Magistrates' Association Mental Health and Learning Disability Champions

The champion role was launched in 2014 so is still very new and it is hoped that there will be a champion in all 60 branches.

The overarching role of champions is to secure fairer and more appropriate outcomes for those with vulnerabilities appearing in court. The initiative for a network of champions arises from an action of the Mental Health and Learning Disability Working Group (MH&LDWG), which is part of the formal committee structure of the Magistrates’ Association (MA).

The champions will be a useful link for magistrates and court staff to enable an increase in awareness, information and understanding of the local criminal justice environment. To be effective it is essential that a strong understanding and working relationship is established with the local Bench chairs, Committees and Justices Clerks; as well as the Branch executive. Within this framework the role of the champion is to:

• Seek, promote and encourage all opportunities to raise awareness of magistrates, court staff and others of issues in relation to mental health, learning disability and other vulnerabilities
• Encourage opportunities for training, newsletters and other local initiatives
• Facilitate engagement with local Liaison and Diversion Teams and other professionals
• Gain a greater understanding around what local services are available to deliver the community sentences (Magistrates' Association, 2014).

For more information, contact the Magistrates' Association