Dorset magistrates are appealing for ‘community minded’ new recruits to join the bench.

Angus Campbell, Lord Lieutenant of Dorset and who chairs the magistrates’ appointment panel, has said it is looking for around 20 new magistrates in the county.

People are being urged to apply for the role and set out how they meet the qualities required, including being of good character, understanding people, and having a sense of fairness and awareness of what’s important to people and the local community.

No special qualifications are needed, and successful applicants would get full training.

Rachel Small JP, recently appointed as a Dorset magistrate, said: “I wanted to become a magistrate because I was looking for a voluntary opportunity in my local community that would also help me learn some new skills and work with a range of different people.

“The training was really good and I’m enjoying being on the bench. My employer allows me time off for being in court and I’m finding balancing work, family life and being a magistrate okay.”

Magistrates are volunteers who deal with criminal cases in courts in Poole and in Weymouth. Cases are usually decided by a team of three magistrates. A professional legal adviser in each court gives advice on the law and ensures magistrates follow the correct procedures.

Crimes brought before magistrates include assaults, shoplifting, motoring offences, damaging property and handling stolen goods.

Magistrates can also give punishments such as fines, unpaid work in the community and prison for up to 6 months, or up to 12 months for more than one crime.

You can apply if you are aged 18 to 65, willing to use a tablet or iPad and able to commit to at least 13 days per year. Many employers will allow their employees time off to work as a magistrate.

Applications can be submitted the end of March 2018. To find out more and download an application form visit gov.uk/become-magistrate, or contact the Dorset legal admin team at dcdlegaladminteam@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk