Jessica O'ConnorThe Government has launched a national recruitment campaign to attract thousands of new magistrates in 2026, calling on people from all backgrounds to volunteer alongside work and caring responsibilities.
More than 2,000 magistrates have been recruited and trained since 2022, and ministers now want to boost the magistracy by a further 2,000 within the next financial year to help deliver swifter justice across England and Wales.
Magistrates are unpaid volunteers who typically sit for a minimum of 13 days a year, allowing many to carry out the role alongside full-time employment.
The Ministry of Justice said this flexibility makes the position accessible to working people, carers and those seeking to contribute public service experience to their careers.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said: “Magistrates play a vital role in our court system – hearing thousands of cases across every jurisdiction and delivering justice.
“They are everyday heroes – and we need more people of every age and background to volunteer not just to deliver justice but to serve and represent their local communities.”
Latest figures show the magistracy already reflects a broad cross-section of society, with 57% female representation and 14% of magistrates from ethnic minority backgrounds.
In London, nearly a third of magistrates are from ethnic minority communities.
The Ministry of Justice said new recruits will receive comprehensive training and support, including mentoring during their first year and access to specialist legal advisers.
Candidates are being sought across criminal, youth, family and some civil jurisdictions, with a focus on strong communication skills, fairness and balanced decision-making.
