The UK government announced on 23 October that more than 3,800 new magistrates have joined magistrates’ courts since the start of this Parliament. Almost 1,500 were appointed in the first half of 2026. That is almost twice as many as a year earlier.
Of the new magistrates, 55% are women, and more than a third are under 50. The government wants 21,000 magistrates by 2028/29. It has allocated £4 million to a TV and social media campaign.
Magistrates are volunteers. They sit in local courts in criminal or family cases, or both. According to the Ministry of Justice, a pilot of recording hearings will also start in seven courtrooms.
Who can apply
According to the official recruitment website, you must be aged 18 to 74 and live permanently in England or Wales. Candidates must not be in the process of seeking asylum or indefinite leave to remain. They must also be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown. The recruitment website does not list a requirement for British citizenship.
You must give at least 13 full days or 26 half days a year. Service usually lasts at least 5 years. Training is about 10 days over the first two years. The role is unpaid, but you can claim loss of earnings at a fixed rate and travel expenses. Employers have a legal duty to allow a reasonable amount of time off.
What it means for you
For Poles with settled status living in England or Wales, it is a real opportunity to take part in local community life. It is also a strong point on a CV – it teaches decision-making, teamwork and talking to people in difficult situations. People who know Polish and the realities of Polish families can bring a different perspective to the courts. Scotland has a different system and this recruitment does not apply there.
People with a conflict of interest, e.g. police officers and prison officers, are excluded. Chances also fall after a serious conviction, a driving ban in the last 5–10 years or bankruptcy.
Our assessment
The figures show that recruitment is working, and the 21,000 target is ambitious but achievable. Magistrates’ courts have had backlogs for years, so new people are needed. The biggest barrier is time: 26 half days a year is a challenge for shift workers or people running a small business. It is worth talking to your employer beforehand.
What to do
- Check the conditions on GOV.UK – who can become a magistrate.
- Read the answers to questions on the magistrates.judiciary.uk recruitment website.
- Before applying, agree with your employer how you will combine court sittings with work.
- You can apply through the form on GOV.UK.
Source: GOV.UK – Ministry of Justice (23.10.2026); magistrates.judiciary.uk.
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