Volunteer Hub
Becoming a Manchester Magistrate
Organisation Details
University of Manchester Volunteering & Awards Team
Activity type: Advice, Information and Support, Community Work, Counselling and Listening
Sub theme: Human and Civil Rights, Legal and Justice, Prisoners and Ex-Offenders
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Description of role: We are launching an exciting initiative in partnership with Manchester Magistrates’ Courthouse.
Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in courts in their community. They can hear cases in the criminal court, the family court, or both. All criminal cases begin in a magistrates’ court although magistrates pass the most serious crimes onto the Crown Court. Magistrates are responsible for making fair and reasonable decisions that will impact the whole community in either a family or criminal court so, the Courthouse actively look for diverse people who will reflect and represent those communities.
We are now looking for up to 12 students to support through the application procedure for them to become magistrates in Manchester.
If you become a magistrate, you’ll learn new skills, enjoy new challenges, and help create positive change for your community. This voluntary role gives you the opportunity to gain new knowledge and experience that you can take back into your professional and personal life. It’s a great way to broaden your horizons too, meeting new people with different backgrounds, experiences and opinions.
All applicants must be aged between 18-65 and must not have a criminal record. You must be a UK citizen. No formal qualifications are needed.
Please be aware of the commitment expected. The application process can take up to one year and magistrates are expected to volunteer for at least five years from appointment, committing to a minimum of 13 days a year, plus training days (4 in the first year, one to two days in following years). This role therefore might be most suitable for students who live permanently in Manchester or who have clear long-term plans to stay in Manchester.
A detailed knowledge of the law is not necessary. However, volunteers are expected to have the following qualities:
• Good Character
• Understanding and Communication
• Social Awareness
• Maturity and Sound Temperament
• Sound Judgement
• Commitment and Reliability
Students who are part of this initiative will be supported through the application process by current staff who are themselves magistrates. Support sessions will include two court observations and mentoring leading up to application and through the recruitment and selection procedure. Peer support will then be set up for successful applicants.
We will be running an information session in mid-November. Court visits will take place following that with participants being ready to submit their applications in the spring time of 2025 .
Click the apply now button to express your interest in this role and you will then be invited to the information session where all questions will be answered, including full details of the role, the application process and the support provided through this initiative.
Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in courts in their community. They can hear cases in the criminal court, the family court, or both. All criminal cases begin in a magistrates’ court although magistrates pass the most serious crimes onto the Crown Court. Magistrates are responsible for making fair and reasonable decisions that will impact the whole community in either a family or criminal court so, the Courthouse actively look for diverse people who will reflect and represent those communities.
We are now looking for up to 12 students to support through the application procedure for them to become magistrates in Manchester.
If you become a magistrate, you’ll learn new skills, enjoy new challenges, and help create positive change for your community. This voluntary role gives you the opportunity to gain new knowledge and experience that you can take back into your professional and personal life. It’s a great way to broaden your horizons too, meeting new people with different backgrounds, experiences and opinions.
All applicants must be aged between 18-65 and must not have a criminal record. You must be a UK citizen. No formal qualifications are needed.
Please be aware of the commitment expected. The application process can take up to one year and magistrates are expected to volunteer for at least five years from appointment, committing to a minimum of 13 days a year, plus training days (4 in the first year, one to two days in following years). This role therefore might be most suitable for students who live permanently in Manchester or who have clear long-term plans to stay in Manchester.
A detailed knowledge of the law is not necessary. However, volunteers are expected to have the following qualities:
• Good Character
• Understanding and Communication
• Social Awareness
• Maturity and Sound Temperament
• Sound Judgement
• Commitment and Reliability
Students who are part of this initiative will be supported through the application process by current staff who are themselves magistrates. Support sessions will include two court observations and mentoring leading up to application and through the recruitment and selection procedure. Peer support will then be set up for successful applicants.
We will be running an information session in mid-November. Court visits will take place following that with participants being ready to submit their applications in the spring time of 2025 .
Click the apply now button to express your interest in this role and you will then be invited to the information session where all questions will be answered, including full details of the role, the application process and the support provided through this initiative.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Commercial Awareness, Customer Service, Practical Skills, Public Speaking, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday AM, Monday PM, Tuesday AM, Tuesday PM, Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Friday AM, Friday PM
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Minimum hours commitment: 13 days a year
Location:
Crawford House
Manchester
M13 9PL