That’s Me! in Conversation with Sheila Chingono JP
At Birmingham City University, the That’s Me! project continues to amplify diverse voices and highlight how employers and community leaders are driving inclusion and change. This feature reflects on our first Talent XChange event for Global Majority Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) — a speed networking experience designed to connect diverse doctoral talent with inclusive employers and role models.
Held on 30th September 2025 at The Old Library in Digbeth, Birmingham, the event brought together doctoral researchers and professionals committed to building fairer, more representative workplaces and public institutions.
We spoke with Sheila Chingono JP, a magistrate and civil servant who attended the event to raise awareness of opportunities within the judiciary and champion the need to diversify the magistracy.
“The magistracy should reflect the communities it serves.”
Sheila:
I came to the Talent XChange in my capacity as a magistrate. The magistracy forms the foundation of the criminal justice system — every criminal case starts in a magistrates’ court. Magistrates are volunteers, not paid employees, and are meant to represent the communities they serve.
However, that representation isn’t there yet. The judiciary has now recognised this gap and has set a national strategy to improve diversity across all levels — from the magistracy right through to the Crown and High Courts. My role at the event was part of that effort: to encourage more people from Global Majority backgrounds to consider becoming magistrates and bring their perspectives into this vital civic role.
Raising Awareness through the Talent XChange
Sheila:
When I heard about the Talent Xchange, I knew it was the perfect space to connect with postgraduate researchers — many of whom are from diverse global backgrounds and already deeply engaged in social issues.
My aim was to spark curiosity, raise awareness, and show that anyone with common sense, empathy and a commitment to fairness can become a magistrate. It’s not about being legally trained — it’s about representing society in its truest form.
What stood out to me most was how eager and open the researchers were. Many didn’t know what a magistrate was or that they could apply. By the end, every person I spoke to left with a new understanding of what we do and, hopefully, a sense that they too could play a role in the justice system.
On Representation and the Power of Visibility
Sheila:
When people walk into a courtroom and see magistrates who look like them — perhaps younger, from diverse backgrounds, from the communities they know — it changes how justice feels. Visibility matters.
There’s an assumption that only older, white professionals can command authority in court. But I believe a young person facing a magistrate who shares aspects of their experience may connect in a different way — perhaps even rethinking their own path.
That’s why it’s so important that more Global Majority people apply. The system can only change from within if it becomes more inclusive at every level.
Encouraging Employers to Support Volunteering
Sheila:
Magistrates are required to sit just 13 days a year — about one day a month — yet many employers don’t have policies that support staff to take that time as paid leave. Civil servants like me are fortunate, but the judiciary is keen to see more private and public sector employers offer similar support.
A more diverse magistracy benefits everyone — including businesses. The criminal justice system affects us all, directly or indirectly. Supporting employees to serve as magistrates is an investment in civic responsibility and leadership.
Reflections on the Talent XChange Networking Event
Sheila:
The Talent XChange was excellent — well organised, engaging, and full of energy. The one-to-one networking format worked particularly well because it gave me the chance to have meaningful conversations and respond to people’s questions in real time.
I left feeling encouraged and hopeful. Events like this show the power of connecting academia, employers, and community roles. If even a handful of people from that day go on to apply, observe a court, or tell someone else about the opportunity — that’s real impact.
Looking Ahead
Sheila plans to continue collaborating with the That’s Me! project and Birmingham City University to build awareness of magistracy opportunities. With a new recruitment campaign launching in the West Midlands this November, she hopes to see more applicants from underrepresented backgrounds take that first step.
“Change won’t happen overnight, but it starts with conversations like these. If I can be a magistrate, so can you.”
The Talent XChange was the first event of its kind in the West Midlands, bringing together Global Majority postgraduate researchers and inclusive regional employers to share experiences, build connections, and spark new opportunities.
Following its success, we aim to build on this momentum and host further events throughout the academic year — continuing to showcase employers and community leaders who are actively championing equality, diversity, and inclusion across their sectors.
To find out more about the That’s Me! project and upcoming events, visit bcu.ac.uk/research/thats-me
For information on becoming a magistrate or current recruitment opportunities, visit magistrates.judiciary.uk