UK seeks thousands of new magistrates in 2026 drive
If you have ever wondered who decides bail on a Monday morning or who hears a shoplifting case in your town, it is often a panel of trained volunteers called magistrates. On 3 January 2026, the Ministry of Justice launched a national recruitment push to sign up thousands more across England and Wales. Over 2,000 people have been trained since 2022, and ministers want to recruit a similar number again during the 2026/27 financial year. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy urged people of every age and background to apply.
Here is the simple version. Magistrates are local volunteers, not professional judges. You sit as one of three on a bench, supported in court by a legally qualified adviser who keeps you on the right side of law and procedure. Most volunteers give at least 13 days a year and fit the role alongside work, study or caring.
What magistrates actually do is wide‑ranging. Almost all criminal cases begin in a magistrates’ court and the large majority are resolved there, with magistrates handling offences such as minor assaults, theft and driving matters. You can impose fines, community orders and, for a single offence, prison sentences of up to 12 months; the most serious cases go to the Crown Court. Some magistrates also hear family cases involving child protection, maintenance and orders to prevent domestic abuse. What this means: everyday justice is often delivered by people from your area, trained and supported to make fair decisions.
Who can apply is broader than many think. You do not need a law degree or prior legal training. You need to be aged 18 to 74 on appointment, be able to serve for at least five years, and retire at 75. Officials look for personal qualities such as fairness, clear communication, the ability to weigh evidence and a strong sense of public service. Training and mentoring are provided from day one.
Time and support are designed to be realistic. You are expected to sit at least 13 full days a year (or 26 half days). If you sit in more than one type of court, aim for about 30 half days across the year. In your first two years you will complete around ten days of training, with a mentor to guide you.
Money should not be a barrier. The role is unpaid, but you can claim allowances for travel, subsistence and loss of earnings. By law, employers must allow reasonable time off for magistrate duties, and many offer paid leave; it is worth speaking to your manager early.
How the application works is straightforward if you prepare. First, observe a criminal court at least twice, or research how the Family Court operates because its hearings are private. Then complete the online form, provide two references, and show the five key attributes used to assess candidates. If eligible, you will take a short qualifying assessment based on real‑life scenarios and, if successful, attend a virtual interview. Final checks, including a DBS check, happen before appointment. From application to appointment can take up to 12 months.
Representation matters. According to official figures, 57% of magistrates are women and 14% are from ethnic minority backgrounds; in London the proportion of magistrates from an ethnic minority background is 31%. The recruitment drive aims to widen participation further so benches reflect the communities they serve.
Why this is in the news now is about public service and pace. Ministers say the campaign is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to deliver swifter justice for victims and keep the public safe. New polling cited by the Ministry of Justice suggests 45% of people in England and Wales would consider volunteering in the next 12 months.
Where to begin is practical. This call applies to England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland run separate systems. Choose a day to observe at your local magistrates’ court, jot down what you notice, speak to your employer about time off, and then check the magistrates website or the GOV.UK ‘Become a magistrate’ pages for roles in your area and application windows.