Young Magistrates Network

 

­­­­The Young Magistrates Network (formerly the Young Magistrates Special Interest Group) was launched in April 2019 and comprises MA members under the age of 40. As only 5% of magistrates are under 40, whilst 52% are aged over 60, the group seeks to:

  • Provide opportunities for young magistrates to network with the peers across the country;
  • Generate discourse around the issues affecting young magistrates (who are members of the MA) and advise, inform and work with MA HQ to address these issues; and
  • Advise, inform and work with MA HQ on the creation of routes to the recruitment of young magistrates

 

                                             

Chair and Deputy Chairs

The Network's Chair is Luke Rigg JP and the Deputy Chairs are Adam Rathbone JP and Katherine Sirrell JP.

Achievements

  • Established a strong voice for young magistrates, holding our first National Conference, which nearly one hundred young magistrates attended; and mobilised our membership through networking and consultation
  • Generated significant discourse and momentum through our contribution to policy debates, joining HMCTS focus groups, judicial working groups, meetings with Ministers and various roundtable events
    • Sat on and contributed to the magistrates expenses and allowances working group to ensure childcare guidance is updated and FLA reflects zero hour contracts
    • Facilitated a number of working groups with young magistrates to feed into the Government's recruitment and attraction reforms
    • Attended meeting with the Lord Chancellor to discuss the magistrates' retirement age proposals, from the perspective of young magistrates
    • Contributed to the refreshed 'Useful document for magistrates', to ensure there is updated guidance for working magistrates
  • Established strong relationships with the senior judiciary, government departments and relevant charities, such as Young Citizens
     

Volunteers' Week 2021

As part of Volunteers' Week 2021, we spoke to Luke, the group's chair, about what he has gained from his experience of volunteering as a young magistrate, as well as his hopes for the future of the magistracy. Read the interview here.

Get in touch

If you are interested in joining the group or you have any questions, please contact the network (ymsig@magistrates-association.org.uk).