Proudly supporting volunteer magistrates in our communities

The forum for businesses and organisations proudly supporting the work of volunteer magistrates in their local communities.

Join us

Volunteer magistrates play a vital role in the administration of justice in England and Wales. Their generosity of time, professionalism and commitment benefits our society, including businesses and organisations.

We want to see a modern magistracy made up of people from all walks of life - including those that are in employment. Which means organisations also have a vital role to play in supporting their employees to administer justice in our local communities.

I warmly invite you to support the Magistrates Employers Forum.

Shahid Azeem DL, The High Sheriff of Surrey (2024/25)

About The Magistrates Employers Forum

The Magistrates Employers Forum (MEF) encourages employers to support volunteer magistrates and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses an award for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support for employees who are also volunteer magistrates.

The MEF is designed to recognise private sector and public sector organisations - no matter the size of the organisation.

MEF Award Holders:

are self-nominated by organisations who pledge to support existing or prospective employees who are volunteer magistrates
receive an electronic certificate and logos to display on their website, stationery and other collateral

The Magistrates Employers Forum origins

The Magistrates Employers Forum was formally launched in March 2025 by the Deputy Chief Magistrate with the endorsement of the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, The President of the Family Division and the Senior Presiding Judge.

It was established by the High Sheriff of Surrey (2024/25), Shahid Azeem DL, and magistrate Michael Kelly JP with the endorsement of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey - Michael More-Molyneux. The Magistrates Employers Forum brings together organisations in support of employees who are volunteer magistrates.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey

Magistrates have been a cornerstone of our justice system for centuries. Although the office may be historic their relevance and contribution to today's society remains pertinent.

As joint Chair of the Advisory Committee for the appointment of Justices of the Peace (magistrates) in Surrey, I know first-hand the selfless and vital public service these volunteers deliver, on behalf of us all.

I would encourage all employers to join this valuable Forum.

Michael More-Molyneux, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey

Why support volunteer magistrates?

"We recently hired Photo Bloom to take photos for our wedding. We were was so impressed with their work! They were professional, creative, and responsive to my needs. The photos they took were absolutely stunning, and we couldn't be happier with the results."

Mr & Mrs Miller

Vital Public Servants

Each year, magistrates deal with over 95% of all criminal cases across England and Wales.

Globally unique

No other country in the world is as reliant on volunteer magistrates as we are in England and Wales.

Contribution to society

Magistrates commit a minimum of 13 days a year to their duties. This experience and the training they receive brings benefits to their employers, as well as wider society.