Casework Administration Volunteer

About INQUEST INQUEST is the only charity in England and Wales providing expertise on state-related deaths and the subsequent investigation and inquest process. For over 40 years, we have worked alongside bereaved families, campaigners, and legal professionals to advocate for accountability and meaningful change. Our casework team provides specialist advice to families who have been traumatically bereaved by state-related deaths involving police, prisons, mental health settings, and other forms of detention. We also work closely with the Inquest Lawyers Group. Through dedicated research and monitoring, we identify and keep track of key issues and missed opportunities to prevent state-related deaths. We aim to put the voices and experiences of bereaved families at the heart of everything we do. INQUEST is a small organisation with a fast-paced and engaging environment. You can find more information about us and our work on our website. About the role We are recruiting two administration volunteers to support our casework team. Volunteers will be expected to: · Provide administrative support with case file management; · Communicate with lawyers for case updates; · Carry out research on relevant state bodies, such as specific prisons; · Help identify, research and monitor key issues and emerging concerns in relation to contentious state-related deaths. What we offer · Specialist training and guidance from the casework team; · Regular mentoring and wellbeing support from staff; · Opportunity to develop research, writing, and public engagement skills; · Opportunity to attend legal meetings and inquest hearings; · Networking opportunities with INQUEST staff, lawyers, campaigners, and community organisers; · Reimbursement of expenses (travel costs and £7.50/day for lunch). Desirable knowledge and skills: · Interest in, and knowledge of, INQUEST’s work and values; · Willingness to learn about the criminal justice system, inquests, mental health, abolition, and human rights; · Commitment to social justice, antiracism, and holding the state to account; · Good written and verbal communication skills; · Good organisation and administrative skills, including IT literacy; · Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced team; · Some experience carrying out desk research. We recognise that applicants can gain valuable experience in a range of contexts, and that the above skills need not be related to formal education or employment. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of coronial and other state systems, and those representing the diverse communities with which we work. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented, disadvantaged, and racialised communities. We require that individuals with lived experience of the coronial system, who have experienced the loss of a loved one, apply at a minimum of two years post-inquest so that we can provide appropriate care and support for staff needs. Expected commitment Volunteers are expected to commit 1 day a week for 6 months, with the possibility of extending further. Please note that this opportunity requires you to attend our offices in Finsbury Park, London N4