Amazon manager urges more Northamptonshire volunteers to become magistrates
An Amazon manager from Daventry is encouraging more people across Northamptonshire to volunteer as magistrates and help deliver swifter justice during this year’s Volunteers’ Week.
John McElhatton, 52, who works as an operations manager at Amazon’s Daventry site, has served as a magistrate in Northampton while balancing a full-time career and family life.
As Volunteers’ Week is marked across the UK from June 1 to June 7, John is urging others to consider taking on the role, which he says offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community.
Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in local courts and make decisions that affect people’s lives. Across England and Wales, around 14,500 people currently serve as magistrates, most of whom have no legal background.
Originally from Dublin, John moved to the UK to complete a master’s degree before building a career in retail management and later joining Amazon.
He said: “Some people don’t realise magistrates are volunteers with normal jobs. I’ve got a full-time job and find a day or two a month to do something different.
“Even with a fast-paced job like mine, you can find the time to give something back.
“You don’t need a legal background. You’re there to bring common sense and real-life experience. Magistrates are there to represent society and you have a legal adviser who helps you understand the law when dealing with people in court.”
John said his experience managing people and volunteering with homeless people had given him valuable insight into the challenges many individuals face.
He added: “If you work with people, you’ve already got the skills to be a magistrate. Most people don’t even realise they could do it.
“We need more people from everyday jobs to reflect the communities we serve.”
Sarah Sackman KC MP, minister of state for courts and legal services, praised the contribution made by magistrates and encouraged more people to apply.
Lewis Warburton, site leader at Amazon in Daventry, said the company was proud to support employees making a positive impact in their local communities.
The Ministry of Justice is currently seeking volunteers aged 18 and over to serve as magistrates. Successful applicants receive full training, mentoring and ongoing support, with a commitment to serve for at least five years before the statutory retirement age of 75.
For more information about becoming a magistrate in Northamptonshire, or to register an interest, visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk.