Volunteer, Magistrate, Inspiration: Carol's Story - podcast transcript

Sian: Welcome to InsideHMCTS. Volunteers' Week 2026 is almost upon us, and to mark the occasion, we're hearing from someone whose story really captures what volunteering is all about. I’m Siân and today I’m meeting Carol Trigg who has been a magistrate for over two decades, giving her time, expertise, and commitment to the justice system in a way that's left a lasting mark. Hi Carol, thanks for joining us today, can you take us back to the beginning. When did your journey as a magistrate first start?

Carol: I first became a magistrate, I was sworn in on the 30th of October 2004. So I'm now in my 22nd year.

Sian: Twenty-two years — that’s remarkable. What did that moment of being sworn in mean to you?

Carol: That day when I was sworn in… it changed everything. The way I think. The way I approach life. So it was the best thing I ever did.

Sian:. I want to ask you about something that is a really significant part of your story. In 2012, your life changed in a very profound way. Can you tell us what happened?

Carol: I've lost the majority of my sight in 2012. I woke up one morning and I thought, I can't see.

Sian: That must have been absolutely devastating. How did you cope in those early days?

Carol: For months it was a really bad dark time for me, really upset, angry, because I wanted to do what I used to do.

Sian: That’s completely understandable. And yet, here you are, still serving as a magistrate today. How did you begin to adapt to that change in your life?

Carol: When you lose your sight, you lose obviously the largest sensory organ. And you then have to rely solely on your hearing.

Sian: And has that shift — relying more on your hearing — actually changed the way you work in the courtroom?

Carol: You're not judging people in any way… because you can't see them.

Sian: That's a really striking observation. I know you're passionate about encouraging others to consider the role, particularly people who might think it isn't for them. What would you say to someone with a disability who is wondering whether they could do this?

Carol: Anybody with any disability, there are adjustments that can be put in place. I believe that anybody that wants to serve in the community should be able to.

Sian: Carol, we're coming towards the end of our conversation, and I want to give you the opportunity to share what this role truly means to you. How would you describe it to someone who has never considered volunteering in this way?

Carol: I always let people know that I am a magistrate. And you can't pay for that feeling of doing something and enjoying it for no monetary reward.

Sian: Carol, thank you so much for joining me today and for sharing your story so openly and honestly. Twenty-two years of service, navigating enormous personal challenges, and still going strong — you are a true inspiration.

To our listeners, if Carol's story has sparked something in you, we'd encourage you to find out more about becoming a magistrate. And if you'd like to see the full conversation with Carol, head over to our YouTube channel where you can watch the video in full.

Thanks for listening to Inside HMCTS.

In the next episode of Inside HMCTS we’ll be talking about social mobility, we hope you can join us again. Thanks for listening.