Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do outside of volunteering as a magistrate?
My name is Mani Hussain and I sit as a family magistrate (winger) in Staffordshire. I originally qualified as a pharmacist 30 years ago and spent most of the time working in the NHS in various senior leadership roles. Currently, I work as a director at the Care Quality Commission responsible for the regulation of primary and community health services across England.
As well as volunteering as a magistrate, I also devote some of my time as a trustee at Carers First, a charity that supports carers. I was a carer for my mum for many years, so it was a natural fit when I was approached to join their board.
My hobbies are simple. I like to get out and about in the countryside visiting interesting places with my wife and two boys.
How long have you been volunteering as a magistrate and what motivated you to apply?
I was appointed as a family magistrate in June 2021 via the direct entrant route. So, it has been a relatively short time compared to some colleagues. My motivation has always been to do something for the community. Something that allows me to give my time for the good of others. For me, the magistracy provides me with a privileged opportunity to make a difference to the lives of children. The second motivation was to bring greater diversity to a sector that historically didn’t always represent the community they were serving.
What would you say to others, such as other employed people, considering applying?
Don’t let employment stop you from taking up the opportunity to become a magistrate. Most employers will look favourably at staff who want to volunteer as magistrates. I work full-time for a public sector body, and most public sector bodies will have policies allowing people to volunteer as magistrates through flexible working. I, for example, do a four-day week, allowing me one day a week to pursue my other volunteering commitments such as being a magistrate.
What do you find most rewarding and challenging about the role?
The rewards are great. I get a real sense of satisfaction after a day in court, knowing that the panel has made a decision that is going to have a positive impact on a child’s life. Naturally, for those in the adult criminal court, it would be the satisfaction that through your action, justice was served.
Another highlight for me is the opportunity to meet other magistrates. I truly enjoy the interaction with other colleagues and learn so much from their experience as magistrates and at a personal level. Meeting like-minded people and spending time with them on a common goal really energises me.
That said, the magistracy has its challenges. We do deal with difficult situations in court and that takes all our training and experience to deal with properly. Sometimes we don’t get all the reading in advance, which puts pressure on you on the day of the court sitting. Sometimes, we find cases have been cancelled due to some issues outside the court. However, all these challenges can be overcome with determination and some resilience.
What do you think is the biggest misconception that others have about volunteering as a magistrate?
I think the biggest misconception is that you need to have some previous legal training. As a lay magistrate, you are trained in the judge craft required for you to function and receive different types of training and support, both before and during your time on the bench. You are fully supported by a legal adviser who makes sure that any decisions you make are within the law.
Do you have any pointers for new family magistrates, or people who are still waiting for their first sitting?
My advice to any new magistrate is that confidence comes with time. Becoming a winger is a continuation of your ongoing training. Every day spent on the bench is another day of learning which really doesn’t stop. Having a great relationship with your mentor is also critical. They can offer a lot of support and allow you to reflect to aid your learning.
How important is it that the magistracy is diverse, and what would you say to others from diverse backgrounds considering applying?
The magistracy must reflect the society it is serving. We live in a diverse, multicultural society and it is important that those serving as magistrates also reflect that diversity. Albeit things are slowly improving, we have a long way to go. It is no surprise that I strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. In my opinion, having a diverse magistracy only goes to help promote a greater sense of public confidence in our judgements.
How long have you been a Magistrates’ Association (MA) member and why did you join the organisation?
I have been a member of the MA since being appointed as a magistrate. For me joining the MA was like joining a big family, which is always there to support you. I joined because I wanted to access the resources and connect with other magistrates who wanted to support each other.
What do you value most about your MA membership?
One of the key things I value, is that the MA gives magistrates a voice. As magistrates, we need someone to represent us, from the local level right up to the national level. Magistrates operate in a changing environment and there are lots of issues where we need our voice to be heard. The MA provides me with that platform. I know that I can rely on an organisation to represent the magistrates and fight our corner when needed. As well as being a voice for magistrates, the MA also plays an important part in helping magistrates understand changing policy and how that can impact us.
You’ve won an MA award. Can you tell us about that and how it feels to win?
Last year I won the John Taylor – Branch Officer of the Year Award. I was honoured to receive such an award and naturally was overjoyed. It meant a lot to me, as I was nominated by my peers at my local MA branch. I joined the executive committee of my local MA branch because I wanted to learn, network and support others. It was a lovely gesture from my branch chair to put me forward as thank you for the support I had offered her and others over the last couple of years. I therefore dedicated my award to all my fellow committee members, as it always was a team effort.
I also had the pleasure of attending the Royal Garden Party in May 2024 with my wife Emma. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I cannot thank the MA enough for allowing me to experience such a prestigious event. Thank you, MA!
