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Become a member

As a member of the Magistrates' Association, you’ll get access to a wealth of benefits to help you be the best magistrate you can be.

Why join?

Whether you are already sitting as a magistrate, are thinking of applying to be a magistrate, have applied, or even if you’ve retired from the bench, you can still join the Magistrates’ Association (MA). Our members get access to a range of benefits, including:

  • Regular emails with all the latest MA news and important sector updates
  • Webinars and events on topical issues, from child exploitation to domestic abuse
  • Tailored members-only content on our website
  • Having your voice heard, through our advocacy and media work on behalf of our members
  • Exclusive access to MA learn, our online learning hub, with over 200 learning resources to help you develop your knowledge and skills
  • Our member magazine, Magistrate, four times a year
  • Membership of your local MA branch, where you can meet and network with other magistrates in your area
  • Opportunities to extend your volunteering, for example, in your local branch, by joining one of our committees, or by playing an active role in promoting what magistrates do to the public
  • A support line run by experienced magistrates
  • And all for about £1.50 per week!

Sitting magistrates aren’t automatically enrolled!

A lot of new magistrates tell us they think they automatically become an MA member when they are sworn-in. But that isn’t true: you have to join the MA yourself to get all the above benefits. Click or tap on the button below to apply.

Our membership options

Associate member

If you’re not a magistrate yet, but are interested in what our members do, this is the option for you. As well as the benefits above, you'll get support in your journey to becoming a magistrate.

Sitting member

All the benefits above, plus the opportunity to shape the MA’s influencing activities, and educate others about the vital role of the magistracy.

Retired member

If you've retired from the bench, you can still join the MA. You can get the benefits above, attend retired member events, shape our influencing work, and share your knowledge with other magistrates.

Subsidised member

For students and those with low incomes (based upon receipt of a defined list of means-tested benefits or proof of time-limited full-time study), you’ll access the same benefits as sitting members.