Are you passionate about access to justice, good governance and making a meaningful difference in your community?

EGLAC is seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the organisation through its next stage of development.

As a Trustee, you’ll work alongside a committed Board and leadership team to provide strategic direction, oversight and support, helping us deliver high-quality legal advice and assistance to those who need it most.

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Previous Trustee experience is not essential. Most importantly, we’re looking for people who share our commitment to access to justice for all.

Location: Remote, except for the annual Strategy Meeting (Blackheath, London)

Time commitment: Varies, with the focus being on the Trustees’ meetings held six times a year. The average is around 1-2 hours a month.

Application deadline: Friday 27th November 2026, 5pm.

To find out more and apply, please see the full role description, set out below.

Please consider sharing this opportunity with your networks to help us reach people who can contribute their skills, experience and enthusiasm to our mission.

Trustee Role Description 

East Greenwich Legal Advice Clinic (EGLAC) was founded in 2017 with the aim of providing free legal advice and assistance to residents of South East London unable to afford access to justice.  

Since then, EGLAC has grown into a team of around 40 volunteers plus a part-time Clinic Director, fielding enquiries from and advising hundreds of clients annually. The clinic provides advice on a wide range of practice areas including family, welfare benefits, property, wills and probate, civil litigation, housing and other disputes, although demand tends to be highest for family advice.  

Advice is given both in-person at EGLAC’s fortnightly clinics at Christ Church, East Greenwich, and remotely in the clinics run in partnership with law firms or by individual volunteers. As well as initial advice and signposting, EGLAC provides follow up work and occasional representation and casework in appropriate cases where resources allow.   

EGLAC is now looking for additional Trustees to join the board. 

Vision and Mission 

Our vision is of a society in which everyone has equal access to quality legal advice regardless of income or background. 

Our mission is to provide a vital community service to those who have nowhere else to turn by helping people in South East London with limited means obtain legal advice when they need it. We help people navigate the legal system and provide advice to prevent problems from escalating. We aim to reduce the risk of impacts such as homelessness, unmanageable debt and increased mental health difficulties.  

Purpose of the role 

The purpose of this role is to support EGLAC by taking an active part in matters of governance, and responsibility for the overall strategy and finances of EGLAC, as one member of the board of Trustees.  

Main Tasks 

With the support of the Clinic Director and the other Trustees, you will: 

• Undertake initial safeguarding training, as well as familiarisation with EGLAC’s work in general; 

• Prepare for (by reading material circulated in advance) and attend Trustees’ meetings, which are held via Teams six times a year, and the annual in person Strategy Meeting; 

• Take responsibility, along with the other Trustees, for EGLAC’s overall strategy and finances; 

• Keep in contact with the Clinic Director and the other Trustees (usually via WhatsApp and/or email as appropriate) between meetings if necessary in order to contribute to decision-making as and when needed;  

• Represent EGLAC positively and promote our values (justice, trust, inclusivity and partnership) at all times; and 

• Keep Trustee matters confidential. 

Skills, Attitudes and Experience  

Essential 

Willing to contribute to discussions and work collaboratively to reach decisions in the best interests of EGLAC; and 

• Committed to EGLAC’s aims and the longer-term value to the community of early access to legal advice, regardless of financial circumstances. 

Desirable 

Previous experience of working in, volunteering for or receiving support from the legal profession, or lived experience of difficulty accessing legal advice when needed;  

• Previous experience of related matters such strategic planning, governance or finance/fundraising; and 

• Living or working in South East London. 

Time Commitment  

The time commitment varies, with the focus being on the Trustees’ meetings held six times a year, but the average commitment required is around 1-2 hours a month.  

Additional information 

It is anticipated that the start date will be January 2027; 

• Basic DBS checks, ID checks and references are required; 

• Meetings are usually held on a weekday afternoon at 5pm via Teams; 

• EGLAC holds occasional social events for volunteers, which Trustees are encouraged to join where possible; and 

• Trustees are appointed for a period of three years. 

Equal Opportunities 

EGLAC believes that it is essential to eliminate discrimination and promote equality of opportunity. It is committed, both as employer and service provider, to opposing discrimination and will not discriminate against any person because of their ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, responsibility for children or dependants, age, employment status, disability, HIV status, religious or political beliefs or because of unrelated criminal convictions. 

Application process 

Please send your CV and a covering letter, explaining why you would like to apply for the role, to the Clinic Director, Emma Martin:  by 5pm Friday 27th November 2026. Interviews will take place online in early December.