(Image: Supplied)
A NATIONAL campaign is calling for greater diversity in the magistracy and encouraging more people to volunteer.
Dr Delroy Beverley, a West Yorkshire magistrate and child of Windrush generation immigrants, is supporting the campaign and hopes to inspire others from underrepresented backgrounds to step forward.
He said: "It's easy to close the door behind you when you get into any room.
"But it takes courage to say, 'No, leave it open,' because I want other people to come in too.
"There is still a perception in some communities that the judiciary isn't for people like them.
"We have to break down those barriers and show that anyone with the right values can serve."
Dr Beverley currently sits on the Lord Chancellor's Recruitment Advisory Committee for West Yorkshire and is responsible for recommending magistrate members.
He believes the judiciary will only become more representative if more people from minority ethnic backgrounds apply.
His comments come as the Ministry of Justice launches its "You’ve got the makings of a magistrate" campaign, which emphasises that qualities such as empathy, fair judgement, teamwork, and problem-solving are more important than legal experience.
The campaign is part of a wider effort to build a 21,000-strong magistracy in 2028/29.
As of April 1, 2026, ethnic minority individuals make up 14 per cent of all magistrates, up from 11 per cent in 2016.
However, only five per cent are Black or Black British.
Dr Beverley was recently recognised as one of 54 individuals by Black History Month UK for his contributions to public life.
He said: "When young people see someone standing at the front of the room who is from a similar background or looks like their mum or dad, or their auntie or uncle, suddenly the opportunity feels real and achievable.
"I was honoured and humbled to be one of the 54 individuals nationally who has been highlighted by Black History Month, which reminds me that I do not have definitive solutions to the daily challenges of those less fortunate.
"What I do know is that meeting these challenges will require the same vision, hard work, and persistence of all of us who acted so boldly decades ago.
"In this moment of deep pride, I pay tribute to my dear mother, whom without her guidance and blessings none of this would have been possible.
"Her words will live with me forever.
"Let us live by example."
Magistrates volunteer at least 13 days a year and receive full training and support from a legal adviser.