- Tell us about your background, family and education.
My Sikh parents emigrated from Punjab, India to Smethwick, West Midlands in the 70s. My parents are working class with my dad working in a Black Country foundry and my mum in a corner grocery shop. I have very fond memories of my childhood as my parents provided a loving and nurturing home; they taught me the values of hard work, kindness and honesty, for which I am eternally grateful. I attended the local comprehensive school and Sixth Form College where I excelled in the arts.
- As a South Asian woman in the UK, what does being a part of the judiciary mean? What amount of hard work and perseverance took you there?
When I was 21, as was the custom, I had an arranged marriage and lived with my husband and his extended family. Unfortunately, I had an unhappy experience as I was in a coercive relationship and my self-esteem was constantly undermined. Due to the restrictions of the culture, it was difficult to seek support and get my voice heard. After three years, my mental and physical health had deteriorated and I searched deep into my soul to decide what felt right to do. I finally found the inner courage to flee and escape. At 24 years old I was homeless, and I had no money. However, I had a priceless gift – my freedom – and I vowed to myself that I would rebuild my life and look to the future with a heart filled with hope and optimism.
The second time around I married on my terms, for love. I feel truly blessed that I am in a happy marriage with my soulmate and we have a beloved son.
Through my work as a magistrate, I have supported many people with similar challenges that I have faced. It’s my lived experience of surviving domestic abuse and rebuilding my life, that means I can do so with empathy and support to help people strive for a better life.
- What motivated you to pursue becoming a magistrate alongside your role as a senior manager in the NHS?
I have carved a successful career in the NHS which I sincerely value and I am proud to belong to the NHS family. After my son graduated, I felt the time was right to follow my aspiration to become a magistrate as I wanted to be able to give my time to serve communities and to draw upon my lived experience to benefit others.
Following a recruitment process I was appointed as a family magistrate in 2020. My NHS employers are supportive of my voluntary role as a magistrate and we have agreed on a pragmatic work plan that allows me to take paid leave to undertake my magistrate role, as well as retain my full annual leave entitlement.
- What advice would you give to women who want to pursue becoming a magistrate alongside their career like you?
Being a full-time working female and magistrate is fulfilling and rewarding. Many female role models in the judiciary are inspiring and advocates for developing new female magistrates. You are not alone. The support from fellow peers and the local Chair is invaluable. You can manage the dates and times you sit to suit your personal and professional commitments through a well-organised rota that is planned for six months. In addition, you can progress into other roles; I was recently appointed as a Presiding Justice, meaning that I chair the hearings that I preside over. There are regular updates, training and senior leads to talk through any issues that you want to discuss.
- What is your biggest takeaway as a magistrate in the UK?
As a family magistrate, you need to be diligent and well organised as you will receive electronic bundles that you will need to read in preparation for your assigned hearings. However, you learn techniques to be able to review and understand the key points quickly. You are supported by your fellow magistrates and a legal advisor, who ensures you always follow the correct guidelines and procedures. Being a family magistrate enables you, with the support of the panel, to make decisions to support the welfare of children and safeguard the vulnerable. Where the opportunity arises, you will encourage and facilitate parents to reach amicable arrangements for caring for their children without the court requiring intervention.
Being a magistrate has enabled me to grow, learn and be part of a judicial community. This is a voluntary, lay-person role and the judiciary needs to reflect the communities it serves. There is no hierarchy and support is abundant, so if you are interested, you can find out more and apply by visiting https://magistrates.judiciary.uk/
