2 June 2025, 07:30 | Updated: 2 June 2025, 07:34

By Lord Ponsonby

This Volunteers’ Week (2–8 June) is a chance for us all to pause and reflect on the millions of people across the UK who give their time to help others.

For me, it’s also a moment to shine a spotlight on a group of volunteers who are absolutely vital to the functioning of our justice system: magistrates.

I know the value of this role first-hand. I served as a magistrate for almost 20 years while running my own business. I applied originally because I wanted to work with young people in the justice system. But I quickly learned that to do that, I first had to spend time hearing adult cases – a process that deepened my understanding of justice, fairness, and the responsibility we carry when we take on this role.

I was inspired to volunteer, like so many others, because I wanted to make a difference to the lives of young people. My children were thriving at the time, enjoying playing their part in after-school clubs, while other children, through no fault of their........

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