WLEC recognises the value that volunteers can add to our work in promoting equality and community cohesion. For many years now, we have provided placements, work experience and learning opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students from local universities. Their fresh eyes, research interests, hard work and enthusiasm have been inspiring and have contributed greatly to the ethos of our organisation. Some of our students volunteers have progressed to work in equality and diversity roles in the public and voluntary sectors.

• Candidates who we accept as volunteers either on a block or part-time basis are expected to attend our induction session and other training events as a condition of their placement. They are also expected to make a meaningful contribution to our current work programme in their time with us.
• Student volunteers in the past have usually been studying social policy, social science, law, IT or related subjects. Our work is likely to have the most relevance to these subject areas. We are happy to talk to tutors and supervisors. We are able to also provide limited academic advice and support for our volunteers. Unfortunately, space and time constraints limit the number of volunteers we can accept.
• We have volunteers who give their time for several days a week, and volunteers who attend the CAP sessions on a Saturday.
• We depend on our volunteers, who come from all walks of life. Some have a legal background, some don’t. We are always keen to hear from those who might be able to lend us a hand in our work. We currently have 50 or so helping us in one way or another, some only one day a week, and some for quite a few more.
• The benefits of volunteering with us are that you will gain experience in advising, dealing with a range of different clients, telephone skills and legal skills.
• We will interview you and give you an induction if we feel you can assist our work. We prefer a commitment over several months.

Please go to the Contact page to get in touch and tell us a bit about what you can do. We will email you back, so that you can send us your CV.