Volunteer Trustee with lived experience for Disability charity

What will you be doing?

Disability Law Service is a unique national organisation providing a free legal advice and representation service for disabled people.   Since 1975 we have been challenging the poverty and inequality faced by people with disabilities by securing equal access to legal rights and entitlements. We are also playing a growing role in commenting on and influencing policy as it relates to disabled people.  We are a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation (DDPO), meaning that we are led by those with experience of the issues that we aim to address.  Over 75% of our trustees and over 50% of our staff are disabled people. We are a registered charity. We are now looking to recruit a new trustee to join the Board. The person that we are looking for will themselves be a deaf or disabled person and be committed to the social model of disability, to the aims of DLS and to promoting the rights of disabled people.  Some experience of the third sector and/or of being a trustee would be an advantage but is not essential. They must be able and willing to contribute to the shaping and development of the organisation by taking an active part in Board meetings and by supporting its work in other ways as appropriate. Experience in areas relevant to the work of DLS, such as the access to justice sector, the private law sector, the voluntary sector or the wider business world would be an advantage but not essential. The Board meets from 6 – 8pm on a bi-monthly basis.  Meetings are currently held via remote technology.  It is expected that trustees will additionally respond to occasional requests from the Chair for views or input between meetings. This is an extremely rewarding but voluntary position and is unremunerated

What are we looking for?

The person that we are looking for will themselves be a deaf or disabled person and be committed to the social model of disability and to promoting the rights of disabled people.  Additional experience in finance or legal aid would be welcome but not essential

What difference will you make?

As part of our Board you will not only help to guide and support our dedicated staff in fighting injustice and discrimination, but also promote wider impact through policy influence and change.