Trustees

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. If you share our values, ethos and objectives, and feel like you can contribute to RLS strategically and practically, we would love to hear from you. Previous trustee experience is not essential.

Duties of a trustee

As a trustee, you will work collectively with other dynamic and dedicated trustee board members to determine and transform how RLS is run and have the overall legal responsibility for the charity. Board members are expected to attend regular meetings and may be asked to commit additional time between meetings depending on availability. As a result of the pandemic, meetings are currently taking place online.

Duties include:

• Ensure that RLS complies with guidelines, charity law, and any other legislation or regulations

• Ensure that RLS pursues defined goals in line with its governing document.

• Monitor the financial position and ensure that RLS operates within its means and that there are clear lines of accountability for financial management

• Ensure that the resources of RLS are used only to pursue legitimate objectives.

• Contribute to the strategic direction and support the development of policies and objectives.

• Maintain the good name and values of RLS.

• Ensure that the administration of the company is carried out efficiently.

• Ensuring the financial integrity and stability of RLS.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with RLS members and advisory panel groups.

Person specification

Experience in one or more of the following:

• 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

General skills:

• Commitment to RLS’ mission and values.

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.

• 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.

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and willingness to take collective responsibility for the governance of the charity.

• An ability to analyse risks and opportunities, and take a balanced approach to organisational governance.

We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of migration or displacement.