diverse skills.
- Develop employee skillsets: magistrates receive excellent training covering a range of transferrable skills, from critical analysis and problem solving to influencing others and decision-making.
- Attract new talent: offering volunteer opportunities, such as becoming magistrates, demonstrates your commitment to employee-led community contribution. This highlights your values and emphasises personal and professional development.
Hear from other organisations
Learn more about what supporting magistrate volunteers looks like in practice in our employer blogs. Organisations across sectors share their real experiences of working with employees who serve as magistrates.
What you need to know
Under UK law, employers must allow reasonable time off for employees carrying out public duties such as serving as a magistrate. Whether this time is paid or unpaid is determined by your organisation’s policy. Volunteers can claim:
- Loss of earnings (up to £134.96 per day)
- Travel expenses
- Childcare or dependants’ support, where necessary.
These allowances ensure volunteering is accessible to people from all backgrounds.