Giving 100%. For people.

Amanda Ashton - Training & Development Co-ordinator

I’m responsible for the management and co-ordination of all training and development activities across the RLC. I work closely with our legal experts and Management Team in identifying training needs to meet the demands of an ever-changing legal sector. The RLC prides itself in developing our staff to meet their full potential, whether they are new staff of experienced Caseworkers. I feel my role has some impact in the success of the organisation.

One of the main reasons why I find working at the RLC so rewarding is the selfless commitment of all our staff. We often work with considerable external constraints and represent clients with haunting pasts so our team need the skills to equip themselves to deal with a job that is tough both professionally and emotionally.

Our staff need to be clear about the objectives of the organisation, adept at drawing the right information out of clients who more often than not are exceptionally vulnerable and flexible enough to cope with life in a fast-moving, constantly changing environment. The RLC training plays a valuable part in dealing with these skills demands.

Alexandra Warren - Regional Manager

I was working as a para-legal for a firm of solicitors in London, but didn’t find it at all fulfilling. So, preferring to channel my talents into a role that would actually help people rather than boost a massive corporate bank balance, I decided to join the RLC.

I haven’t regretted it for one moment, either. The work is every bit as mentally stimulating as it is worthwhile. Basically, I’m responsible for managing the activities of our Northern region from the Leeds office. Leading a team of managers, I make sure each of our Caseworkers meets their targets while controlling budgets and resolving all kinds of issues. And being on the organisation’s senior management board means I can influence its future strategic direction.

But while I have to say this is a very friendly and supportive place to be, life isn’t nice and fluffy all the time. There are strict deadlines to meet, and you have to be prepared to make some tough decisions and tell others what they can and can’t do. You quickly realise that not all problems are easily solved, too. But the benefits of working with like-minded people really do add up.

Emma Yeomans - Caseworker

I was temping for British Gas when I happened to watch a TV documentary about the harsh treatment that asylum seekers had to put up with. It definitely aroused my interest in the subject, and I wondered if there was anything I could do to help. So when I saw an ad for a receptionist at the RLC, I jumped at the opportunity.

After six months I moved into the role of a Casework Assistant, becoming a fully-fledged Caseworker just over a year later. My job now involves interviewing asylum seekers from a whole range of countries, and preparing statements and letters that are sent to the Home Office. Sometimes I also take on outreach work, which means visiting induction centres to meet clients.

I’ve found the training has prepared me well for the many challenges I face every day. In fact I’m hoping to take my accreditation exams quite soon, which will qualify me to represent clients in court. Looking ahead, I’d like to become a Team Leader or Supervisor - and the organisation will definitely give me the opportunity to do so.

So what do you need to get on well here? I think it’s important to be open-minded and listen carefully to what your clients want. But you must also strike a balance between being sensitive to people’s needs and providing objective, professional advice.

Mihalis Germanos – Casework Assistant

I originally joined the RLC as a temp and was only due to be with them for three weeks. Now I’ve been here for ten years!

Like most people, I suppose my motivation for joining was to make a difference to other people’s lives. And that’s exactly what I do – talking with refugees (and overcoming the language barrier when necessary), supporting Caseworkers and carrying out the necessary admin.

It’s no ordinary job. You have to balance the emotional reaction you may have when listening to the plight of your clients with the practical, professional viewpoint that’s crucial when you’re advising them. But despite the fact that life can get pressurised, my colleagues always manage to find the time to help.

Shaji Revindran - Tribunal Team Leader

I originally joined as an Appeals Caseworker, but with a background as a trainee Solicitor I progressed to the role of a Legal Officer. I’ve been in my present role as a Tribunal Team Leader for four and a half years now.

My job is certainly as varied as it is challenging. As well as managing a team of Legal Officers, I’m responsible for presenting appeals at the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal. I’m also heavily involved in policy work and train people across the organisation. I’d say that an analytical mind and the ability to construct complex arguments are vital qualities, plus plenty of sensitivity to other people’s cultures.

The RLC has an excellent reputation in legal circles, and the pressures of my role are lightened by the fact that everyone supports each other and shares information readily. People’s energies here are focused on helping clients in need, not climbing up some corporate ladder at the expense of your colleagues.