This month we launched the Manchester Magistrates Initiative, a new partnership between the University and the Manchester Magistrates Bench.

The role of a magistrate is a volunteer one. Giving 13 days a year, magistrates deal with the majority of legal cases, dispensing justice or passing more serious cases up to Crown Court. The role has existed since 1361 and is based on the premise that those who offend should be judged by their peers. However often magistrates are perceived as not being diverse, an issue that the Manchester Bench are keen to address.

To this end the University’s Volunteer Team, working with the Magistrates Bench have launched the ‘Manchester Magistrates Initiative’. Almost 30 students attended the initial information event to find out more about the role. Those who wish to get involved will be supported through a complex recruitment process that includes court visits, a formal application form, a situational judgement test and interview. A number of University staff who are themselves magistrates have come forward to provide support and mentoring.

Dr Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility, said: “With social responsibility and civic engagement at our core, I’m delighted that The University of Manchester is the first higher education institution in the UK to pilot such an initiative aimed at addressing the huge underrepresentation of young people volunteering as Magistrates. If successful I can see this being a model replicated at many other universities around the UK.”

Asrar Ul-Haq, Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester and member of the Greater Manchester Advisory Committee for Manchester Magistrate’s Courthouse delivered some of the information session. He said: “I am delighted that the University has launched the very first Magistrates initiative being run by a university. The high calibre of participants will bring a fresh perspective in ensuring justice is delivered equitably whilst at the same time providing a fantastic development opportunity for the students and an opportunity to make their communities safer.”