Trustee / Board Member
Introduction – Who We Are
APPEAL (the Centre for Criminal Appeals) is a law charity and practice dedicated to challenging wrongful convictions and promoting a fairer justice system. We support individuals and families who cannot afford legal advocacy to bring cases before the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the Court of Appeal. Beyond casework, we campaign for systemic reform by conducting research, publishing reports, and leveraging our expert knowledge to influence policy and practice in the UK.
Trustee / Board Member – Role Description
Position: Trustee / Board Member (voluntary, unpaid; reasonable travel and meeting expenses reimbursed)
Start Date: December 2025
Location: Remote, with occasional travel to London for meetings or events
Time Commitment:
- Regular board meetings held 3 times a year (evening) plus reading time.
- Voluntary attendance at events, workshops or strategy sessions.
Role Summary
As a Trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping APPEAL’s strategy, ensuring strong governance, and holding the Co-Directors accountable for delivering our mission. Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting and overseeing leadership in advancing the charity’s goals.
- Approving strategic plans, annual budgets, and risk management structures.
- Ensuring compliance with both Charity Commission and Solicitors Regulation Authority requirements.
- Acting as an advocate and ambassador for APPEAL and its values of justice, integrity, and inclusion.
Eligibility requirement: You must be a qualified solicitor or barrister holding a current practising certificate, as we operate as a regulated law practice.
We Are Looking For...
We welcome applications from legal professionals passionate about justice and reform.
In this round of recruitment, we are looking for several new members to join our board.
You don't need prior trustee experience—full induction and support will be provided. We are especially interested in candidates with experience or interest in:
- Financial oversight, audits or accounting;
- Employment law and HR;
- Criminal defence, public law or prison law.
Diversity & Inclusion
APPEAL is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from those underrepresented in law and charitable sectors, including:
- Racially minoritised or underrepresented communities
- People with lived experience of injustice
- Disabled or neurodiverse individuals
- LGBTQ+ identifiers
- First-generation university graduates
- Carers or people with flexible commitments
We will accommodate Trustees’ needs and circumstances to enable full engagement with the role.
How to Apply
Send your CV and a short covering letter or email explaining your interest to operations@appeal.org.uk using the subject line: "Board Member Application".
Applications should be received by 30th September 2025.
If you'd prefer an informal chat before applying, please email and we’ll be in touch.
What Happens Next?
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with a Trustee and Co‑Directors.
- Conversations are expected to take place in October 2025.
- Appointments will be confirmed at the next board meeting following interviews. Successful applicants will commence their role in December 2025, with a board day and induction planned for January 2026.
