Advisory Panel Members

Refugee Legal Support (RLS) is looking for Advisory Panel members!

About RLS

RLS is a registered charity (no. 1191680) in England and a non-profit company in Greece. We work in solidarity with people who migrate. Our mission is to advance safe migration through legal support, casework, strategic litigation, outreach, training and partnerships, and to advocate for the promotion and protection of people’s rights throughout the migration process.

Founded in 2017, we run a free legal clinic for refugees in Athens who seek asylum or family reunification in other European countries. However, Brexit has brought new, significant restrictions to legal routes for refugee family reunion and heightened hostility against people on the move. To tackle these enormous challenges we have mobilised and launched projects on Lesvos and in the UK. You can read more about RLS, its history, projects and people here.

Our values

• We recognise that immigration systems are weighted against those forced to migrate and we challenge hostile policy in an effort to level the playing field

• We stand opposed to all forms of violence against people compelled to migrate, including those who are undocumented.

• We support the global movement that fights entrenched inequalities, racism and other forms of discrimination that force people to migrate.

• We strive to develop inclusive, sustainable and regenerative ways of working and facilitate the inclusion of those with lived migration experience.

What we are looking for

RLS relies on the energy, skills and enthusiasm of people who share our vision and are drawn to striving together for change. Started by volunteers, volunteers remain central, contributing strategically and practically via advisory panel working groups. If you share our values and ethos we would love to hear from you. There are many ways to contribute through one or more of the following working groups:

• Administration and Governance

• Regulation, OISC and Compliance

• Finance – budgetary and financial control and reporting

• Fundraising

• Media, Communications, Advocacy and Events

• Arts

• HR

• Racial Justice, Equality and Transformation

• Casework Oversight and Operations

Members are expected to attend one meeting every month and may occasionally be asked to commit additional time. As a result of the pandemic, meetings will take place online and members will feedback to and advise the Trustees on key issues.

Previous advisory panel experience is not essential. We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of migration or displacement. While we welcome and value different experiences and expertise, we hope that you can demonstrate your suitability for specific working groups, as well as some of the following:

• An interest in RLS’ work.

• Understanding of and commitment to migrant justice.

• Experience of promoting racial justice, equality and transformation.

• Imaginative, critical thinking and creative problem solving skills.

• A desire to learn and an openness to listen, question and collaborate.

• Knowledge and experience of social media platforms.

• An ability to approach language and storytelling critically and persuasively.