RLS Caseworker / Solicitor
As a RLS Caseworker / Solicitor you will conduct a small strategic caseload of asylum and refugee family reunion cases and assist on litigation (where eligible) under our legal aid contract to push for better decision-making, secure results for individuals and pursue improvements in the relevant law, policy and practices.
You will also act as the supervising caseworker/lawyer for the Afghan Pro Bono Initiative (APBI), which is a specialist casework project delivered by RLS with funding and pro bono assistance from 11 leading commercial law firms. As part of this role, you will supervise pro bono lawyers to provide high quality legal representation for Afghans on matters including family reunion, the ARAP scheme, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and others. The project is now in its 3rd year and won the Most Effective Pro Bono Partnership Award at the Law Works Pro Bono Awards in 2022 as well as being nominated and commended for numerous other awards in 2022 and 2023. Please note that RLS recognise that pro bono legal work is always an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, an adequate system of publicly funded legal services.
Key responsibilities
- Have conduct of a small strategic caseload and provide high quality legal advice and representation to clients
- Supervise the work of volunteer pro bono commercial lawyers on cases
- Deliver training to pro bono commercial lawyers
- Ensure that all legal work is promptly and accurate recorded on RLS’s case management system and keep relevant time recording
- Develop and disseminate relevant information on legal developments in this area for relevant stakeholders, including both the Afghan Community and building the capacity of other practitioners
- Work in close collaboration with the other project Lawyer/s to develop and share experiences and best practice in relation to all aspects of casework (legal, evidential and procedural) and relevant internal processes
- Work in close collaboration with the Legal Director and Casework Supervisorto ensure that appropriate steps to achieve the aims and objectives of the project are taken, including ensuring that relevant data is obtained and assisting with the timely completion of the project Operational Plan/s
- Work in close collaboration with the APBI Coordinator to contribute to the production of materials such as project periodic reports, information on emerging and strategic issues in relation to ‘safe’ routes for use in advocacy, content for newsletters, social media posts and articles to raise awareness of the project and its aims and outputs
- Participate in, and contribute to, RLS’s monitoring, evaluation and learning framework
- Be an active member of the RLS team participating in team meetings at both the UK and International level: engaging in a collegiate and collaborative environment that includes participating in the development of a new and exciting legal organisation
- Work in close collaboration with the Community Engagement and Research Lead to contribute to the production of information sheets and other materials to disseminate to the Afghan community/ies
- Maintain accurate and confidential records in line with GDPR
- Adhere to RLS safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
Person specification:
Essential
- Be either a member of the Bar, a solicitor and accredited to IAAS Senior caseworker level, accredited to IAAS Senior caseworker level, or OISC accredited to Level 3
- Experience of asylum casework
- Experience of refugee family reunion procedures and applications, including applications outside of the Immigration Rules reliant on Article 8 ECHR and other human rights provisions
- Experience of online immigration applications
- Demonstrable knowledge of legal aid provision and ECF applications
- Experience of and commitment to working in a collaborative way on legal cases
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English
- Strong organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
- Strong attention to detail, responsiveness, reliability and dependability
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills and an ability to deal professionally and collaboratively with both legal and not-for-profit stakeholders
- Computer literacy
- Right to reside and work in the UK
- Enjoy working with a small team in a flexible and fast-paced environment, as well as being an independent self-starter able to work with a high degree of autonomy
- Have a strong commitment to upholding the human rights of asylum seekers, migrants, and refugees
- Commitment to the aims of the project and the values of RLS
- The successful candidate will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate (we cover the cost). However, a criminal record is not a barrier to the role.
Desirable
- Demonstrable supervision experience strongly preferred
- Those with lived experience of navigating immigration systems are strongly encouraged to apply and will be favourably considered
- Experience of legal aid casework
- Experience of conducting immigration appeals and/or public law litigation
- Experience of supervising commercial lawyers in a pro bono project setting
- Experience of preparing and delivering training
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About us
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here.
The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.
About the role
12 month fixed term contract (maternity cover)
This role is involved with the day-to-day running of our social media channels and peer-to peer support forum—2 of our most important spaces for connection and conversation. You'll shape content, manage engagement, and ensure our digital spaces are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for everyone affected by breast cancer. You’ll work closely with teams across the charity to amplify our voice, grow our reach, and support our wider goals. You’ll also line-manage 1 digital community officer. It’s a hands-on, people-focused role where your digital skills will make a real difference every day.
About you
You’re a digital native with a heart for community and a mind for strategy. You believe in the power of connection—particularly for those navigating or impacted by breast cancer—and you’re ready to work on inclusive, impactful online spaces.
You’ve got experience managing digital spaces, writing copy for social, and confidence creating short videos for social channels.
You enjoy mentoring others, and you’re always looking for new ways to connect with diverse audiences.
You’re curious, collaborative, you often seek out opportunities to innovate, and you enjoy learning and sharing what you learn.
Job description and benefits
Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.
Primary location of role and hybrid working
This role is primarily based in our Cardiff, Glasgow, London, or Sheffield office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.
When applying
We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact Breast Cancer Now recruitment.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.
Closing date 9am on Wednesday 21 May 2025
Interview date Week commencing 26 May 2025
Thank you!
Battersea's Global Programmes Department are looking for a passionate individual to join the team as Grants and Programmes Associate.
The Grants and Programmes Associate will support the delivery of a portfolio of work within the Grants and Programmes function at Battersea, focusing on the UK portfolio. The Associate will work closely with and report to a Grants & Programmes Manager who leads the portfolio. This is an exciting time for Battersea as we expand our work to impact more dogs and cats.
Over the coming five years, it is planned that the size and complexity of grant making will grow, including the establishment of several multi-year programmes in the UK and abroad.
This is a grants management role within the Grants and Programmes team in the Global Programmes Directorate, requiring excellent experience of relationship, grant and project management. The successful postholder should be comfortable working as a team, with considerable scope, and complexity and nurturing relationships with colleagues across the organisation as an integral element of the role. The Associate would support a portfolio led by a Manager who would also be their line manager.
What we can offer you:
In return for your commitment to our cause and to recognise the value of our employees, Battersea offers a range of benefits to support the wellbeing of our employees. These include:
- 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
- Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources.
- Generous pension contributions – up to 10% employer contribution
- Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental, optical, physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture every year.
- Annual interest-free season ticket loans
We are also committed to providing learning and development to our employees. During your time with us, we provide support for your professional and career development, including access to digital and in-person training programmes, leadership and management training, mentoring and much more.
Our hybrid working model:
We operate a 50% onsite hybrid working model, with our office-based staff splitting their time between site based and home working. This enables our office-based staff to balance the benefits of home working with onsite collaboration and maintaining a connection to our cause.
Diversity and inclusion:
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all staff, volunteers and trustees and those hoping to join us. We operate an anonymised shortlisting process and actively seek to ensure our process is fair and equitable for all.
We understand the value of diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to help us deliver even more for our dogs and cats, and we welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we will ask about any adjustments you may need at application and/or interview stage, and if you are offered a role with us, we’ll talk to you about any workplace adjustments you may need to help you perform at your best.
More about us:
At Battersea, we aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help. We give each one lots of love, expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them. Join us and help us be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need us.
Closing date: 13th May 2025
Interview date(s): 16th May 2025
To apply for the role, please click the button below. All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and has been since 1860. We believe that every dog and cat deserves the best.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.