Volunteer Programme

As a volunteer in The Women and Children’s Department you will play an important role in assisting the Solicitors with various aspects of their casework in asylum and human rights law.

How do I apply to volunteer with The Women and Children’s Department?

The Department recruits volunteers three times per year, usually around January/February, May/June and September/October.  Completed applications should be submitted by the deadline, which is advertised in advance on our website. We do not accept applications outside of the recruitment periods. 

What is involved in volunteering?
 
Duties will be varied but will include:

  • Objective evidence research – including the compilation of country background profiles, research into specific aspects of a client’s case, and sourcing required experts and agencies.
  • Legal research – including ad hoc research into aspects of immigration and asylum law, case law research and case summaries.
  • Case preparation assistance – including the compilation of court bundles, drafting correspondence, and where appropriate, attendance at the First Tier Tribunal or Court of Session.
  • Carrying out administrative tasks.
What qualities and/or skills do I need?
  • An interest, or experience in the area of asylum, refugee and human rights law.
  • Strong legal and general research skills.
  • Good administrative and organisational skills.
  • Effective communication and listening skills. 
  • An understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
  • The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Reliability, punctuality and a commitment to the work of the department.  
How much time would I have to commit to volunteering, and where does volunteering take place?
  • We ask that volunteers commit to one full day per week for at least a four month period.   Volunteering takes place in our Renfrew Street Offices, between the hours of 10:00 am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.   

What happens after I apply to volunteer?

  • Shortlisting
    All applications submitted by the deadline are reviewed to determine who will be shortlisted. 
  • Interview
    If your application is shortlisted you will be invited to an informal interview with a solicitor from The Department.  At the interview you will have an opportunity to expand on and relevant skills and experience you have and also ask any questions.  The interview will last around 30 minutes.   
  • Induction
    If you are successful at interview you will be invited to the volunteer induction.  To be able to volunteer with The Department you must be able to attend the volunteer induction.  Dates for the volunteer induction will be provided in advance.
The volunteer induction covers an introduction to LSA and The Women and Children’s Department, office practices, key polices, and a basic overview of the current immigration and asylum landscape.

Volunteers will arrange suitable weekly volunteering days after the induction.  Volunteering will start the week following the induction.

What are the benefits?
  • A unique insight into the day-to-day work of a busy human rights-focused legal department.
  • An opportunity to develop knowledge of aspects of asylum and human rights law and practice through assisting solicitors with their work in this area.
  • Experience of working in a legal office environment and an understanding of the administrative procedures associated with this.
  • Volunteers receive £4.50 per day lunch expenses, and reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
  • On-going training and development within The Department.
  • Free attendance at LSA seminars.
  • References for future employment.

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See Volunteering page for recruitment adverts

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Report by Celia Goovaerts - My summer placement at the Women and Children's Department