Speaking up for members: August 2026
Your latest update on our policy, advocacy and media work.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Time off for public duties
Our response to the Government’s consultation on the right to time off for public duties. In our response, we explain how this right works in practice for magistrates; what we think of the proposed changes to the list of public duties that are eligible for time off work; and future considerations for magistrates.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
New Magistrates: Meet the Magistrates’ Association
Have you recently become a magistrate? Join us for a warm welcome to the Magistrates’ Association, meet the team and connect with others who are also beginning their journey in the magistracy. This webinar is open to both MA members and non-members.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Safety and security in the magistrates’ court
Join Policy Officer Adam Chaddock as we revisit the MA’s safety and security report, reflecting on its key findings and recommendations, what has changed over the past year, and what safety and security in magistrates’ courts looks like one year on.
Supporting women impacted by the Criminal Justice System
Join us for this insightful webinar with Sonya Ruparel, CEO of the national charity Women in Prison, as she shares how the organisation supports women who are in contact with, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system.
Join an MA Policy Committee
Vacancies are now open to join one of the MA’s policy committees. Attend this webinar if you want to find out a bit more about what the role entails, and hear from committee chairs about how the different committees work to shape and influence national policy.
MA elections 2026
Have you ever thought about becoming a trustee of the Magistrates’ Association (MA) – helping to shape its future direction, and taking a greater part in activities at a national level?
Shape the future of the magistracy – join an MA policy committee
Applications are open for 16 vacancies on five different MA policy committees covering adult courts, family courts, youth courts, training, learning and development, and diversity and inclusion.
Talking to family magistrates about the Magistrates’ Association
This resource supports members and volunteers when speaking to family magistrates about the MA, setting out key messages on our role, member offer and work across the family jurisdiction.
- Volunteer only
Talking about the Magistrates’ Association and telling people what we do
A helpful guide for volunteers and members who are speaking about the Magistrates’ Association, explaining our purpose, proposition and key messages around how we develop, influence, inform, support and connect magistrates.
- Volunteer only
Help shape the conversation – Join our Member Engagement Group
You're invited to join our new network of sitting members, where we'll periodically ask views on issues that are impacting your roles, to help us get a sense-check on how our members view.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Latest sector updates for magistrates: July 2026
Read our latest updates from across the justice sector. This month includes the Cabinet reshuffle, the National Audit Office's report on electronic monitoring, and the DA Commissioner's strategic plan. Just for members.
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Domestic abuse
- Wider justice system
Our five priorities for the new Justice Secretary
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Alex Norris as Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, inheriting the role at a crucial time for the criminal justice system. We are urging Mr Norris to prioritise five key points.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
WE WELCOME THE RISE IN NEW MAGISTRATES, BUT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO RETAIN THEM
The Magistrates' Association comments on today's magistrate recruitment and diversity data from the Ministry of Justice.
Make a difference in your community – become a magistrate
Thank you for your interest in becoming a magistrate and our webinar.
MA calls for open approach to justice data
The MA has warned that a lack of accessible, useable justice data in England and Wales is undermining public confidence in justice and causing policy decisions to be made without full evidence.
- Wider justice system
Guidance on summertime anti-social behaviour
By understanding the behavioural patterns associated with warmer months, magistrates can better manage the increase in cases and contribute to safer communities.
- Addictions and drug issues
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Latest sector updates for Magistrates: June 2026
Read our updates from across the justice sector. This month includes our latest briefing on Leveson Part 2 and what 'efficiency' should look like in magistrates' courts. Just for members.
- Domestic abuse
- Family court matters
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Briefing on Leveson Part 2: efficiencies in the magistrates courts
In this briefing - a summary of our longer briefing for the Ministry of Justice - we look at what 'efficiency' should look like in magistrates’ courts, ask what would meaningfully improve the day-to-day experience of magistrates in court, and offers four takeaways for policy makers
- Wider justice system
Family policy special
Have your say on the future of family justice. Hear the latest policy developments, discuss the issues affecting family magistrates, and help shape the Magistrates' Association's future policy work.
- Family court matters
