Job Description

About us

Advocate is a charity that finds free legal assistance from volunteer barristers. We provide assistance in all areas of law, and at all levels, from tribunals right through to the Supreme Court. We match people who need free legal help with barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise in deserving cases for those who cannot obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay. We believe that fair and equal access to justice is the foundation of our society. That the quality of your legal representation shouldn’t depend on the depth of your pockets, but the merits of your case.

About the Marketing Advisory Group

We are creating a new Marketing  Advisory Group at a key stage in our development. 2021 is our 25th anniversary and in the past year we have experienced significant change, increasing the number of cases we placed by 79% and digitising our services.  

We now have over 4,400 barristers on our panel of volunteers who are working with us to help to reunite parents and children, compensate victims of unfair dismissal, secure asylum for refugees escaping violence, reclaim lost benefits and tackle many more injustices. The demand for our services continues to increase as the impact of the pandemic continues to unfold.

About the role

We are looking for three people to join us with experience in communications and marketing. The team will be joined by our Communications Manager, Chief Executive, and one of our trustees.

The aim of the Group is to lend marketing and communications expertise so we can ensure that

• People needing legal help understand how to use our services
• Front line organisations are aware of our service and how we can help
• Barristers are motivated to volunteer and take on pro bono cases
• Case studies are shared more widely to demonstrate the breadth of our work

Tasks

• Lend your marketing and communications expertise, engaging in conversations to help improve our work
• Identify possible marketing and communication opportunities
• To act as a sounding board for marketing and communications strategies and tools, including communication plans, materials, and social media
• To develop and hone ideas
• To provide advice and expertise on the development of specific communications and marketing issues as and when they arise

Estimated time commitment and meeting format

• Attend meetings every two months via Zoom (1.5 hours)
• Email communication and occasional calls between meetings
• Estimated time commitment: 3 hours/ month

Term limit

Minimum of one year, maximum of three years.

Remuneration

The roles are unpaid positions, however reasonable out of pocket expenses may be reimbursed following Board consideration.

Person Specification

Essential

Marketing and communications experience

Experience of analysing audiences and identifying relevant communications channels and messaging

Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills

Interest in developing Advocate’s profile and reach within the access to justice sector and beyond

Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support Advocate’s success and progress

Collaborative team player and able to contribute to healthy debate

Desirable

Knowledge and appreciation of the challenges facing charities working in access to justice

Experience in planning and executing social media campaigns and strategies

Interest in identifying partnering opportunities and assisting with collaborative communications and marketing

We are looking to increase diversity in our governance roles within our organisation. We therefore welcome applications from communities across the UK and particularly encourage applications from ethnic minority backgrounds or other underrepresented backgrounds.

Application process

To apply for the position, please submit a CV and cover letter by 5pm on 7th July outlining your interest and suitability for the role, taking into account the requirements set out in the personal specification. Please ensure the statement does not exceed two pages of A4.

If you would like to find out more about the role please contact Rebecca Wilkie, Chief Executive, who would be happy to discuss the role further.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.