As part of the Lay Magistrates Scheme, we will be sharing insights from staff across the process. Here, April Matchett, who leads on communications for the scheme, provides an overview of the outreach activities.
NIJAC’s core duty is to select the best applicants and promote diversity so that appointment to judicial office is based solely on the basis of merit and reflects the society it serves.
That’s why I and my colleagues want to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds are aware of, and feel encouraged to apply for, the Lay Magistrates competition.
To support this, we have been preparing a programme of outreach activity which is designed to raise awareness, provide clear information, and engage directly with communities across Northern Ireland. We have been progressing these materials over the last few months and have a great sense of satisfaction in now seeing the materials ‘go live’.
Community at the Heart of Justice
The tagline for the competition is “Community at the Heart of Justice.”, and at the core of the outreach campaign is the belief that justice should be connected to the communities it serves.
A lot of our effort over the last few months has been about creating a strong campaign identity, ensuring that messaging is accessible, inclusive, and clearly communicates the role and importance of the Lay Magistracy.
Lay Magistrates Website Hub
One of our main developments has been a dedicated online hub to act as the central source of guidance on the Lay Magistrates Scheme.
That hub, which is part of NIJAC’s website, provides applicants with everything they need to understand the role.
Raising Awareness Through Social and Digital Media
A targeted programme of social media activity has also been developed to raise awareness of the scheme and reach audiences who may not traditionally consider applying.
This has included the creation of digital content designed to explain the role of Lay Magistrates, highlight the value of community involvement in the justice system, and encourage a diverse group of people to consider applying.
Live Engagement
We are also working toward a series of live outreach events. These events are designed to demystify the process and give people the confidence to consider applying.
Those events are taking place at the following locations –
Coleraine, Lodge Hotel, Coleraine (6pm, 9 June 2026)
Belfast, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaw’s Bridge (6pm, 11 June 2026)
Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel (6pm, 15 June 2026)
Banbridge, Belmont Hotel (6pm, 17 June 2026)
We are also planning a ‘Live Q&A’ event on our Instagram channel which we have planned for 18 June 2026.
Encouraging a Diverse Range of Applicants
We want to ensure that the Lay Magistrates Scheme attracts applicants from all sections of society.
By combining a broad digital presence, community-based outreach, providing accessible information, and engaging directly, the Commission is seeking to actively address barriers and promote inclusivity in judicial appointments.
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