The UK Ministry of Justice launched a magistrate recruitment campaign on 24 September 2026, urging people from all backgrounds to consider the voluntary role by highlighting everyday skills rather than legal experience. The campaign, "You've got the makings of a magistrate", is intended to support a government aim of building a 21,000-strong magistracy in 2028/29, according to the ministry. Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC MP launched it at Liverpool Magistrates Court.

Research commissioned for the campaign found misconceptions about the role. Among 961 adults aged 18 to 65 in England and Wales surveyed by Verian, only 32% correctly identified magistrates as volunteers from their local community, while 61% wrongly believed they are legal professionals such as judges or paid court professionals. When shown the required qualities, respondents recognised them in themselves, including fair judgement (75%), listening (72%), staying calm under pressure (64%), empathy (62%), problem-solving (60%) and teamwork (48%).

Magistrates hear around 95 per cent of criminal cases and volunteer for a minimum of 13 days a year, receiving full training and support from a legal adviser, the ministry said. The campaign was set to run across TV, audio and social media channels from the launch date.