For women navigating the perilous intersection of gender-based violence and uncertain immigration status, the path to safety is often obstructed by a labyrinth of legal complexities that can seem insurmountable. The London Black Women’s Project (LBWP), a dedicated organization providing comprehensive support for Black and minoritised survivors, is actively seeking a Legal Services Manager to dismantle these barriers. This specialist role is designed to lead the organization’s legal advice service, offering expert guidance and representation to women who face the dual trauma of abuse and the threat of deportation. By embedding a specialist within its services, LBWP aims to provide a lifeline, ensuring that survivors can access their rights, secure their status, and begin to rebuild their lives free from fear. This position represents a critical investment in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, directly addressing the systemic challenges that disproportionately affect Global Majority women. The organization is offering a salary of £41,000 for this full-time role based in Newham, London, with flexible working options considered.
1. Delivering Expert Legal Counsel and Casework
The primary responsibility of the Legal Services Manager will be to provide high-quality, impartial, and trauma-informed immigration legal advice directly to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. This entails managing a complex caseload that includes, but is not limited to, applications under the Domestic Violence Concession (DVILR), the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC), and Indefinite Leave to Remain. The specialist will be tasked with the meticulous preparation, submission, and progression of these applications, which involves gathering substantial evidence, drafting compelling legal representations, completing intricate forms, and maintaining consistent communication with the Home Office. A crucial part of this process includes organizing biometric appointments and ensuring all associated documentation is managed accurately and within strict legal timelines. The role demands an individual with at least an IAA Level 2 accreditation or equivalent, capable of navigating the nuances of UK immigration law to secure positive outcomes for vulnerable clients.
Beyond direct immigration casework, the role involves identifying and facilitating access to other essential legal support services that service users may require, such as in criminal or family law matters. The postholder will collaborate with the Director to identify funding opportunities for a family legal advice clinic and will be responsible for its implementation and management. As the service grows, this position may also include line management responsibilities for staff within the legal services team, requiring leadership and project management experience. This holistic approach ensures that survivors receive comprehensive legal support that addresses the multifaceted nature of their circumstances. The successful candidate will not only be a legal expert but also a strategic thinker, capable of developing and expanding the legal services offered by the organization to meet the evolving needs of the women it serves, ensuring a survivor-centered approach is maintained across all legal interventions and support systems.
2. Fostering Internal Expertise and Upholding Safeguarding
A significant component of the Immigration Specialist’s duties involves acting as an internal expert, providing crucial guidance to other teams within the London Black Women’s Project. The specialist will work closely with refuge and counselling staff, equipping them with the knowledge needed to understand a woman’s immigration status and her corresponding entitlement to public funds. This internal consultation is vital for ensuring that all staff can provide accurate initial information and support to survivors. Furthermore, the role includes the critical task of reviewing all new referrals to the refuge. This preliminary assessment is designed to confirm eligibility for programs like MVDAC and ILR, and to verify access to public funds before a woman officially becomes a service user. This proactive step helps to prevent complications later on and ensures that the organization can effectively support each individual’s unique legal situation from the moment they seek help, creating a more stable and secure environment for recovery and empowerment.
The commitment to safeguarding is paramount, and the Legal Services Manager will play a key role in protecting the well-being of women and children. This responsibility requires the ability to identify and immediately escalate any safeguarding or child protection concerns to a line manager or another senior manager, strictly adhering to the organization’s established safeguarding procedures. This vigilance is essential in a high-risk environment where survivors are often extremely vulnerable. The role also demands a deep understanding of embedding trauma-informed practices within a legal service, ensuring that every interaction is conducted with sensitivity and respect for the survivor’s experience. By managing risk effectively and prioritizing safety, the specialist contributes to a secure and supportive atmosphere where women can engage with the legal process without fear of re-traumatization, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to providing holistic and compassionate care.
3. Adhering to Professional Standards and Legal Frameworks
Maintaining the highest standards of professional practice is a cornerstone of this position, requiring strict adherence to confidentiality and professional boundaries when interacting with service users, colleagues, and external agencies. The Legal Services Manager will be entrusted with sensitive and confidential information, and they must ensure its security and accurate management in full compliance with data protection requirements. This commitment to ethical practice extends to working in accordance with LBWP’s Code of Conduct and all internal policies, including those related to Individual Support, User Involvement, Health and Safety, and Equality and Diversity. The specialist is also expected to connect individual cases to broader legal and human rights contexts, utilizing a human rights-based approach to collect, analyze, and present evidence. This involves linking cases to relevant national and international frameworks such as the Istanbul Convention and the Pan-London Domestic Abuse Agreement, strengthening legal arguments and advocating for systemic change.
Effective administration and meticulous record-keeping are essential for the role’s success and for meeting the requirements of funders and management. The postholder will be responsible for effective work planning, maintaining accurate records of appointments and meetings, and regularly updating the shared office diary. Providing detailed monitoring data, statistics, and comprehensive written reports as required will be a key function, demonstrating the impact of the legal service and ensuring accountability. To remain effective, the specialist must also commit to continuous professional development by staying current with developments in immigration law, welfare rights, housing legislation, and domestic abuse practice through ongoing reading, research, and training. This proactive engagement ensures that the legal advice provided is always accurate, relevant, and reflective of the latest legal precedents and policy changes, ultimately benefiting the survivors who rely on this vital service.
4. Identifying the Ideal Candidate and Application Process
The ideal candidate for this pivotal role will possess significant client-facing immigration casework experience, preferably gained within a UK legal firm or a recognized advice organization. A minimum of IAA Level 2 accreditation (or its equivalent) and current registration is a mandatory requirement. A strong, demonstrable knowledge of UK immigration legislation and welfare rights is essential, particularly as these laws affect Black and minoritised survivors of domestic abuse. This includes in-depth familiarity with the Domestic Violence Concession, MVDAC, DVILR, and frameworks like the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Furthermore, the position requires proven experience in both line management and project management, highlighting the leadership aspects of the role. Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, are critical for preparing clear legal representations and reports. Knowledge of related legal fields, especially family law, is also a key attribute for providing holistic support.
In line with the organization’s mission as a “by and for” service, this post is open only to Black and minoritised, i.e., Global Majority, women, which is considered an occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010. Desirable experience includes a history of working directly with Global Majority women who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse, supporting them with complex legal issues. Candidates must also demonstrate experience in embedding trauma-informed practice within a legal service and have a proven track record of safeguarding women and children in high-risk environments. Strong IT skills, including proficiency with case management databases and Microsoft Word, are necessary for the administrative demands of the position. Interested individuals were instructed to submit a CV and a detailed covering letter outlining their relevant experience and skills by 9:00 AM on Monday, March 9. The successful placement for this role was a crucial step in enhancing the specialized support available to survivors.
