The government has urged Yorkshire and Humber employers to publicise to staff the benefits of volunteering as a magistrate.

The appeal, which comes via Lord Ponsonby, parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Ministry of Justice, comes as 82 per cent of regional employers recognise the benefits of staff volunteering, but only 39 per cent actively encourage magistrate roles – according to a survey by Censuswide of 2,001 hiring managers across England and Wales.

In Yorkshire and Humber, the survey suggested various benefits that volunteering, “particularly as a magistrate,” could bring to organisations – including companies positively contributing to their local communities (46 per cent), and employees developing transferable skills like critical analysis, time management, and conflict resolution (40 per cent).

Lizzie Smith, NHS England’s director of workforce, said: “Magistrates in our workforce bring transferable skills that they can use in their day-to-day role too – from critical thinking and being able to manage tricky situations, to being able to see things from another point of view.

“Taking on the voluntary role also demonstrates a commitment to serving society and making a difference, which is why we value the role so much in staff and new recruits.”

More information for employers is available at https://magistrates.judiciary.uk/employer-advice/