Magistrate interview passed but not selected

[NM1984]

hi, just wondering if anyone has had this too? Passed the interview for selection but told yesterday that not selected, as others had more points at interview, and more applicants than vacancies. Anyone else had this? Feel gutted.

That's a shame. You should try again next years.

My Dad had this. He was passed over many times in favour of people from public sector backgrounds.

That’s really interesting on the public sector thing - hadn’t thought of that at all, and I have no public sector background. That has made me feel better - not sure I’ll ever make it now though!

Sorry you were not selected. Often the selectors are looking for new magistrates from under represented backgrounds: under 40, non-white, those from non-managerial backgrounds, those with a disability etc.

At the moment 85% of magistrates are over 50 yrs old and only 14% are non-white.

My daughter is a magistrate and she is under 30 and from a non-managerial background (she was appointed whilst still a student). She is the youngest by far in her area. She wanted the bench to be more representative of her community and the people who often come in front of the courts. She loves her days in court and finds the role fascinating, so do try again.

Hi, thank you for your thoughts on this. This is really helpful. I am definitely within the existing 85% range! I am not sure whether I will apply again, I will ask for feedback, but I got my hopes up so high and really went for it. I am not sure if I will ever really make the grade now. Really helpful comments from you, I am very grateful x

I went for a similar kind of role once. It became clear that they wanted to diversify without actually having to diversify. Ie, we want more young, female, non managerial, non white candidates...... but you must have the knowledge and experience which comes with being older and in managerial positions (so already less likely to be female, non white and can't possibly be younger or non managerial).

Funnily enough the role I went for was filled by a white 50 something ex civil servant male.

Out of interest @NM1984 why do you want to be a magistrate?
Sorry you you weren’t selected.

Is it paid? - showing my ignorance here

@IdaPrentice no, it's a volunteer role. https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate

OP, I've done two expressions of interest and not even been contacted to actually apply... I'm white, female, 40s, non-manegerial and significant public sector background, but they don't know that as thy only know my name and email address!

thought it would be a good chance to give something back - feeling a bit less gracious about it now though I’ve failed the interview 🤣

They definitely want a diverse bench to reflect the make-up of the local area I think... I joined when I was 30 and I think that my (relative) youth was definitely a plus point in my favour. Had no experience of public sector or anything like that at the time so I'm not sure that's a factor - there do seem to be quite a few of them on my bench but I think that's because as a civil servant you get paid days off to volunteer whereas for a lot of other jobs you'd have to take the time off unpaid. This is also a reason there tend to be a high percentage of magistrates who are retired from their day jobs.

I'm sorry you didn't make it through this time but would recommend trying again next time there's a recruitment drive if you're really keen! It is a really fascinating role and I love doing it.

I work in a magistrates court and I’m often fascinated by what motivates magistrates. It’s a shame it’s often only accessible to people who can afford to be doing if.

Thank you so much for your thoughts and to those that work there already, your insight is incredibly useful. I’ve had some feedback today n my interview - I got 4/5 on the ‘Key Attributes of Communicating with Sensitivity & Respect and Working & Engaging with People Professionally you gave good answers that scored well (4/5).’ But less in the other part In the ‘Key Attributes of Understanding and Appreciating Different Perspectives, Making Fair Impartial & Transparent decisions, Showing Self Awareness and Understanding and Appreciating Different Perspectives you scored less well (3/5) and although showing an acceptable demonstration of the Attributes, answers required some development or expanding upon to have scored more highly.’

i actually think my mistake was just not going into enough depth because I’m pretty good (I’d say!) on those points.

im thinking therefore if seeing if there’s room for them to reconsider, particularly as their interview panel was 1 down on the day.

would welcome thoughts - i felt so committed to this I’m now completely gutted!

btw first time on mumsnet. Wish I’d done it years ago!

This is my first time posting here, so I'm sorry if this is the wrong thread/post. OP, did you appeal the decision, and what was the outcome? I was selected but have nought since, nothing, crickets. I know how you feel after giving it your all to the process. How long did it take from you being informed you had been selected to them emailing you informing you of the outcome?

I really hope it worked out for you in the end

Sorry for the OP that you were not selected. I am in exactly the same position as ConcreteBarriers. I have been told that I have passed the interview but have heard nothing since then (apart from completing and passing the DBS checks). Why does this process take so long?! You may well have heard back from them now (?) How long did it take?

Have you now heard back from them, if I may ask? When were you told you had been successful? It is a very long process indeed.

No, I still haven’t heard back from them. I had the interview on July 4th and completed the DBS checks on 4th August. Received an email to say that my application would now go to “The Quorum” but heard nothing since then. I find this ridiculous when there is apparently a severe shortage of Magistrates!

Have you heard back from anyone now? Or are you still waiting? It’s obviously 6 months on now.