For Jane Bunting, Group Head of HR at Mobilitas, making a difference isn’t something reserved for major life moments; it’s part of everyday life.
Alongside her role at Mobilitas, Jane has devoted many years to serving others, volunteering as both a magistrate and a parish councillor for 17 and 12 years respectively. Together, these roles reflect a deep commitment to fairness, community and care — values that don’t stop at volunteering, but shape how she leads and supports people every day at work.
Her story is a powerful reminder that volunteering doesn’t have to mean huge sacrifices or endless hours. There are opportunities to suit different lifestyles and time commitments, and they can open doors to experiences many people never imagined possible.
We spoke to Jane about what inspired her journey into volunteering, the impact it has had on her life, and why taking that first step can change more than you might expect.
What inspired you to start volunteering?
I have always believed that while I cannot change the whole world on my own, I can make a meaningful difference in my own corner of it.
That belief is what led me to volunteer both as a magistrate and as a parish councillor — two roles that, in different ways, allow me to serve my community and contribute to the wellbeing of others.
Can you tell us about your role as a magistrate?
Magistrates, or Justices of the Peace, have been volunteers for over 650 years, playing a vital role in maintaining law and order.
I am proud to sit on the South Essex Bench, where I serve my country on average every fortnight. It is a responsibility I take seriously, knowing that the decisions we make can have a direct impact on people’s lives.
What do you find most rewarding about being a magistrate?
What I find most rewarding about being a magistrate is the balance of responsibility and compassion the role requires.
We are there to help ensure the safety of the British public and to support victims of crime, giving them a sense that justice is being done.
But equally important is the opportunity to help those who have offended to change direction. Rehabilitation is a key part of the justice system, and being part of that journey, seeing individuals take steps to turn their lives around, is incredibly meaningful.
It reminds me that justice is not just about punishment, but also about fairness, accountability, and the chance for people to build better futures.
How does your role as a parish councillor differ?
My role as a parish councillor allows me to make a difference in a much more local and visible way.
It is about ensuring that our parishioners’ public money is spent wisely and in a way that truly benefits the community.
From preserving biodiversity and maintaining beautiful burial grounds, to keeping public footpaths clear and accessible, these decisions shape the everyday environment of our village.
Being a parish councillor also means helping to give the village a voice, particularly in planning applications that can affect its character and future. It is about protecting what people value most while also supporting thoughtful, sustainable development.
How do these experiences shape your role at Mobilitas?
Both roles are rooted in service, accountability, and care for others, and as a result it bleeds into my role in Mobilitas which makes me the Head of HR that I am today.
Whether I am in the courtroom, at a council meeting or in the office, I am guided by the same principle: doing what I can, where I can, to make things a little better.
I may only be one person, but through these roles, I know I am helping to make my part of the world safer, fairer, and stronger, which is what truly matters.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
There are so many different volunteering opportunities out there, with different levels of time commitment. It’s not one-size-fits-all — people can find something that works for them and fits around their lives.
It can lead you to do things you may not have previously thought possible — whether that’s sitting in a courtroom, shaping your local community, or simply being there for someone who needs support.
Of course, volunteering makes a real difference to other people’s lives, sometimes in ways you may never fully see. But it also gives something back to you. It builds confidence, broadens your perspective, and gives you a real sense of purpose and connection.
If you’re thinking about getting involved, you can explore opportunities through the Royal Voluntary Service.
