Volunteer

You will help people with NRPF to make applications to have the NRPF restriction removed. This work usually involves interviewing applicants, gathering evidence, writing submissions and analysing finances. You will usually work in a pair, and will be expected to help train up others once you are settled into the work. You will be offered ongoing training and supervision.

Timings: Tuesdays (weekly)
Duration: at least 6 months
Location: in person at New Unity in North London
Pay: This role is unpaid. We offer expenses to cover travel and childcare costs and share a cooked lunch at our casework sessions.

Training: 

• You will be supervised by a qualified caseworker and an immigration lawyer
• 1 full day training
• You will be paired with an experienced casework volunteer who will provide ongoing mentoring
• We provide ongoing monthly training in related issues (e.g. housing law, judicial review, etc)
• You will be offered a free week-long training in immigration law and the opportunity to gain OISC Level 1 qualifications after at least 3 months’ volunteering
• We can provide references for volunteers where appropriate

We need people who are:

• Aware of and committed to our shared goals
• Patient and empathetic
• Communicative – able to communicate to lots of different people in different and often very difficult circumstances and willing to share own needs and concerns so that we can support you
• Committed, reliable and punctual – following your training and trial period, we ask you to commit to 6 months’ volunteering and we rely on you being regularly available
• Happy to work in a small team and as part of an evolving grassroots organisation.  You will usually work in a pair, and will be expected to help train up others once you are settled into the work.
• Organised and detail-oriented

Useful basic skills:

• Computer skills – most of our work happens online, so you need to be ready to use a computer and be comfortable with email, word processing, spreadsheets and online forms. We can offer training and support with this.
• English language – you need to be confident reading, writing and communicating in English (you don’t need to be completely fluent)
• Knowledge of other languages is useful, in particular Ghanaian and Nigerian languages, Bengali, Spanish, Kurdish, Tamil and Turkish
• Experience in making Change of Conditions applications or other immigration applications is helpful but not essential

We run training sessions for new casework volunteers every few months and subsequently induct the trainees gradually as volunteering spaces become available.  We aim to respond to all applications.

Our project is guided by a board of trustees, who have specific relevant skills and experience. We look for people who understand and share our values and mission, and can contribute proactively to our strategic development. Trustees are responsible for helping set strategic direction; managing risk; and scrutinising work, policies and finances, working alongside our staff and volunteers.

Who we are looking for:

• You do not need to have previous experience of being a trustee, and if you are new to the idea of being a trustee but still interested in the role, we’re more than happy to tell you more – don’t be shy to ask.
• We are particularly looking for people who have had experience of NRPF and/or the issues that TUP advocates about in their own lives.
• The board meets regularly one evening every 6 weeks, and also supports the project between meetings.

Particular roles/skills required:

In particular, we are currently looking for people with the below skills/experience, but please also contact us if you have other skills to offer:

• Finance – experience and knowledge of financial management and/or charity accounting.

Contact us

If you’re interested in the role, you can email us on trustees@unity-project.org.uk to introduce yourself and find out more. We look forward to hearing from you!