Magistrates from ethnic minorities wanted in London

Magistrates are being recruited in London in an attempt to get more people with an ethnic minority background to take on the role.

About a third of magistrates in the capital are non-white, according to government diversity data, the highest proportion in any region across England and Wales.

A Ministry of Justice campaign will attempt to recruit 2,000 new magistrates across the country.

Applications close on 24 November.

Mark Beattie, chair of the Magistrates' Association, said: "Magistrates are the cornerstone of the justice system of England and Wales, so we welcome this continued drive to recruit much-needed volunteers to help deliver speedier justice for all.

"Diversity is one of the strengths of the magistracy, so we would encourage those from underrepresented groups and areas to apply to perform this most rewarding of voluntary roles".

What is a magistrate?

A part-time voluntary role, magistrates work in groups of three with a legal adviser who offers guidance on the law.

They sit in either the criminal court or the family court.

Applicants must be aged between 18 and 70 and be able to commit to at least 13 days a year for a minimum of five years.

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