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Magistrates Shadowing Scheme |
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Are you interested in becoming a Magistrate?The Magistrates Shadowing Scheme in the UK, launched in 2001 and welcomed by Magistrates' Court around the country has proved to be a tremendous success. To date, over 30 people who took part in the Scheme have already been appointed as Magistrates and nearly 70 other participants are awaiting their interview outcomes.
Magistrates' courts around the country have welcomed the opportunity to promote greater cultural diversity within its benches and pivotally give magistrates the opportunity to gain great insight into the experiences of BME communities. To date over 250 Shadows, 500 Magistrates and over 70 courts have taken part in the Magistrates Shadowing Scheme.
The programme demystifies the court procedures and allows a close examination of the roles and responsibilities of a Magistrate.
The experience also equips participants with the skills and knowledge to take on the role of Community Ambassadors, explaining and promoting the work of Magistrates and encouraging others to take up leadership roles within their communities. Participants gain a better understanding of the magistracy to support their interests in applying to become Magistrates.
The Magistrates Shadowing Scheme 2007/8 will take place in:
The programme has also widened its target areas to include free one-day seminars in Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff, Birmingham, Bradford and Doncaster / Sheffield. These will be held from November 2007 - March 2008 and registration details are available in this respect.
Programme Outline
Individuals from London and Nottingham from the African, Asian, Caribbean, Chinese and other BME communities will be selected to join the scheme.
The shadowing period is 6 to 8 (non-consecutive) days over a four month period. Each shadow is paired with mentor Magistrate.
Shadows accompany their mentor Magistrates on court attendance days to observe:
- How the Magistrates Court works
- Court proceedings
- How decisions are made
- The administrative side of the courts
- The process and procedures of the various courts.
The scheme includes a learning seminar exploring areas such as:
- The role the courts play within the community
- The route to becoming a Magistrate
- Issues regarding race, equality and inclusion
- The place of the Magistracy within the Criminal Justice System.
Programme objectives
- To gain invaluable experience of life as a Magistrate
- To equip participants with both the knowledge and the confidence to speak to others about the Magistracy and how they may get involved
- To obtain a variety of skils that will enable shadows to consider applying to the Magistracy.
Applicants:
- must be 18 years and older
- must be able to commit to atleast 6 working days to complete the programme.
Applicants should display the same sterling qualities as those required to become a Magistrate. They must be of good character; have personal integrity and sound common sense. They must have the ability to weigh information and reach reasoned conclusions.
Applicants should also have a good understanding of their local community and be able to work as a team member.
If you are interested in applying or would like any further information, please contact, Abbas Sadak on:
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or on 0789 759 1111.
Please note that this scheme runs for UK individuals only.
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