Our policy board
The policy board is a sub-committee of the board of trustees and makes all final decisions about MA policy. It is made up of:
- Voting members: national chair, deputy chairs and the chairs of each of our policy committees.
- Non-voting members: our chief executive and policy and research officers.
If you have any queries about the policy board, please contact Tom Franklin, Chief Executive.
Our policy committees
The MA has five policy committees: adult, diversity and inclusion, family, training, learning and development and youth. The committee terms of reference (PDF) set out the purpose and key tasks of each committee.
MA committees are made up of experienced magistrates who steer research, development, and implementation of policy in their specialist areas. They work in partnership with the staff team to influence policymakers on members’ behalf and shape MA policy through recommendations to its policy board.
Recently our policy committees have:
- researched and co-developed standards for advocates in youth court
- responded to consultations on mandatory mediation in family justice
- represented the MA’s views on the pause of 12-month sentencing powers in a media statement.
Adult court committee
The adult court committee develops MA policy relating to the adult court, and steers associated research, development and implementation.
Diversity and inclusion committee
The MA’s diversity and inclusion committee helps to develop and implements policy related to diversity and inclusion.
Family court committee
The MA’s family court committee helps to develop and implements policy relating to the family court.
Training, learning and development committee
The training, learning and development committee helps to develop the MA’s policy on training.
Youth court committee
The MA’s youth court committee helps to develop and implements policy relating to youth court.
Vacancies
We have up to:
- four vacancies on our adult court committee
- four vacancies on our family court committee
- four vacancies on our training, learning and development committee.
If you are interested, download our recruitment pack today to find out more, and consider filling in an application form by 11 August 2024. If you have questions about the role or the committees, please contact the MA’s policy team at policy@magistrates-association.org.uk.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed volunteering for the MA’s family court committee. I’ve learnt a great deal and it’s been a pleasure working alongside other members who’re passionate about the family court system and want to contribute so positively to the MA’s work. I wish I’d applied sooner!
Former (retired) member of the family court committee