Job Description

Board members sought

About us

Founded over 60 years ago, JUSTICE’s work spans administrative, civil, family and criminal justice in the United Kingdom. We strive for a fair, accessible, and equal justice system. Our work aims at making practical, realistic, and timely changes, addressing some of the most urgent issues facing the United Kingdom’s legal framework. We use our voice to influence and improve policies and practice, while not being afraid to scrutinise and challenge developments in the justice system that threaten the country’s adherence to human rights and the rule of law.

What we do

We have four intersecting core areas of activity:

• We use working parties of our members and other experts to identify and address areas ripe for reform. Supported by our staff, the working parties provide evidence-based analysis and propose practical solutions by drawing on leading academic research, international and comparative material, and lived experiences of people interacting with the justice system in different ways. We work towards implementing our working party recommendations, and use our reports to inform, influence and collaborate with decision-makers and other key actors.
• We act as a bridge between law and lawmakers, briefing politicians from all parties on draft legislation relevant to the justice system in the UK and devolved Parliaments. We also respond to consultations from Government, parliamentary committees and other significant bodies within our areas of expertise.
• We hold informative events on our work and related issues, and on access to the legal profession for our members and other interested parties.
• Finally, we submit third-party interventions before the UK Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights in cases that raise critical points of law in our areas of expertise.

We currently employ 15 staff and run a number of internship programmes throughout the year.

The Board is responsible for effective governance and strategic management of JUSTICE. Board members need a broad mind-set, a demonstrated commitment to the fair administration of justice and an ability to actively support the good governance of the charity. Board members are elected from the membership.

We have a Board of fifteen, with the possibility of two three-year terms, this year there are four vacancies. Of particular interest are candidates with experience of either of the following:

1. Charity management, charity finance and/or fundraising; or
2. Property management expertise
3. Solicitor working with claimants in civil or family cases.

The Board is keen to recruit members from outside London and have an eye on the racial and ethnic mix of the Board.

The Board meets five times a year, near our office in St Paul’s. Four meetings tend to last around 90 minutes; the fifth meeting is a half day ‘Away Day'.

Board members will be elected by our members at our AGM on 4 November 2021. If you would like to discuss being a Board member or the process, please get in touch with Samantha Burridge by the 20 October 2021.

Please note that, if you are not already a member of JUSTICE, you will need to join in order to stand for election.