Law Trustee

What will you be doing?

Could you make a life changing difference to people with Autistic conditions? Lifeworks are looking for passionate trustees 18+ to help our charity reach its potential. Lifeworks has been supporting people 14+ with Autistic conditions including ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome and Dyspraxia mostly with mental ill health since 2006. Growing to include over 1000 clients and 400 carers. Without Lifeworks support around 20% of our clients would have no contact with the outside world and about 10% are unable to leave their homes without our help. Our office is in Newcastle-Under-Lyme  with our activities taking place throughout North Staffordshire and Staffs Moorlands.
 

What the role involves

• Communicating with the CEO and trustees, advising with regards to current and new laws pertinent to the charity that may impact the running of the charity and our clients.
• Advising on our client’s legal rights including benefits, debt, court and appeals processes.
• Role hours are approximately 1-2 hours per month, including 6 Trustee meetings per year (Normally on a Monday morning)

With changes to the benefits system many of our clients are struggling to understand the new changes and will have trouble in managing their money. Without our help many would be unable to switch to Universal Credit and face possible homelessness.

The applicant must have a Law degree or equivalent and working experience in the role.

What are we looking for?

The applicant should have experience in advising on legal matters and good communication skills in passing on advice and information to staff and clients. You will be working as a team with our other trustees. Experience of working with people living in poverty and those in mental distress is an advantage.

What difference will you make?

This is a vital role, ensuring the charity is up to date and compliant with legal practices as a registered charity, ensuring we can continue to support for our Autistic clients. As a trustee, you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity.

Anything else...

The trustees meet 6 times a year for 1-2 hours. There may be occasional times we would request advice at our office.