Trustee - Treasurer

• Approximately 6–10 hours per month.
• Attending six Board meetings annually. Currently, meetings are mostly online but some may be in person.
• Attending the annual strategy meeting and occasional training days.
• Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups.

We are a newly formed organisation (newhamcommunitylawproject.org.uk), aiming to launch our service in 2026. We are registered as a limited company with a Board of five Directors/Trustees. We are currently in the process of registering as a charity. We need a Treasurer to join the Board, supporting the development of the Law Project. Our mission is a fairer Newham where disadvantaged residents experiencing poverty, breaches of their human rights or discrimination can access justice.

Our objectives are the following;

• Provide free or low-cost advice and representation in housing, public law, immigration and asylum, and other social welfare law areas.
• Promote legal education and empowerment in the community.
• Work in collaboration with grassroots groups, campaigners and frontline agencies.
• Campaign to influence law, policy and practice, and promote human rights.

By 2030, we aim to provide advice and representation in the main areas of social welfare law: housing, immigration, welfare rights and employment. The Law Project will receive recognition from the Law Centres Network (LCN) and become Newham Community Law Centre. It will have strong governance and a diverse range of funding. It will be housed in premises that will be welcoming and accessible, and it will be embedded in the local community and have effective partnerships with the other advice providers and community groups in Newham.

Using the evidence and experiences of our clients, we will strategically exercise a responsible influence on legislation and the policies of statutory bodies. We will have a well-developed role as a training provider, encouraging diversity in the legal profession by employing trainee solicitors and providing meaningful volunteer positions. We will provide training and consultation to other advice services in the Borough, enhancing access to justice at all levels of the community.

• Oversee budgets, accounts and financial statements.
• Support the development of reserves and investment policies.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls and compliance.
• Present financial information in an accessible way to the Board.
• Support fundraising and financial planning.