The first year
Magistrates have a busy first year. In addition to fulfilling minimum sitting requirements, they must complete essential e-learning, undertake court observations and prison/probation visits (adult court magistrates) and attend consolidation training. Some sittings will be supported by a trained mentor.
Competencies
To pass appraisals and continue sitting, magistrates must demonstrate their competencies in:
- managing yourself
- working as a member of the team
- making judicial decisions
- managing judicial decisions (for presiding justices, known as PJs).
After the first year
Magistrates are appraised 12–18 months after appointment (their ‘threshold’ appraisal) and then at least every four years, or every two years for PJs. As they continue to sit, magistrates will undertake continuation training and further essential face-to-face and online training. Magistrates receive specialist training when they take on new roles like being a PJ, mentor or appraiser.
Our role
We help members develop their knowledge and skills through our learning portal MA learn. Our training, learning and development committee coproduces training material with the Judicial College and our network of 52 branches host regular learning and development events for members.