Legal Support Volunteer

Aim of role: To help enable Community Impact Bucks to provide legal information and advisory service for local charities and community groups.

To run specialist advice sessions and/or training on a broad range of legal topics including charity formation, governance, and compliance with UK law. You’ll also assist in developing resources to help local VCSEs (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises).

Time commitment: A minimum of 5 hours a month to be worked flexibly.

Main tasks:

• Act as the main point of contact for the VCSE and Community Development Officer, assisting with responding to legal queries from local charities and community organisations (VCSEs). Provide expert legal support to help address a broad range of legal challenges.
• Offer specialist legal advice on key areas such as charity formation, governance structures, compliance with charity law, and drafting or reviewing governing documents. This includes advice on risk management, trustee duties, legal obligations, contracts, and data protection compliance.
• Stay up to date with new laws and regulatory changes. Translate these developments into practical, accessible guidance for small charities and voluntary organisations to help them maintain compliance with UK legislation.
• Facilitate workshops and information sessions on a range of legal issues relevant to VCSEs. Topics may include governance, trustee duties, risk management, and legal compliance.
• Assist in creating tools, templates, and resources that Community Impact Bucks can utilise to support local VCSEs. Develop and maintain a repository of legal resources to ensure ongoing support.
• Review and recommend updates for the legal and governance sections of the Community Impact Bucks website, ensuring that information is current and compliant with the latest legislation.
• Ensure local VCSEs are kept informed about their legal obligations, including compliance with legislation, reporting requirements, and best practices in governance and risk management.
• Provide support to Community Impact Bucks by reviewing and recommending improvements to internal legal documents, policies, and procedures as needed.

Skills/Experience:

• An experienced qualified lawyer with extensive post-qualification experience in charity law
• Ability to work as part of a small team
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.

What we can offer you:

Volunteering with us will give you the opportunity to:

• Use your professional and personal skills to provide vital support to a charity that operates at the heart of the voluntary and community sector in Buckinghamshire
• Help make a real difference to charities, voluntary & community groups, and social enterprises in Buckinghamshire
• Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team
• Enhance your profile and CV
• Make new contacts and increase your professional networks

Additional information

2 references are required with one from someone who knows you in a professional capacity.