Legal advocate jobs in London

We are seeking an experienced paralegal, or trainee solicitor to fill the post Employment Law Caseworker. As an experienced employment law practitioner or aspirational trainee solicitor (England and Wales), you will be required to provide professional legal advice on employment law matters to members.

PCS will provide fully funded accredited training with 1 day a week release. With supervision by a qualified solicitor to enable you to pass your SQE examinations within 2 years, whilst gaining the required qualifying work experience through your day-to-day role.

Salary and Location

• Band 3, London Spine points 33-29 or Regional Spine points 36-32
• London starting salary: £45,377 p.a. rising to £50,703 p.a. in annual increments or Regional starting salary: £42,105 p.a. rising to £46,348 p.a. in annual increments
• PCS London or Region

Successful candidates for the Employment Law Caseworker will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in employment law or relevant qualification in Law (from any common law jurisdiction).
• Good communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to prioritise and manage workloads.
• Commitment to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage legal issues.
• Their commitment to the SRA Professional standards and behaviours.

The main duties of the Employment Law Caseworker role include:

• Delivering legal guidance and representation on employment law issues.
• Conducting legal research, drafting advice, claims, and other legal documents.
• Providing support to senior colleagues on more complex matters.
• Casework management.

You will be committed to professional development, through training, appraisal and the use of technology, you will be able to show how you maintain and share your up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation. An understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions is essential.

Closing date: at 12 midday on Tuesday 23 June 2026

Interviews will be held in person at PCS Clapham on 10 July 2026

About PCS

PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.

Employer Benefits

You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including

• flexible working (including hybrid working)
• childcare and family support
• generous maternity/paternity leave
• 32 days leave and Christmas closure
• pension scheme
• employee assistance programme

Learning and Development

The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process

We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

• CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
• PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
• All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Please view our guidance for applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION: EMPLOYMENT LAW CASEWORKER

Ref: 1126

Grade: Band 3, London or Region

Salary:

London Spine points 33 - 29

London starting salary £45,377 p.a. rising to £50,703 p.a.

Regional Spine points 36 - 32

Regional starting salary £42,105 p.a. rising to £46,348 p.a.

Location: London/Region

Purpose of the job:

To support the delivery of a professional legal advice, guidance, and representation on employment law matters to the, staff, and members.

Responsible to: Band 4, Employment Law Manager (Senior Paralegal)

Responsible for: Not applicable

Contacts

External:

PCS Members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media.

Internal:

PCS Staff and managers across Regions, Senior Management Team, National Management Team and other PCS Departments.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Key areas

• Undertake training working towards the completion of the SQE
• Provide support in legal research into past cases and documents
• Draft and prepare claims or other legal documents
• Provide support with legal advice to SMT, NEC, members
• Keep up to date with new developments in employment legislation
• Provide support with employment law briefings to PCS staff about changes in employment legislation
• Advise members and Reps on wrongful termination and unfair dismissal claims, including reviewing dismissal procedures and advocating for members' rights
• Assist members and reps in cases of workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on factors such as age, gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics
• Support the development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process
• Support the delivery of the unions Legal and Employment Rights strategy
• Provide support in the unions bargaining, organising, campaigning, equality, learning and digital agendas
• Provide advice to relevant committees including supporting the preparation and presentation of reports
• Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested

2. Communication

• Provide support to ensure digitalisation, information & communication methods are effectively implemented and used to generate improvements
• Draft complex communications including briefs and reports
• Communicate with members by supporting the production of circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc
• As necessary, represent PCS and liaise with outside bodies

3. Casework Management

• Advise in the handling of personal casework
• Liaise with solicitors, internal and external bodies on the handling of personal casework
• Represent PCS or PCS members at official bodies such as employment tribunals, Civil Service Appeal Board, etc.
• Maintain and improve own knowledge of the developments in employment law and practice

4. Team Working

• Proactively promote team working
• Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
• Provide assistance to team members

5. Equality

• Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination

6. General

• Participate and input information into PCS planning and budgeting processes
• At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy and adhere to the PCS Values
• Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work
• Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
• Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
• In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
• Staff at this grade may be assigned or transferred to posts within grade. A training & development programme will be provided to assist with this, where required such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post
• Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference, where required)

Person Specification: EMPLOYMENT LAW CASEWORKER

Ref:1126

Date: May 2026

Location: London/Region

ESSENTIAL FACTORS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualifying Law degree. Or 2 plus years experience in an employment law role

EXPERIENCE

• Actively participating in committees and teams
• Industrial relations and negotiations
• Project management, problem solving and decision making

TRAINING

(including continuous professional development)

• Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
• Commitment to undertake job-related training working towards the completion of the SQE
• Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process

KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions
• Employment rights, equality legislation, discrimination law and working practices
• Impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union

SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences
• Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage complex legal issues
• Ability to identify and set standards and priorities
• Ability to provide timely advice and guidance

OTHER

• Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work
• Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
• Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions

About us

Foxglove is a non-profit that exists to make the use of technology fair for all. When Big Tech companies abuse their power, their workers or the planet – and when governments use technology to oppress, exclude or discriminate – we litigate and campaign to fix it.  

Big Tech companies have become so large – gobbling up a huge slice of the global marketplace and an unprecedented treasure hoard of user data – that they’re now more powerful than many states. The harmful effects of this concentration of power are everywhere – threats to our democracy, to our privacy, decimated workers’ rights and platforms rife with disinformation and hate. Big Tech and AI data centres are rapidly expanding, resulting in huge strain on energy and water supplies. Worldwide governments are ploughing ahead with the use of algorithms and mass data systems to cut costs and increase efficiency often resulting in digital tools that entrench unfairness and leave the most vulnerable in society in crisis. All these problems are only getting worse with generative AI.

Foxglove works to bring the rule of law to the tech and AI giants who have upended our public square, workplaces, and social lives. We have a strong track record. We’ve launched landmark cases seeking structural changes to big tech’s harmful business models, supported 180+ Facebook content moderators fired for trying to form a union to sue Facebook and their outsourcing company, Sama – winning world-first judgements. We're urging competition regulators worldwide to stop Google’s theft of independent news. We’ve filed the UK’s first legal challenge to a data centre permission decision, forced disclosure of secret contracts between tech giants and the NHS, stopped a racist Home Office visa streaming algorithm, helped make grading fair for UK A-level students and challenged the Department of Work and Pension’s use of an algorithm unfairly flagging disabled people for benefit fraud investigations.   

We are a small but growing team of lawyers, communications experts, and campaigners. We are a CIC, not a practising law firm. We partner with legal firms on cases, directing litigation in multiple jurisdictions. Our work is global, and we work in partnership with lawyers, civil society, unions, and people impacted by Big Tech.

About you

You are a highly experienced lawyer with a strong interest in using the law to hold governments and companies to account. You see the law as a tool for structural change, not just individual wins. You think strategically about how litigation, campaigning, and coalition-building can work together. You appreciate the value and impact of movements and are as comfortable drafting legal arguments as you are speaking to a journalist, or rallying those who've never heard of judicial review to a joint cause. You care about power, meaning who has it, who doesn't, and how to shift it. You follow the ways Big Tech and governments are reshaping society, and you don't just find it interesting: it makes you want to act. You're a sharp, compelling writer who can make complex legal arguments land with different audiences. You're a self-starter who spots opportunities and runs with them, but you're equally invested in the team around you. You share credit generously, help sharpen others' thinking, and understand that lasting change is collective. Most importantly, you believe in making the use of technology fair for all.

If this is you; if you want to take on some of the most powerful companies and governments in the world, and you think the law is one of the tools we have to do it; if you are seeking a role where the work is urgent and the stakes are real, we would love to hear from you.

The role

The post holder will work alongside our Co-Executive Director, Head of Legal and Legal Administrator in developing and managing Foxglove’s legal work. You will develop and drive forward a significant number and range of cases, including the development of case theories, investigating and collecting evidence, drafting correspondence, evidence and submissions. You will also be responsible for coordinating and managing external legal teams, in multiple jurisdictions. This will require you to have the comfort and ability to navigate diverse settings, while also having the insight to weigh up the benefits and challenges of pursuing cases in different jurisdictions. You will serve as an external representative for Foxglove’s work, writing and speaking on topics of relevance. You will also be a sparring partner for others in the team, bringing a creative mindset and political savviness. UK and international travel are required. Flexibility with working hours will sometimes be needed.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Case Development and Management

• Build connections, and listen to affected communities, unearth and pursue issues caused by tech injustice, coming up with innovative legal solutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with impacted community members, unions, other lawyers, experts, co-counsel, intervenors, civil society organisations, whistleblowers, and the public.
• Explore and develop new and undiscovered opportunities for Foxglove to be impactful and effective in our work.
• Effectively work with the co-Executive Director and Head of Legal to develop and implement Foxglove’s legal strategy.
• Manage multiple cases at any one time, while also thinking to the future regarding cases that should be explored and developed.
• Draft and comment on technical and legal documents and correspondence.
• Lead evidence gathering.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Manage court deadlines and time limits where applicable.
• Ensure regulatory compliance in all aspects of your work and our cases.
• Always maintain the strictest standards of client confidentiality.
• Always maintain the strictest concern for and awareness of data protection and Foxglove policies.
• Keep up to date with the global political and litigation landscape concerning tech justice.

Other

• Help ensure communities’, workers’ and affected individual’s voices are heard in our campaigns, communications and advocacy work.
• Contribute to external representation and writing, including through media appearances, social media posts, blogs and op-eds.
• Contribute to the development of materials for advocacy purposes including video or audio testimony, photographs etc.
• Support others in our legal team, across Foxglove, and the relevant ecosystem in developing strategies to use the law to hold governments and companies to account.
• Other ad hoc tasks as required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Substantial experience in legal practice and conducting litigation and a demonstrated understanding of litigation strategies.
• Creative thinking and imagination.
• A strong interest in using the law to hold governments and companies to account.
• Qualified lawyer in any jurisdiction with at least 10 years of legal experience.
• Significant experience in legal practice in the UK.  
• Demonstrable commitment to supporting marginalised communities to access justice.
• Ability to learn new areas of law quickly and develop new areas of work.
• Good political antennae and excellent relationship building and management skills.
• Experience conducting cases from initial advice through to trial.
• Relevant experience in analysing complex factual and legal situations and helping to advise clients in accordance with their aims.
• Experience in dealing sensitively with clients, whistleblowers and experts.
• Experience in working on complex matters, which require analysis of large amounts of documents and data.
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrated by the ability to communicate accurately, clearly, concisely and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent time management skills demonstrated by the ability to organise and prioritise a complex workload and work to tight deadlines.
• Experience in working and leading a team environment.
• Comfort with working at both the details-driven operational level and big-picture strategic level, as well as the ability to navigate between the two.

Length and Salary

The role is permanent. The annual salary is £88,400 per annum less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance.

Our team works remotely, and this role can be based anywhere. We would prefer you to work within or close to UK office hours, but this is flexible. Our team travels every two months for team days and twice a year for team retreats. This role will include significant UK and international travel. Only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered.

How to apply

Please make your application via Applied, answering the application questions and uploading your CV. We will not review applications sent via a job board or to our email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with first round interviews likely to take place in May for selected candidates.

Foxglove does not use AI in its recruitment processes, except to detect applications for AI use. As a tech- justice organisation, we ask the same of our candidates.

Foxglove is being supported in this search and appointment process by SCHC Advisors. For a confidential conversation to learn more about the role, please contact Sophia Copeman.

Foxglove is growing and we are striving to build a team that is inclusive. We will create a diverse and adaptable environment where we support people to do their best work. We believe an effective and creative team is made up of people from different walks of life. You can read more about how we work and what we offer our staff on our website.

We encourage people from historically disadvantaged or underrepresented groups in the legal profession to apply.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to complete this process, or have any questions, please get in touch with Sophia Copeman.

If you would like to know more about how we process your data as part of the recruitment process you can read our recruitment data use policy.

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a CJS Advocate to support Young Women and Girls

Salary: £27,000 - £32,000

Location: Based across Advance’s London Women’s Centres (Hammersmith, Finsbury Park and Stratford), with some travel to community locations across London.

Hours: 35 Hours per week with occasional weekend and evening work

Contract: Fixed Term Contract – until 31st January 2027

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.  

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

In recognition of the distinct challenges facing young women and girls (YWG), Advance has developed and delivers specialist provision for young women and girls on the Maia & Lift programme, in partnership with other specialist organisations.

Our team of Maia Mentor Advocates deliver consistent, holistic support to a small caseload of YWG, working to build relationships of trust, empower YWG to explore their identities, sense of safety, aspirations, and providing practical help and advocacy where needed. As a CJS Advocate for Maia, the postholder will work closely with the Maia Team to provide gender and age specific support to young women and girls at risk of gang involvement, exploitation or in contact with the criminal justice system, to safeguard YWG, capture and record outcomes and enhance the knowledge of other professionals working with this cohort.

About You: 

To be successful as the Mentor Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:

You will bring your experience and ability to work intensively with a selected cohort of YWG (aged 13-25), providing centre-based and outreach services and adopting a YWG-centred, strengths-based approach to deliver a range of support and interventions designed to: increase awareness and understanding of healthy relationships; reduce risk and increase feelings of safety; build self-confidence and confidence in professionals and support services; and empower YWG to assert their rights and make choices about future goals. Confidently and sensitively bring the ability to proactively assess risks and safety concerns, raising concerns with the Maia Service Manager, ensuring that, where possible, concerns are discussed openly with YWG, working within local safeguarding frameworks and taking appropriate action to safeguard YWG whilst working within a model of empowerment.

You will have a strong understanding of the challenges facing vulnerable YWG including issues related to violence against women and girls and/or the criminal justice system, and experience of community engagement, advocacy and support work with young people and experience of using motivational interviewing and coaching techniques, with the ability to demonstrate a YWG-centred approach to building trust and rapport.

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.

• Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 31 May 2026 @23:59

• Interviews are taking place on a rolling basis

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits: 

• A 35-hour working week

• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!) 

• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home

• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more

• Pension scheme

• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

• Employee eye-care scheme

• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles

• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation

• Organisation wide away days

• Thorough induction and training

• Career development pathways

**************************************************************

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits. 

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe.  We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks.  We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

We are looking to recruit Self-Employed Mental Health Advocates to work in the following areas:

Warrington - WA2 8TR

Atherton - M46 9NT

Luton - LU4 0LU

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate. 

Our Service

NYAS provides mental health advocacy to individuals within mental health settings throughout the UK.

Our service provides independent advocacy to people within mental health hospitals and community-based settings. We support individuals to ensure their voice is heard regarding their care and treatment and that they are aware of their rights.

This also includes representing them during various meetings such as ward rounds and at multi-disciplinary team meetings.  This role requires you to produce written reports to ensure that the views of patients are fully represented.

We work with adults and children and young people:

Warrington - WA2 8TR - Adults

Atherton - M46 9NT - Adults

Luton - LU4 0LU – Young People

DO YOU HAVE:

Direct experience of working with children/young people or vulnerable adults in a social care or mental health setting.
Experience and understanding of child protection/vulnerable adult safeguarding procedures
Ability to maintain professionalism at all times
An understanding of the importance of listening to children/young people and vulnerable adults without bias or prejudice.
Ability to communicate in an effective way.
Ability to record concise case notes and produce good quality reports

You will need to evidence your skills using specific examples in your application meeting the criteria in the person specification.

Safeguarding and Training

You will be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance training including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity.

You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD.

In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer, and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change lives.

Job Title: Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Housing IGVA)

Location: The GAIA Centre (Lambeth, London)
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)
Contract type: Full time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week. The working pattern is 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday. Occasional late early shifts: 8am-4pm or late shifts: 1pm – 6pm on a rota basis to cover duty (approximately 2-3 days a month). Flexibility on how the hours is spread across the week within these times.

The Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) will be embedded within borough housing teams to facilitate the dual working that will ensure that survivors’ safety and housing needs are met. This includes:

· Close working relationships with Housing colleagues 

· Provision of specialist knowledge relating to DA for Housing Officers and Homelessness Teams to draw on 

· Specialist support for survivors at the moment of crisis 

· Provision of advocacy; supporting survivors to access safe accommodation 

· Ongoing support from the IGVA from wider DA service, including access to group clinical supervision, casework management meetings, reflective practice sessions, one-to-one supervision from service manager 

The Housing IGVA will work closely with victims of gender-based violence from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of gender-based violence at the highest risk and their children. The role will be part of increasing the ability of partner agencies to recognise, reject and respond appropriately and safely to all forms of gender-based violence (including domestic violence, sexual, financial and emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based violence).

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal, housing and practical options that might increase their safety. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support especially around complex housing needs.

The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 1 June 2026

Interview Date: 8 and 9 June 2026

Key responsibilities:

1. Main Purpose of the Job

• To ensure the panel reflects AvMA’s values and that where possible the panel is managed in line with our strategic plan.

• To manage and oversee the operation of the specialist AvMA clinical negligence panel to include ensuring the qualifying requirements for panel applicants are relevant and up to date and reflect any important medical and legal developments.

• The assessment of panel applications and interviewing of Applicants. Convening meetings of the panel committee, drafting agendas for those meetings and identifying issues to be discussed.

• Identify ways for the AvMA panel application process to become more streamlined, efficient and supportive of lawyers making panel applications. To develop the process to ensure it is fit for purpose, relevant and continues to meet the needs of the public.

• Ensuring the AvMA database of panel membership and special interests is kept up to date. Giving informal advice to solicitors enquiring about panel membership requirements, liaising and meeting with firms as required.

• Travelling and attending key networking events, including AvMA’s three-day (2 overnight stays) annual conference and AvMA annual panel meeting (usually held end Nov, beginning December), engaging with potential AvMA panel applicants, promoting the benefits of accreditation and the junior scheme (Certificates Competence Scheme (CCS)), keeping up to date with medical and legal developments. Speaking at panel meetings and generally to promote the panel.

• Working with the conference department to identify relevant topics for panel meetings and conference events.

• To improve on the current re-accreditation process to make it more streamlined and user friendly for applicants.

• To ensure relevant data from panel applications is captured on the CRM. Regular analysis of panel data, findings shared with AvMA senior leadership team and more widely where appropriate.

• To pursue AvMA’s EDI strategy by considering ways in which the panel can be developed to ensure panel members are as ethnically diverse as possible.

• To liaise with AvMA’s conference department to advise on any training which may be required to strengthen AvMA panel members knowledge and information base.

• To work with the Director Medico Legal services in assessing applications for Certificate of Competence Scheme (CCS) for juniors. To update and work on the Certificates Competence Scheme including organising applicant feedback to ensure this scheme continues to be fit for purpose. To inform and work with panel applicant mentors in strengthening the scheme.

• To deliver on administrative requirements such as quarterly reports for trustees, working with AvMA’s Service Delivery Quality and Outreach Committee (SDQOC) as required to update on continued improvement of AvMA Panel Accreditation Scheme.

• Dealing with queries raised by AvMA Panel applicants and/or juniors who may have had their applications rejected.

• Ensuring AvMA panel template letters and documents are updated

• From time to time speaking publicly about requirements for AvMA panel membership, common pitfalls and how to overcome them as well as other matters relating to panel.

• To consider client complaints about panel members to determine whether the threshold for disciplinary action under AvMA’s Panel procedures is met.

• To manage disciplinary procedure for AvMA Panel members, identify and liaise with adjudicators, prepare documentation, set up the hearing.

• To manage appeals against rejection of an application for accreditation/reaccreditation, liaise with adjudicators.

• To keep on top of any government, regulatory or other policy changes which may affect the way in which patients can access justice, recover damages and seek redress for adverse clinical outcomes, as well as any improvements or impediments to lawyers undertaking this work.

• To develop and grow the AvMA panel accreditation and Certificates Competence scheme membership; to identify cost efficiencies and maximum engagement with AvMA accredited panel solicitors.

• Any other duties associated with the role.

2. Skills and Experience

Administration of the AvMA Panel

The bulk of the administration and management tasks do not require specialist skills; however, assistance is provided by the PA to the CEO when required.

AvMA has a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) driven computer system throughout the organisation, the introduction has been phased and the applicant should be confident enough with sufficient IT skills to onboard the new system. The CRM works with Microsoft Dynamics 365 a data driven software solution which is intended to manage, track and store information. AvMA considers IT to be an ongoing commitment and the new panel accreditation manager should be willing to consider ways in which AvMA can maximise the impact of the CRM to improve services and data collection on key issues identified from panel related activities.

Tasks such as updating and preparing new panel application documents and report forms will require medical and legal input, the panel application interview process will involve discussions about topical medico legal issues and for this reason the post would suit someone who has a legal background, ideally qualified as a solicitor or barrister, preferably with clinical negligence accreditation. A a medical background would be helpful.

Assessment of new applications, interviews and dealing with correspondence

The Panel Accreditation Manager is primarily responsible for the assessment of new panel accreditation applications.

The role of Panel Accreditation Manager would suit someone who has practised as a claimant clinical negligence lawyer who is looking to draw on their expertise and experience in a new role.The successful applicant should be confident in assessing former peers and colleagues in a fair and impartial way.

The nature of this work is such that the Panel Accreditation Manager can come into possession of sensitive information, discretion and respecting confidentiality are key qualities for this role. 

Reaccreditations

Reaccreditation assessments are done internally by the Panel Accreditation Manager, occasionally assistance can be provided by members of the internal panel assessment team.

AvMA aims to make reaccreditations more straightforward for practitioners and the new appointee will be expected to liaise with the profession to understand where they consider the biggest hurdles to reaccreditation lie and to consider how these can be overcome without compromising standards. 

AvMA receives a minimum of 15 applications for reaccreditation per annum, however numbers are usually considerably higher, up to 30 per annum.It is thought that the reaccreditation process could be designed to be more streamlined and user friendly for both the applicant and in house.

Other AvMA Panel assessments

In addition to assessing AvMA panel applications and reaccreditations the Panel Accreditation Manager will need to assess applications from accredited panel members who have changed firms.

Change of firm applications tend to be straightforward if the applicant has been on the panel for some time and is going to a firm where there is another AvMA panel member but the process is more in depth for those going to a firm which does not have another AvMA panel member.  The Panel Application Manager needs to be confident that the new firm can meet the minimum standards and supervision requirements required of a first time panel application. 

There are about 5 applications for changes of firm rising to a maximum of 10 per annum. 

Interim Reviews

From time to time first time applicants may demonstrate that they largely meet the core criteria for AvMA Panel membership but there may be some areas that require improvement.In those cases, AvMA can award the applicant AvMA panel status subject to a review sometime later.The Panel Accreditation Manager is responsible for following up that review and examining progress made.The review is an opportunity to identify if the applicant has succeeded in strengthening the areas of weakness identified.If they have not, they risk losing their AvMA panel status entirely. 

There are about 3 interim reviews per annum, currently not exceeding 6. 

3. Other

• To support the Events Department’s quality initiatives and to suggest continuing improvements where needs arise.

• To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as may be required.

• Deputise for the Head of Events when necessary 

Lawyer - Advocacy and Campaigns

12-month Fixed Term Contract, full time (35 hours)

Up to £56,350 + Excellent benefits

Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL / Hybrid Working (minimum 40% in person collaboration per month)

Join us at WWF-UK – Lawyer – Advocacy and Campaigns

About the role

We’re excited to be recruiting for a Lawyer – Advocacy and Campaigns to help WWF use the law as a powerful tool to advance our advocacy and influencing agenda.

At WWF-UK, we’re working to tackle the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet and build a future where people and nature thrive together. The future of our world is in our hands and it’s time to accelerate the action urgently needed to restore nature.

In this role, you will lead and support the use of legal strategies to strengthen WWF’s campaigns, policy work and business advocacy interventions. You will help identify opportunities where the law can drive meaningful change and support our strategic objectives, including tackling deforestation and supporting more sustainable supply chains and financial systems for climate and nature.

Working across priority portfolios and alongside colleagues in the UK and across the WWF network, you will provide and commission strategic legal advice that helps shape and strengthen our advocacy work. You will also identify and manage impactful legal interventions that advance WWF’s public interest objectives, while ensuring legal, reputational and strategic risks are effectively managed.

You will play a key role in ensuring WWF remains up to date with legislative and regulatory developments relevant to our influencing priorities and will build and maintain strong relationships with external legal counsel to support advocacy and campaigning work.

This role will act as WWF’s primary internal expert on how the law can be used to support and accelerate our strategic advocacy goals.

We are open to the possibility of this role being on a job share basis.

Skills and experience

You’ll bring the skills and experience needed to succeed in this role, including:

Essential

· Qualified solicitor or barrister holding a current UK practising certificate, or equivalent relevant experience or qualifications

· Significant post-qualification experience relevant to WWF’s aims, including experience supporting advocacy, campaigning or policy work

· Detailed knowledge and experience of advising on environmental, public or international law, with strong litigation skills

· Experience commissioning and managing external legal advice

· Sound legal judgement, with the ability to identify opportunities for legal advocacy to support influencing priorities

· Strong strategic and systems thinking skills, with the ability to see how legal interventions can drive wider systemic change

· Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to non-expert audiences

· The ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams and priorities, including in matrix environments in the UK and globally

· A proactive, organised and adaptable approach, able to respond to changing priorities while maintaining focus on strategic outcomes

· Commitment to the mission and values of WWF

Desirable

· Knowledge and experience of ESG, financial services regulation and company law

· Understanding of legal issues relating to climate and nature-related risks and opportunities for companies and financial institutions

· Experience supporting legal interventions connected to environmental campaigns or public interest litigation

· Experience working in or alongside NGOs, advocacy organisations or mission-driven organisations

What we offer

We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect:

• Annual leave starting at 26 days a year pro-rated, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays

• Flexible working options, to support your work life balance

• 5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution

• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow

• Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.

About WWF-UK

We're a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world.

At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help.

We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.

How to apply

Click the link to apply via our website. You’ll be asked to complete an application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement that tells us why you’ll be a great addition to WWF-UK.

Application closing date - 04/06/2026

Our Diversity Promise to You

At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself.

We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.

So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout via our website.

Safeguarding Commitment

Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter.

Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent.

We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting.

If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.

Join Disability Law Service and help empower Deaf and Disabled people to access justice. Support our vital work by deleivering specialist housing legal advice and training.

About Disability Law Service 

Disability Law Service (DLS) is a Deaf and Disabled Peoples Organisation providing free legal advice and representation to Deaf and Disabled people across England and Wales. We work to promote equality, inclusion, and access to justice through high-quality legal advice, welfare benefits support, and systems change work. Our work is grounded in the social model of disability and is focused on tackling discrimination and structural barriers faced by Deaf and Disabled people. 

Purpose of the role 

To provide specialist housing law advice, casework, representation, and training to Deaf and Disabled people and organisations, supporting access to justice and systemic change. 

Overview 

You will deliver housing law advice via our dedicated housing helpline, undertake casework and representation where appropriate, and deliver training to external organisations. You will also contribute to policy work and wider systems change activity. 

Key responsibilities 

• Provide housing law advice and casework, including representation 

• Deliver advice via our Housing helpline and partnership sessions 

• Undertake Legal Aid casework and ensure compliance with regulatory standards 

• Deliver housing law training to external organisations 

• Maintain accurate case management and billing records 

• Contribute to policy and systems change work 

• Support service development and internal collaboration 

What we offer 

• Opportunities to develop experience across multiple areas of law and contribute to a diverse range of projects 

• A supportive and inclusive working environment within a committed and experienced team

• A varied role where your work directly supports access to justice for Deaf and Disabled people

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

We welcome applications from everyone and are particularly keen to support Deaf and Disabled people to join and develop within our organisation. We are a flexible employer committed to creating an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. 

To apply

To apply, please upload your CV and a supporting cover letter (up to 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role via CharityJob. Please make sure you have read the job description and person specification fully before applying for the role. 

Job Title - Senior Billing Officer and Coordinator

Contract - Permanent

Hours - Part time 0.6 FTE (21 hours per week) or 0.8 FTE (28 hours per week) with some flexibility around working hours

Salary Range - £30,000 to 40,000 FTE pro rata (£18,800 to £24,000 for 0.6FTE and £24,000 to £32,000 for 0.8FTE)

Location - London office - Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ

About Coram

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

One of the nine members of the Coram group, Coram Children’s Legal Centre (CCLC) is the UK’s specialist centre for children’s rights in education, immigration, community care and family law, and provides significant international legal systems consultancy. The centre is located on the Coram Campus in central London with a base in Colchester. We champion access to justice through information and advice, legal practice and representation, policy and strategic litigation. Our Legal Practice Unit provides advice and representation primarily under legal aid contract. Our Policy and Practice Change team promotes practice change through training and capacity building to professionals and secures systems change through research, policy and advocacy.

About the role

This role will coordinate, oversee and supervise the Legal Practice Unit’s legal aid billing operations. Through systematic and efficient management, the post-holder will play an important role in CCLC’s financial and operational sustainability. Working with the Managing Director of Legal Practice, the Heads of Department and Coram’s central finance team, the key objective of the role is to help maximise the unit’s legal aid billing in controlled work, certificated work and inter partes costs. It will also oversee private fees billing. The post-holder will oversee the smooth running of legal aid billing. In this role, the post-holder will work very closely with legal, operations and administrative staff. The role will act as a key point of contact for a range of internal and external stakeholders including Coram’s central finance team who will support the role with grant fund management and overall accounting functions for CCLC. The post-holder will support the Managing Director of Legal Practice and Children’s Rights and department heads in the successful maintenance of our relationship with the Legal Aid Agency.

The role would suit a legal aid billing professional with significant direct hands on experience of a range of types of civil legal aid billing (including controlled and certificated work) and an understanding of the challenges of legal aid. The ideal candidate will have experience of supervising the work of others but support and training will be provided. We are looking for someone who is interested in developing into management, is a proactive problem solver, is highly organised and able to maintain oversight over different workstreams ensuring progress. In addition to legal aid experience, they will need an aptitude for processing large amounts of data, developing and managing spreadsheets and improving organisational systems. They will be well supported through training, an enthusiastic and competent junior billing team, the central finance team and an outsourced legal cashiering company, as well as a friendly and collaborative management team including the Managing Director and the Heads of practice areas.

This is a largely office-based role in order to fully provide support to the billing team. However, some remote / hybrid working may be possible depending the experience of the candidate after the initial settling in period and there will be flexibility over how the working hours days will be spread across the week (within working hours). The team are mostly based in the London office and with one billing team member in Colchester so the postholder may require some occasional travel.

For further information on CCLC please visit our website.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing date: Sunday 7th June 2026 at 23:55

Test and Interview date: Week commencing 15th June 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

We are recruiting for Refuge Worker to join our team in Hammersmith & Fulham; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: Hammersmith & Fulham
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We are seeking a compassionate Refuge Worker to join our Hammersmith and Fulham service, providing high-quality support to women and children escaping domestic abuse. Based in Hammersmith and Fulham, London, this position involves offering practical and emotional support to survivors, ensuring their safety, and assisting them in rebuilding their lives. You will cultivate a safe and welcoming environment at our Refuge, aligning with Refuge's values and commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

As a Refuge Worker, you will support the women during crises, conducting keywork sessions, developing safety plans, and advocating on their behalf. You will assist with accessing housing, welfare benefits, legal aid, and other essential services, while maintaining meticulous case records. You will also play a crucial role in the refuge's efficient operation, managing referrals, and collaborating effectively with partner agencies and statutory services, as well as other charities. The ideal candidate will be a compassionate and resilient individual possessing strong communication and organisational skills. While experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector is advantageous, we welcome applications from individuals with transferable skills and a dedication to supporting survivors. Most importantly, we value individuals committed to making a positive impact, thriving in inclusive settings, and dedicated to both their personal and professional development.

This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a significant cause while gaining valuable frontline support and advocacy experience. Refuge provides ongoing training, professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring our staff feel valued and supported. If you are passionate about empowering survivors and wish to join a dedicated, compassionate organization, we encourage you to apply.

This role requires participation in an out-of-hours on-call rota. As a Refuge Worker you will work across services, providing enhanced support. 

Closing date: 9.00am on 27 May 2026

Interview date: 4 & 5 June 2026

Benefits

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

Project Manager – Community One-to-One Advocacy

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Project Manager to lead the delivery of our Community One-to-One Advocacy project across the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The successful candidate will oversee project delivery, staff management, community engagement, partnerships, compliance, and monitoring to ensure high-quality, inclusive, and person-centred advocacy services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the day-to-day delivery and development of the advocacy project.
• Work closely with the CEO on project implementation, reporting, evaluation, and risk management.
• Line manage staff, consultants, and volunteers, providing supervision, training, and development support.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, community organisations, and stakeholders across Greenwich.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, GDPR, health & safety, equality, and organisational policies.
• Oversee project monitoring, data collection, reporting, and operational systems including Microsoft 365 and referral processes.
• Support outreach, volunteering, and community engagement activities to ensure services are accessible and inclusive.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, forums, and networking events.

About You

You will have:

• Experience managing community, advocacy, or charity projects.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and partnership-building skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, governance, and compliance requirements.
• Experience supervising staff and supporting workforce development.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion, and person-centred practice.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference within the local community and help shape inclusive advocacy services across Greenwich.

Join Disability Law Service and help empower Deaf and Disabled people to access justice. Support our vital work by delivering specialist welfare benefits advice and training to help Deaf and Disabled people secure the support they're entitled to. 

About Disability Law Service 

Disability Law Service (DLS) is a Deaf and Disabled Peoples Organisation providing free legal advice and representation to Deaf and Disabled people across England and Wales. We work to promote equality, inclusion, and access to justice through high-quality legal advice, welfare benefits support, and systems change work. Our work is grounded in the social model of disability and is focused on tackling discrimination and structural barriers faced by Deaf and Disabled people. 

Purpose of the role 

To provide specialist welfare benefits advice and training to Deaf and Disabled people and organisations, supporting access to entitlements and improved outcomes. 

Overview 

You will deliver welfare benefits advice via our helpline and outreach work, alongside providing training to voluntary and community organisations. You will also contribute to service development and collaborative team working within our Social Welfare Law team. 

Key responsibilities 

• Provide welfare benefits advice via a dedicated helpline 

• Support clients to understand entitlements and next steps 

• Deliver welfare benefits training to external organisations 

• Maintain accurate case records and reporting systems 

• Contribute to service development and digital advice delivery 

• Work collaboratively within the team 

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits law and policy 

What we offer 

• Opportunities to develop expertise in welfare benefits and financial resilience, and contribute to a varied and dynamic workload 

• A supportive and inclusive working environment within a committed and experienced team

• A varied role where your work directly supports access to justice for Deaf and Disabled people.

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

We welcome applications from everyone and are particularly keen to support Deaf and Disabled people to join and develop within our organisation. We are a flexible employer committed to creating an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. 

To apply

To apply, please upload your CV and a supporting cover letter (up to 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role via CharityJob. Please make sure you have read the job description and person specification fully before applying for the role. 

Job Title:                     Case Worker – CAPSA Services (Culturally Appropriate Peer Support and Advocacy)  

Reports to:                  CAPSA Team Manager

Geographic focus: Lambeth

Salary:£30,500

Hours of Work: 37.5 per week (flexible working available)

Duration:                    2 Year Contract (with a potential to extend)

Benefits:26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contribution, Employees' Assistance Programme.

Purpose of the role

The CAPSA (Culturally Appropriate Peer Support and Advocacy) Worker role has been specifically designed to support Black people using the secondary mental health system. As a CAPSA Worker, you will provide both Generic Mental Health Advocacy and Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to eligible individuals, including people detained under the Mental Health Act(MHA) 1983/2007, conditionally discharged restricted patients, those under Guardianship, and those on Community Treatment orders, as well as individuals considered for section 57 treatments.

You will play a key role in ensuring that the perspectives of Black service users are recognised and respected, addressing their unique and multiple needs, and promoting access to advocacy for all eligible individuals. You will raise awareness of advocacy, rights under the MHA, and the CAPSA service among professionals, individuals, and agencies.

In addition to direct advocacy, you will contribute to service development by supporting an effective administration system and helping evaluate the impact of advocacy for both service users and commissioners.

As part of CAPSA’s race-led approach to systems change, you will also help challenge systemic racism in mental health services, embed culturally competent practice, and promote equitable care within South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM).

Job summary

Black Thrive Lambeth has developed a co-designed, culturally appropriate peer support and advocacy service (CAPSA) on behalf of the Living Well Network Alliance (LWNA). CAPSA provides support to Black community members with mental health needs through peer support and advocacy, led by individuals with lived experience or lived understanding of mental health challenges. The service creates a space where experiences are respected, accepted, and valued equally.

The role involves building positive relationships with Black service users; offering one-to-one and group advocacy; supporting self-advocacy; gathering and sharing information to inform decision-making; and preparing monitoring reports and feedback. Advocates ensure that the views, wishes, and needs of Black service users are heard and acknowledged, addressing the impact of racism within traditional mental health services.

Duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Advocacy & Support for Black Service Users

• Work with individual Black service users to provide culturally informed advocacy, support, and representation to assist them in decision-making related to their care, treatment, and legal status.
• You will manage a caseload of up to 10 clients.
• This will consist of weekly meetings with clients and supporting them around their care in the mental health system, this will be both within inpatient services and CMHTs (Community Mental Health Teams) as well as in the community.
• Support Black service users in developing and maintaining their cultural identity by identifying strengths and advocating for culturally relevant mental health interventions.
• Develop trusting relationships with Black service users within appropriate boundaries to help them express their mental health needs.
• Assist service users in preparing for meetings, attend appointments with them if required, and advocate on their behalf where needed.
• Provide information and updates on the progress of advocacy issues and ensure clients understand proceedings.

Culturally Informed Peer Support & Recovery

• Use lived experience and cultural understanding to promote positive self-esteem and recovery through a culturally informed peer support model.
• Provide practical guidance to Black service users, and where appropriate, their carers, on self-care, resilience strategies, and managing mental health within a race equality framework.
• Promote service user involvement by empowering individuals to communicate their culturally lived experiences and mental health needs to professionals.
• Challenge peer support models, stigma, and discriminatory practices that fail to recognise the cultural needs of Black service users.

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders and community members to develop a culturally informed advocacy and peer support model.
• Establish regular advocacy ‘drop-ins’ on wards and in the community, ensuring accessibility for Black service users.
• Signpost service users to culturally relevant community, inpatient, and online resources, as well as mainstream and specialist services.
• Liaise with, and when necessary, challenge NHS professionals, care teams, and local authorities to ensure due process and cultural competence in service delivery.
• To maintain a level of professionalism in all spaces always.

Role Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality, respect service users’ right to privacy, and ensure their dignity is always upheld.
• Keep accurate and timely records of advocacy and peer support work, providing regular verbal and written reports to the line manager.
• Attend team meetings, participate in one-to-one supervision, group supervision sessions, and complete mandatory training in peer support and other job-related areas.
• Raise safeguarding concerns following organisational policies and procedures.

GENERAL

• To attend and participate in meetings held by the CAPSA team and other bodies as required.
• To maintain records of hours worked and to complete accurate expense returns.
• To foster and develop an equality and diversity approach within the role, in line with Black Thrive’
• To promote the service through the distribution of publicity materials, liaising with statutory and voluntary services, and, where appropriate, through the media and presentations to local groups within the agreed company policies.
• To promote the role of advocates both within the Living Well Network Alliance (LWNA) and externally.
• To work well as part of the team in a way that promotes inclusivity and respect in a supportive environment.
• The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Qualities Required

Each quality is marked as either E (Essential) or D (Desirable).

Experience (E/D)

1. Understanding and/or experience of mental health legislation and the Mental Health journey process in numerous settings – E
2. Lived experience of racism or discrimination in wider society and in the provision of mental health services – E
3. Experience of identifying and meeting the needs of individual people – E
4. Experience and ability to develop and maintain relationships with various stakeholders – E
5. A commitment to working in an anti-racist and anti-oppressive way – E
6. Confidence in challenging stigma and discrimination within structural settings – E
7. Experience of working in an advocacy or healthcare setting – D

Knowledge and Skills (E/D)

1. Understanding and knowledge of assessment of needs – E
2. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences – E
3. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including via telephone, in person, over video link, and through presentations, demonstrating confidence and assertiveness – E
4. Emotional resilience and the ability to cope with sometimes challenging people and environments – E
5. Ability to work flexibly to meet varying demands on the service – E
6. Good organisational skills, including timekeeping and ability to travel to different locations – E
7. Excellent computer literacy and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office – E
8. An understanding and awareness of The Equality Act 2010 – E
9. Ability to act calmly and respond professionally to distress, disturbance, and unpredictability – E
10. Ability to work independently on own initiative and prioritise workload while working as part of a team – E
11. Commitment to learning through work-based learning and mandatory training – E
12. Knowledge of mental health legislation such as MHA 1983/2007, MCA 2017 – D
13. Understanding of the specific role, purpose, and responsibilities of an Independent Mental Health Advocate – D
14. Knowledge and/or awareness of safeguarding issues – D
15. An additional language (e.g., Portuguese, French, etc.) – D
16. Qualifications in Peer Support / Advocacy – D

We welcome applications specifically from Black people of African and Caribbean heritage, as the statutory requirement of the Equality Act 2010, Advance Equality in Mental Health 2020 and Parent Carer Race Equality Framework 2020, in order to address the importance of Black employee safety. These posts are therefore restricted to Black applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 and Part 1.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. Still, we will treat applicants with a criminal record fairly and not unreasonably discriminate because of a conviction or other information revealed.

Join Disability Law Service and help empower Deaf and Disabled people to access justice. Support our vital work by playing a key role in strengthening our partnerships, training programme and systems change work. 

About Disability Law Service 

Disability Law Service (DLS) is a Deaf and Disabled Peoples Organisation providing free legal advice and representation to Deaf and Disabled people across England and Wales. We work to promote equality, inclusion, and access to justice through high-quality legal advice, welfare benefits support, and systems change work. Our work is grounded in the social model of disability and is focused on tackling discrimination and structural barriers faced by Deaf and Disabled people. 

Purpose of the role 

To develop and deliver partnerships, policy advocacy, and systems change activity that improves access to justice and outcomes for Deaf and Disabled people. 

Overview 

You will lead on partnerships, policy influence, and systems change work, working across a range of stakeholders to strengthen networks, influence policy, and deliver strategic change. 

Key responsibilities 

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships across sectors 

• Lead on systems change and policy advocacy work 

• Manage programmes focused on training and capacity building 

• Use data and evidence to inform systems change activity 

• Manage staff and volunteers and support team development 

• Develop stakeholder networks and collaborations 

• Contribute to policy campaigns and strategic initiatives 

• Support monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting 

What we offer 

• Opportunities to develop experience in policy, advocacy and systems change while working across a varied and dynamic workload with diverse stakeholders

• A supportive and inclusive working environment within a committed and experienced team

• A varied role where your work directly supports access to justice for Deaf and Disabled people.

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

We welcome applications from everyone and are particularly keen to support Deaf and Disabled people to join and develop within our organisation. We are a flexible employer committed to creating an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. 

To apply

To apply, please upload your CV and a supporting cover letter (up to 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role via CharityJob. Please make sure you have read the job description and person specification fully before applying for the role.