The website of the judges, magistrates and tribunal members in England and Wales

The National Bench Chairmen's Forum

The National Forum (NBCF) is made up of an elected representative from each of seven Regional Forums in England and Wales to which all Bench Chairmen have access and where they can discuss issues of mutual concern, share good practice and develop networks. The Forum provides a framework to support the 230 Chairs of Magistrates Benches in England and Wales and a voice at national level so that their views can be effectively taken into account. The Forum has been developing for three years since the demise of Magistrates' Courts Committees and the formation of HMCS and it became an independent body at the end of 2006.

Bench Chairmen are elected by all magistrates on a bench and speak for and lead the Bench, providing representation at area level and all are members of the Forum whilst they are in office. A Bench chairman is elected annually and may hold office for a maximum of three years.

Representatives of the Forum participate in regular liaison meetings with the Senior Presiding Judge, Chief Executive of HMCS, the Justices Clerks Society and the Magistrates Association, and other key members of the judiciary and administration. The National Forum meets four times a year and each Regional Forum meets three or four times a year. All chairmen also receive a bi-monthly NBCF newsletter with updates from across the CJS.

The Forum is coordinated from HMCS Regional office in Birmingham.