Court volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Liverpool
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Volunteer as a courtwatcher and become the eyes and ears of your community in your local magistrates’ court.
CourtWatch is a mass court observation project, where citizen volunteers observe the daily hearings in court and write down what they see. The real-time data and stories volunteers collect will shine a spotlight on what really happens in our local courts, expose shortfalls and highlight systemic injustices. The CourtWatch project is run by Transform Justice, a charity that works for a fairer, more compassionate criminal justice system.
Volunteer responsibilities:
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visit your local magistrates’ court for half a day (or a day) at a time, on any weekday. Ideally volunteers will courtwatch for a minimum of two days (or four half days)
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observe criminal hearings happening in the court and write down what happens in the hearings you observe, using a form provided by the CourtWatch team
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write up your notes into an online form after your visit (if you don’t have easy access to a computer, we can work around this)
Benefits of being a courtwatcher:
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learn about what happens in the magistrates’ courts
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develop new skills including research, attention to detail, observation, insight
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help build a picture of what’s happening in your local magistrates’ court, expose systemic injustices and help make courts fairer and more compassionate
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be part of community of people who share a passion for justice
Skills and experience:
Anyone can courtwatch! You do not need any knowledge or expertise in law or criminal justice to be a courtwatcher. You just need to be passionate about justice and equality, and keen to create positive change in your community.
We will provide you with all the training you need on what happens at court, what to look out for and how to document what happens. Training will be online and likely take place over two sessions. There will also be regular check-ins and debriefs where you can talk with the CourtWatch team and other volunteers about what you saw and heard.
Other information:
Criminal hearings take place on weekdays between 10am and 5pm, with a break for lunch 1-2pm, and Saturday mornings 10am - 1pm.
Within the times above, and once you’ve completed the training, you can go to court when it is most convenient to you. You might want to buddy up with another volunteer for your first visit while you learn the ropes; we can help arrange this.
You can courtwatch any time from when you’ve completed your training to 30 November 2026 – we hope you’ll become a regular! – after which we will use data you have collected to produce a report. We may also use some of the stories and data you collect to communicate about what’s happening in courts while courtwatching is still underway.
Transform Justice will cover reasonable expenses that you incur while courtwatching, for example for travel and lunch, upon production of valid receipts and in line with our expenses policy.
Transform Justice will make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities who would like to volunteer. Please get in touch and we will discuss with you how to achieve this.
Before you begin courtwatching we will ask you to complete our volunteer training and a pre-courtwatching survey, and sign our volunteer agreement.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Within CPSL Mind's serives, our trainined Peer Mentor "walk alongside" individuals on thier recovery journey as they work towards specific personal goals through 1:1 work or group support. This service is offered Monday to Friday between office hours.
Aims of the service is to:
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation among adults
- Improve mental wellbeing and confidence through regualar social contact
- Encourage informal physical activity, including walking, gentle exercise and community particiaption
- Strengthen resilience by supporting individuals to access public services, groups and wider community provision
- Reduce reliance on statutory support
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Guardian Light Foundation
Location: Remote
Commitment: Flexible – approx. 20 hours per month
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Board of directors
�� About Guardian Light Foundation
Guardian Light Foundation exists to protect, support, and empower children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and extreme hardship.
Many of the individuals we serve are navigating complex legal situations while already dealing with trauma, fear, and instability. Access to safe, ethical, and compassionate legal advice can be life-changing — and that’s where you come in.
⚖️ About the Role
We are seeking a Volunteer Solicitor with experience in family law, safeguarding, or domestic abuse-related legal matters to provide initial legal guidance, signposting, and referrals to vulnerable individuals supported by Guardian Light Foundation.
This role is advisory and supportive, not high-volume casework. Your expertise will help people understand their rights, options, and next steps at critical moments in their lives.
�� Focus Areas
�� Children’s Arrangements
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Custody and contact arrangements
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Child safeguarding concerns
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Schooling and parental responsibility guidance
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Early advice on family court processes
��️ Domestic Violence Injunctions
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Non-molestation orders
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Occupation orders
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Restraining orders
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Emergency protection guidance and referrals
���� Single-Parent Legal Support
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Family court guidance
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Child maintenance advice
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Housing rights and homelessness-related legal signposting
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Referrals to specialist legal services where appropriate
�� What You’ll Be Doing
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Providing initial legal advice and guidance (not ongoing representation)
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Supporting safeguarding decisions where legal insight is required
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Advising on urgent legal options in high-risk situations
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Signposting individuals to appropriate external legal services
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Working closely with GLF’s safeguarding and support teams
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Maintaining clear professional boundaries and ethical practice
��️ Safeguarding & Compliance
Because this role supports vulnerable individuals:
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An Enhanced Volunteer DBS Check is required
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DBS checks are conducted via our trusted partner Serve (Rushden)
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All work must align with GLF’s safeguarding policies
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Confidentiality and GDPR compliance are essential
�� Skills & Experience Required
Essential:
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Qualified UK Solicitor (or equivalent legal professional)
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Experience in family law, domestic abuse, or child safeguarding
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Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice
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Ability to explain legal concepts clearly and compassionately
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Commitment to ethical and client-centred practice
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Solicitor must hold - Their own Professional Indemnity Insurance and/or Public Liability Insurance cover
Desirable:
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Experience working with charities or vulnerable populations
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Knowledge of housing or homelessness law
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Familiarity with referral pathways and support services
�� Who We’re Looking For
You are someone who:
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Has a genuine passion for protecting children and families
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Believes access to justice should never depend on income
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Can balance professionalism with empathy
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Understands the emotional impact of legal uncertainty
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Wants to use their expertise to create real social impact
⏰ Time Commitment
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Approx. 20 hours per month
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Flexible scheduling
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Fully remote
�� What You’ll Gain
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The opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact
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Professional fulfilment through purpose-led legal work
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Recognition and appreciation within a growing social enterprise
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Networking with professionals across counselling, housing, and social care
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Opportunity to join an Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the organisation grows
Non Charity Employer
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At Guardian Light Foundation, we restore hope for homeless children, teens and single parents scarred by abuse, harassment and homelessness.