This Trustees’ Week (3-7 November) we’re celebrating the wonderful contribution of our trustees here at the Magistrates’ Association. Elected by our members, with some additional co-opted trustees who are also members, the board of trustees is responsible for the governance of the organisation. Our trustees set the MA’s strategic direction and budget and are legally accountable for our activities.
Tracy Sortwell JP has been a magistrate and MA member since 1995, joining the board of trustees in 2024. Here, Tracy tells us about her role as a trustee and what she’s passionate about.
What inspired you to become a trustee here at the MA?
I am a co-opted member of the board, having been asked to join to help ensure the issues important to our members who are magistrates in the family courts are reflected in discussions.
What area of the MA’s work are you most passionate about?
The family court is my main area of interest , although I do sit in the adult court too. I am passionate about ensuring the right procedures are in place to ensure that magistrates can do their role efficiently and with due diligence. The time that we give willingly to the justice system needs to be valued; too much time is wasted waiting for cases to be brought on, or due to papers being missed from files or too few ushers or security personnel in the court.
Is there anything that has surprised you since taking on the role of trustee?
This is not my first time as a trustee of a charity, however the difference with the MA is that while we are there to represent our members’ views and attempt to find resolutions to any issues they may be experiencing, our actions are often of benefit for the wider judiciary and magistracy. Charity trustees are generally always keen to improve matters which relate to their aims, but what has surprised me is how passionate our MA trustees are.
Can you share a moment you’re especially proud of from your time as a trustee?
I’ve only been a trustee for about 10 months, much of my work with the MA has been as the Chair of the family court committee (FCC), a role that I will be stepping down from after six years, very soon. So I’ll answer this question about my role there, which has ultimately led me to becoming a trustee of the MA. My highlight/proud moment was representing the Magistrates’ Association at the Family Justice Council (FJC) debate in 2022 and this year applying and becoming the magistrate member of the FJC.
What is your advice for anyone considering becoming a charity trustee?
If you think you can – do it! Charities vary immensely, some are small with one particular concern, others are very large with global interests. If you are passionate about something and want to make a difference, being a trustee can make your dreams a reality.
