Hate Crime Volunteer

Our Organisation

The West London Equality Centre (WLEC) is a charity providing free legal advice and advocacy across both generalist and specialist areas of law, delivered in conjunction with the Community Advice Programme. Our services are supported by qualified pro bono solicitors and barristers.

We offer advice across a range of legal areas, including family law, employment, immigration, housing, welfare benefits, and hate crime. Our hate crime service is a funded project that supports victims, raises public awareness, particularly within the West Area Basic Command Unit (covering Ealing, Hillingdon and Hounslow) and promotes greater cooperation between statutory bodies involved in responding to and prosecuting such offences.

Volunteers play a vital role in enabling WLEC to achieve its objectives. They are supported in developing the expertise and confidence required to deliver accurate and appropriate advice to the public.

Whether you have a legal background, experience in community outreach, a strong interest in improving access to social justice, or simply a desire to support our work, we encourage you to apply.

Volunteers gain hands-on experience, receive structured training, and work on real cases under the supervision of qualified legal professionals. There are also opportunities to develop knowledge in related areas of law, such as housing and anti-social behaviour, and to gain a broader understanding of the criminal justice system and the role local authorities play within it. No prior legal experience is required, as full training will be provided.

Hate Crime Volunteers

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with our hate crime work which involves strengthening communication and partnerships with civil society organisations, building stronger collaboration with community groups and local stakeholder, as well as, working directly with victims.

The Hate Crime Operational Group (HCOG), launched in October 2025, was established to promote cooperation between Ealing Council, the Metropolitan Police Service, the Crown Prosecution Service, and civil society organisations. Its aim is to support victims of hate crime, many of whom face barriers in navigating the criminal justice system, by improving understanding of the law and access to justice.

This work also focuses on raising awareness of hate crime and encouraging reporting within communities, helping to ensure that incidents are recognised and addressed appropriately.

If you are motivated to make a meaningful difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our society, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Please feel free to contact us at 020 8231 2550 to discuss this opportunity further. You may also send your CV and cover letter directly to info@wlec.net to apply to volunteer.

What skills do I need?

No specific skills are required, however, volunteers should have a genuine interest in improving the lives of individuals within our community who may lack the means to protect themselves from the adverse effects of circumstances beyond their control. This is particularly relevant in the context of hate crime, where victims are often targeted by individuals motivated by prejudice and hatred, leaving them distressed, emotionally impacted and vulnerable to repeated attacks.

Through their involvement, volunteers can develop significant knowledge and competence in the areas in which they provide support, which may in turn enhance their future employment prospects. In addition, volunteers will have the opportunity to attend weekly training sessions covering the areas of law in which the WLEC provides advice and assistance, encouraging participation in other areas of law should the opportunity arise.

When do I need to be available?

Where does this role take place?