Over half of adults think volunteering in their local community is important – celebrate magistrates delivering justice in South Shields this International Volunteer Day
A South Shields magistrate wants others to join her as 45% of people in England and Wales say they would consider volunteering in the next 12 months.
New research shows 45% of adults in England and Wales would consider volunteering in the next 12 months, with 'Making a difference to others and the local community’ and 'Meeting new people or being part of a team’ given as the main reasons for choosing a volunteering opportunity.
While over half (57%) of the general public think that volunteering in their local community is important.
On International Volunteer Day, which took place on December 5, Julie Potts, 44, who had an interest in the law before starting a family, highlighted how she became a magistrate after responding to an advert on social media.
She sits primarily in the South Shields and Gateshead courts and says: "Most people are surprised to learn this is a volunteer role – but that's what makes it so special. Anyone can step up and make a real difference in their local community.
"I didn't realise I was actually a really good decision maker. I just assumed because I was a stay-home parent, that it was above me.
"There's nothing more important than deciding what's going to happen with someone's life. You've got to do the right thing and you have support to do that from a panel of two other magistrates and a legal adviser.
"I feel like the decisions we make keep South Shields in a good place. I'm giving back because this is what keeps things right in the community.
"You can fit it around family life. If I do a half day, it's brilliant because then I can pick up on the school run. It would be nice to see some more younger people joining, it’s great to get different perspectives.
"I can't recommend it enough. It's genuinely one of the most rewarding things I've ever done."
Data also showed that for those already in volunteer roles, 81% say it helped them learn new skills and 80% would recommend volunteering to others. Testimonies from magistrates show this is also the case for many of them.
Magistrates hear criminal and family court cases in their local area, playing a crucial role in cutting court backlogs and keeping the public safe.
Magistrates' courts handle over 90% of criminal cases in England and Wales, alongside vital family work that changes lives every single day.
No qualifications, legal knowledge, or experience is needed to become a magistrate.
The Ministry of Justice is currently looking for people aged 18 and over to volunteer, with the expectation of five years’ service and statutory retirement age of 75
All magistrates receive full training, mentoring, and ongoing support from a legal adviser, who will help them follow the correct procedures.
All decisions will be made as part of a team of magistrates to ensure a balanced and fair consideration of cases.
Join 14,600 magistrates already delivering justice in communities across England and Wales.
To find out more about becoming a magistrate or to register your interest, visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk.