How to volunteer

Observe court hearings or do research

Before applying to become a magistrate in the criminal court, you must visit a magistrates’ court at least twice to observe the proceedings. This is an essential requirement before you fill out your application form.

You can find a magistrates’ court in your area here. Once you’ve found your local court, we’d recommend contacting them in advance so you can find out more about when to attend. Please note that district judges also sit in magistrates’ courts, and it is important that you observe a court in which magistrates are sitting rather than a district judge.  Staff at the court you are visiting will be able to advise you which court/s have magistrates sitting. 

The Magistrates Association website is also a useful resource for information about the role.

As family court cases are heard in private, you will not be able to visit a court before you apply. Instead, you should familiarise yourself with publicly available information about the family court to ensure that the role is right for you. If this role interests you, we have further information about working as a family court magistrate.

Useful places to start include:

Advicenow’s guide to going to the family court

Further information about the family court on the Magistrates Association website.

Get approval from your employer

You’ll need to talk to your employer to make sure they’re happy for you to spend at least 13 days a year volunteering as a magistrate, plus training days. You’ll be asked to confirm their support with a reference. You are legally entitled to take time off for this type of voluntary work, but how many days and whether your leave is paid or unpaid, is up to your employer. If you’re self-employed or you have to sit unpaid, you can claim loss of earnings of up to £134.96 per day.

Think about the support you’ll need

You’ll need to factor in any potential financial impact before making your application. Many employers offer at least some paid leave in recognition of your contribution to society and the skills you’ll be developing. If you’re self-employed, you can claim loss of earnings. Everyone can claim expenses for things like food and travel.

Read our Magistrate Expense Policy.

Check you’re eligible

In terms of the specific requirements, you’ll need to be 18 to 74 years old and of good character with sound judgement. ‘Good character’ includes your motivations for applying, your commitment to the role and whether there is any reason that your appointment would impact public trust in the magistracy. For information on what job roles may exclude you from volunteering, look at our FAQs.

Applying to be a magistrate can take up to 12 months from the time of applying. This is to ensure that all applications can be thoroughly reviewed, and the necessary checks carried out. The length of time taken varies depending on whether applications are open in your local area and how long your application and eligibility checks take to complete.  

Over this period, your application will go through a number of stages. At each stage, you will be assessed to see if you demonstrate the following five key attributes: 

• Understand and appreciate different perspectives
• Make fair, impartial and transparent decisions
• Communicate with sensitivity and respect
• Show self-awareness and be open to learning
• Work and engage with people professionally

More information on these attributes can be found in our FAQs.  

Here’s everything you need to know about your candidate journey. 

1. Application 

You’ll need to complete an online application form which will include basic questions asking for personal information and contact details, as well as questions on your eligibility and good character. You’ll also need to confirm that you have undertaken the required court visits or research for your chosen area and provide two references. If you’re in employment, one of these references must be from your employer. 

Once you submit your application, you will receive an acknowledgement confirming it has been received.  

2. Magistrate recruitment qualifying assessment 

If you meet the eligibility criteria in your application, you will be invited to take the magistrate recruitment qualifying assessment.  

In this assessment, you will be presented with a series of realistic scenarios that a magistrate may experience and asked then how best to respond to each of them as if you were a sitting magistrate. Further information on the assessment is available below, along with some example questions for you to practice. 

You will receive the outcome of the test shortly after you complete it. If you are successful, you will receive a confirmation of this, including information about the next stage of the process, the interview.  

If you have not been successful, you will be informed of this. Unfortunately, you will not be able to request feedback at this stage. You will be eligible to re-apply in six months’ time.  

3. Interview

Within approximately 12 weeks, you will be invited to an interview. Interviews take place virtually; however, you can request an in-person interview by contacting your Advisory Committee.  

You will be asked to demonstrate these five key attributes alongside ‘good character’. This includes your motivations for applying, your commitment to the role and whether there is any reason that your appointment would impact public trust in the magistracy. 

The interview will take no more than 75 minutes, and your answers will be evaluated by the Advisory Committee that you applied to. Candidates are provided with interview guidance ahead of their interview.  

4. Interview outcome

Once your interview has been scored, you will be notified of the outcome. This can take several months, as Advisory Committees will conduct interviews with the entire cohort of candidates before issuing the outcomes. If you are successful, you will be subject to some final pre-appointment checks.  

If you are unsuccessful at the interview stage, you will be informed of this. At this stage, you can request feedback from the Advisory Committee.  

5. Pre-appointment checks

Ahead of your appointment, you will undergo a number of final checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, to confirm that you don’t have any convictions that would disqualify you from sitting as a magistrate. This stage can take several months. If you pass the final checks, you will be recommended for appointment.  

Show us that you can be a magistrate in your interviews, and you’ll be formally offered the role. We think it will be one of the most rewarding work responsibilities you’ll ever take on.

This is a voluntary role but as it’s also a public appointment to the judiciary, if you are recommended for appointment, it will need to be approved by a Senior Presiding Judge on behalf of the Lord Chief Justice.

You’ll be expected to dedicate a minimum of 13 days a year, plus training days, for a minimum of five years, for magistrate duties.

You are sitting in a court case where a mother is trying to legally compel her 14-year-old son to see her every fortnight after being absent from his life for 9 years. The son does not want to have contact with his mother and is disputing the arrangement. You and the other magistrates have agreed that the son should not be compelled to see his mother. You all also agree that you fear the son may later regret his decision. The Presiding Justice has asked you for advice on the best way to communicate the decision to the mother and son. Do you: 

1. Explain that the Presiding Justice does not need to provide a detailed explanation in this case, and they should focus on communicating the outcome clearly 
2. Suggest that the Presiding Justice encourages the mother to remain positive that she will be able to rebuild a relationship with her son over time 
3. Suggest that the Presiding Justice should provide a detailed explanation to both of them on why the decision was made 
4. Suggest that the Presiding Justice should inform the son that if he changes his mind, he will have to contact his mother in future. 

The most effective response would be option 3 (suggest that the Presiding Justice should provide a detailed explanation to both of them on why the decision was made). It is important that magistrates communicate clearly, and with respect, to ensure that decisions are understood and transparent.  

The least effective response would be option 1 (Explain that the Presiding Justice does not need to provide a detailed explanation in this case and they should focus on communicating the outcome clearly). Whilst it is important to communicate the outcome clearly, it is also important to communicate in a respectful way that is respectful, and provides sufficient explanation to those it affects.  

You are in a break out room with two other magistrates, Nathanial and Joost. You are considering whether to find a defendant guilty or not guilty. Both Nathanial and Joost believe that the defendant is guilty because the majority of evidence suggests the defendant committed the crime. You are unsure whether the defendant is guilty or not. You also feel that Nathanial and Joost have overlooked a small and relevant piece of evidence. Do you:

1. Inform Nathanial and Joost of the small piece of evidence they have overlooked and how it may be relevant to the case 
2. Tell Nathanial and Joost that you are unsure if the defendant is guilty and ask if you can compare court notes to help come to a decision 
3. Review your court notes to see what the majority of evidence suggests and use it to decide if the defendant is guilty 
4. Ask Nathanial and Joost to explore the possibility that the defendant is not guilty by reviewing evidence that supports the defendant’s case 

The most effective response would be option 1 (Inform Nathanial and Joost of the small piece of evidence they have overlooked and how it may be relevant to the case). Magistrates must make fair, impartial and transparent decisions, and it is important to ensure that due process and consideration are shown to all evidence when making these decisions.  

The least effective response would be option 3 (Review your court notes to see what the majority of evidence suggests and use it to decide if the defendant is guilty). Magistrates work as together as a bench with other magistrates to come to decisions. In order to make fair, impartial and transparent decisions, it is important to communicate with colleagues.  

You must apply to sit in an area local to where you live or work, whether that’s for the family court or criminal court.  
 
If your area isn’t currently recruiting, you can register your interest to be the first to hear when vacancies in your area open up. If your area is not yet live, please take this opportunity to complete the required magistrate court observations or research before applying. 
 
You can find details of planned upcoming recruitment campaigns in our Advisory Committee Recruitment Plan.  

The application form

All applications must be completed online apart from in exceptional circumstances. If required, you can request a hard copy or braille versions by contacting your local Advisory Committee. 
 
The application form will ask: 

• Personal information questions, such as your name, address, date of birth and contact details.
• Preliminary questions. These include – How did you find out about the vacancy? What area are you applying to? If applying in Wales, do you speak Welsh and are you able to meet the Welsh language requirements?
• Eligibility questions. These will cover things like your age, where you permanently live, are you in the process of, or intending to, seek asylum or apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK? Can you commit to 5 years’ service? Have you applied in the last 2 years? You’ll also be asked to give details of your two magistrate court observations. You can find out more in the eligibility section of our FAQs.
• Employment questions. These include declaring your/your spouse or partner’s current occupation and occupation(s) in the last 5 years, and whether you currently do any other type of voluntary work/activity.
• Character questions. These include providing details of any Fixed Penalty Notice, past or present convictions/cautions/motor offences/bankruptcy proceedings. Has a spouse, partner, close family member or close friend received convictions or cautions which could affect your application to become a magistrate? Is there anything else in your private or working life, past or present, which could damage your credibility as a magistrate if it became known to the public?
• Additional information, such as reasonable adjustments and references.
• Diversity monitoring questions

You should make your application online.

If required, you can request a hard copy or braille versions by contacting your local Advisory Committee.

The application form will ask:

• Personal information questions, such as your name, address, date of birth and contact details.
• Preliminary questions. These include – How did you find out about the vacancy? What area are you applying to? Which family panel are you applying to? If applying in Wales, do you speak Welsh and are you able to meet the Welsh language requirements?
• Eligibility questions. These will cover things like your age, where you permanently live, are you in the process of, or intending to, seek asylum or apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK? Are you in the process of obtaining a divorce? Are you currently or about to be involved in court proceedings relating to any child under the age of 18? Can you commit to 5 years’ service? Have you applied in the last 2 years? You’ll also be asked to give details of your research on the family magistrate role. You can find out more in the eligibility section of our FAQs.
• Employment questions. These include declaring your/your spouse or partner’s current occupation and occupation(s) in the last 5 years, and whether you currently do any other type of voluntary work/activity.
• Character questions. These include providing details of any Fixed Penalty Notice, past or present convictions/cautions/motor offences/bankruptcy proceedings. Has a spouse, partner, close family member or close friend received convictions or cautions which could affect your application to become a magistrate? Is there anything else in your private or working life, past or present, which could damage your credibility as a magistrate if it became known to the public?
• Additional information, such as reasonable adjustments and references.
• Diversity monitoring questions

Throughout the application process, including the qualifying assessment and interview, you will be assessed against the five key attributes: 

• Understand and appreciate different perspectives 
• Make fair, impartial and transparent decisions 
• Communicate with sensitivity and respect 
• Show self-awareness and be open to learning 
• Work and engage with people professionally 

More information on these attributes can be found in our FAQs. 

When you apply, you’ll be asked to provide the names of two referees. These can be work or personal references, but they should be from someone who knows you well.  
If you are employed, one reference must be from your manager or employer. Further information and employer advice is available which can help you to start the conversation with your employer.  
 
Your referees will be asked whether they would recommend you to be appointed as a magistrate, and whether they have any concerns or comments about your suitability. If they’re your employer, they’ll be asked to confirm that they’ll support you in undertaking the role, including by granting time off work where necessary. It’s important to make sure your referees can meet the timeframe.
 
If you pass the initial sift stage, the Advisory Committee will contact your referees and ask them to provide a reference by a set date. 
 
It’s your responsibility to make sure the people you intend to nominate are willing and able to provide a reference within the timeframe required. 
 
If your referees don’t complete the reference in time your application will not be able to proceed. 
 
We recommend informing your chosen referees in advance so that they’re able to return the form on time.

Please note, when choosing your referees: 

• If you’re in employment, one of your referees must be from your manager or employer. 
• You must have known your referees for at least three years (unless the referee is your employer and you’ve worked there less than three years). 
• You can’t nominate a relative or anyone you’re currently living with.  
• If you’ve lived in the area you’re applying to sit in for at least three years, one of your referees must live in the same area. 
• Don’t nominate a referee who might appear before the courts in which you’d serve – for example, a police officer from the same area.  
• You can nominate a magistrate or judicial office holder (but only one) as a referee. 
• If you’re applying for a Welsh-speaking role, your referee should also be able to advise whether you’re sufficiently fluent in Welsh to meet the role requirements. 

Information provided by a referee is confidential.

Details of the contents of references will not be disclosed to applicants.

If you’re successful in the online application form, you’ll be invited to interview. You’ll receive an email with a choice of interview slots and asked to book the time and day that suits you best. 
 
You’ll be informed of the outcome of the interview via email as soon as possible following the interview. 
 
The interview – what to expect   
Interviews will be carried out by a panel of two to three people, which will be made up of both magistrate and non-magistrate Advisory Committee members. 
 
You can expect the interview to last around 75 minutes. 
 
The interview panel won’t have access to your application form. They won’t know any information about you, other than your name and what you tell them in the interview.
  
Preparing for your interview

It will be helpful for you to have done your research by reading any resources on the role of a magistrate, as well as thinking back to the court observations you’ll have completed if you’re applying for criminal court. Reflect on the attributes required for the role and how you can demonstrate them.   
 
Please think carefully about your answers to the questions. You should structure them using the Problem Action Result method, as explained below:

• Problem. Describe the specific event or situation where a problem arose. This should include a short description to set the context and details of the problem that occurred. 
• Action. Explain how you displayed the relevant behaviours and understanding. What did you do? How did you do it? Why did you do it that way? What skills did you use? 
• Result. Summarise the results of your actions. What was the outcome? What did you learn? 

You can take time to consider your answer before you speak. You must answer to the best of your ability, honestly, and include why you would respond in the way you think is best. The interview panel may ask follow-up questions, and probe further on your answers.

Interview format 
Interviews will usually be conducted remotely using video technology via Microsoft Teams. You can request for it to be conducted in person. This can be done by contacting your local Advisory Committee after you’ve been invited to interview.

Unfortunately, not all applicants will be successful. We appreciate that this can be disappointing, so all who reach the interview stage are welcome to request feedback. 
 
You may also ask for this decision to be reviewed by the recruiting Advisory Committee. However, this will only be considered if you have reason to believe that the selection process has been misapplied or that a member of the interview panel behaved inappropriately. 
 
If you decide to request a review, you must first request feedback, and then state clearly and succinctly your grounds for doing so. It’s not enough to say that you disagree with the decision. The advisory committee you applied to will provide you with feedback from your interview within 30 working days of you requesting it. You must then request a review of the decision within 15 days of receipt of feedback.

If you believe you have grounds for an appeal, you’ll need to:

• Request feedback from the Advisory Committee you applied for.
• You will be emailed a link to an appeals form and will have 15 days from receipt of the feedback to apply for an appeal of the decision.
• Wait for the Advisory Committee to review and respond.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no right of appeal for candidates who didn’t progress to the interview stage or who are assessed as appointable but are not recommended due to others scoring higher. However, if you do make it to interview stage and are assessed as appointable, you may be asked whether you would consider sitting in an alternate jurisdiction, criminal or family, if there are vacancies at the time of the recruitment process.