Trustees x 4 Public Law Project

Join the Public Law Project as a Trustee and support us as we enter our new strategic phase, championing justice, fairness in state decision-making and upholding the rule of law.

• Location: The Design Works, 93-99 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7EY

The Public Law Project (PLP) is seeking four dynamic and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

As a Trustee, you will play a pivotal role in guiding an organisation dedicated to promoting access to justice, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring fair systems for everyone.

Who we are.

For over 30 years, PLP has been at the forefront of public law in the UK, empowering individuals and organisations to challenge unlawful public decision-making. PLP works to ensure that the state acts fairly and lawfully, particularly when making decisions that impact marginalised and disadvantaged people. We bring strategic litigation, conduct groundbreaking research, and provide training to build expertise in public law. Our recent work includes challenging the Rwanda immigration policy, advocating for Windrush survivors, and scrutinising government use of AI and automation in decision-making.

Our work encompasses Strategic Litigation; we represent and support individuals and communities who are marginalised through discrimination or disadvantage when they have been affected by unlawful state decision-making. Our Research and Policy Advocacy is led by our expert team, which conducts in-depth research to inform policy and practice, ensuring that public law remedies and access to justice are not undermined. We provide Training and Events to build expertise in public law among lawyers, advisers, NGOs and public bodies. We work extensively in alliance with and support of people and communities who are minoritised and discriminated against.

PLP has been instrumental in shaping the public law landscape in Britain and as we embark on a new strategic phase, we are looking for four new Trustees to join our Board. We are developing a new strategy to counter emerging challenges, such as the rise of popularism and the misuse of AI in government decision-making. Your insights and leadership will be crucial in shaping PLP's future direction and impact.

Recent successes, such as our High Court victory over the Department for Work and Pensions' unlawful consultation on disability benefit reforms, potentially negatively affecting 400,000 people demonstrate the tangible impact of our work. Joining now offers the opportunity to build on these achievements and drive systemic change at a time when rights are under threat, and state accountability is undermined.

Who we are looking for.

We are looking for Trustees who are strategic thinkers, can work well with others while confidently holding their ground, and are skilled in providing both support and constructive challenge to executive leadership. Effective communication, emotional intelligence, and the ability to foster a positive and effective board dynamic are essential. Prior board experience is desirable but not a requirement for all applicants. Legal expertise is valued and we are equally keen to incorporate perspectives from various sectors and backgrounds.

We are primarily seeking people with the following skills and experience to contribute effectively to our Board:

• Fundraising and Philanthropy: Experience in major donor fundraising and income diversification.
• Public Affairs, Campaigning and Communications: Skills in enhancing an organisation's public profile, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Public Law and Legal Expertise: Knowledge in strategic litigation, research, legal aid, or judicial review.
• Marketing: Support us at board level and provide support and challenge as we become more outward facing in the future.
• Human Resources and Organisational Development: Expertise in change management, organisational development, design and governance.
• Lived Experiences: People part of a minoritised and/or underrepresented group, from minoritised ethnic groups, disabled people and those with experience of social justice issues.

Time Commitment

The role requires a commitment of approximately one day per month, including attendance at four Board meetings per year (held in London or remotely) plus a development or strategy away-day, participation in committees of the Board or working groups, and engagement with PLP's activities and events from time to time.

Joining the Public Law Project (PLP) as a Trustee offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on fairness and justice in the UK. As a trustee, you'll contribute to an organisation nationally recognised for its dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair public decision-making. Collaborating with a diverse and dedicated group of trustees and staff, you'll help shape PLP's future direction, strengthening our governance, fundraising efforts and strategic initiatives.

Join us and be part of ensuring fairness in public decision-making for all.

For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners.

If you would like to know more about this role please contact Jennifer Horan.