Purpose

Magistrates in the Community is a well-established community engagement initiative delivered by volunteer magistrates. The programme aims to improve understanding of the justice system, support informed decision-making and increase awareness of the consequences of crime among children and young people. Activities include educational presentations, workshops, discussion-based sessions and mock trials delivered within schools and community settings.

The Magistrates in the Community programme is a preventative education initiative delivered by volunteer magistrates working in partnership with schools, colleges and community organisations across Greater Manchester.

The programme aims to improve young people's understanding of the criminal justice system, increase awareness of the consequences of offending behaviour, and support informed decision-making through interactive workshops, presentations, mock trials and educational activities.

Particular emphasis is placed on issues linked to violence reduction, including knife crime, cyberbullying, criminal exploitation and the long-term implications of criminal records.

The programme provides an opportunity to engage children and young people before they become involved in offending behaviour and complements Greater Manchester's public health approach to violence reduction.

The proposed investment will support continued delivery of preventative educational activity and strengthen collaboration between the justice system, education sector and wider violence reduction partners across Greater Manchester

Decision

GMCA (Violence Reduction Unit) wishes to award £5,000 to support the delivery of the Magistrates in the Community (MIC) Programme across Greater Manchester during 2026/27.

The programme will deliver preventative educational activity in schools, colleges and community settings, increasing awareness of the criminal justice system and helping children and young people understand the consequences of offending behaviours, including knife crime, cyberbullying and criminal exploitation.