Leading the way (From Barry And District News)

Leading the way

A BARRY magistrates' clerk has been awarded top marks for his work within a government scheme called Operation Black Vote to help ethnic minorities work in the courts.

Anthony Secular, clerk to the justices for Barry Magistrates Court was awarded a Leadership in Diversity Award for his outstanding contribution in improving diversity within the magistracy.

Anthony, who is the Leadership in Diversity Champion said: "It's very pleasing to receive this award, the scheme has been a great success. It's helped to build up knowledge of the magistracy and the work of the courts amongst members of our local minority ethnic communities. It has also improved our understanding of the communities we serve. In the long term the benefits will be great in terms of improved community engagement and increased public confidence in the courts."

The 2003-2004 Operation Black Vote and Department for Constitutional Affairs Magistrates Shadowing Scheme formally ended with a graduation gala dinner at the Hilton London Metropole. Shadows and mentor magistrates from Barry Magistrates Court were joined by prominent members of the judiciary including Britain's first black High Court Judge, Mrs Justice Dobbs and leading black QC Courtenay Griffiths, who praised Barry's Magistrates Court for aiding diversity.

Abu Askira of Cardiff, a Vale magistrate hopeful said: "The magistrates' shadowing scheme has provided an enlightening insight. I applied to the scheme because I wanted to gain an understanding of the workings of the magistrates courts and ensure that the magistracy becomes more representative of the communities it serves."