Casework volunteers

It is more important to us who you are, not what you have done. Previous experience of doing this type of work is not essential, but we do need you to be committed to our shared goals, which are about improving life for people with NRPF, and ultimately changing immigration laws and policies. We are particularly keen to work with people who have also had experience of NRPF in their own life.

The details:

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: New Unity (Islington)/remote-working 
Pay: This role is unpaid. We offer expenses to cover travel and childcare costs and provide a hot meal 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

  • Empathetic

  • Communicative:

    • Able to communicate to lots of different people in different and often very difficult circumstances

    • Able and willing to share your 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

  • Willing and quick to learn

  • Organised

  • Detail-oriented

Skills (we provide full training, but the following basic skills will be helpful):

  • Computer skills - most of our work happens online, so you need to be ready to use a computer, including email, Google Drive, 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 will be useful, in particular Ghanaian and Nigerian languages, Bengali, Spanish, Kurdish, Tamil and Turkish

  • Experience in making Change of Conditions applications or other immigration applications can be helpful, but is not essential