Volunteering Internship programme

ELF operates an internship programme for graduates and postgraduates who are interested in environmental issues and wish to gain practical experience of working in the sector by volunteering. Volunteers join the ELF internship programme as caseworkers in the Advice & Referral Service, where they handle enquiries from the public and refer cases to ELFs network of legal and technical advisers. There are also frequent opportunities for caseworkers to contribute to other aspects of ELFs work, especially the Outreach Programme. Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, many from overseas. All are encouraged to develop their skills and become part of the ELF team, enabling us to provide an effective service to those who contact us because their environment is under threat. Volunteers value our internship programme because they gain practical experience of working on environmental cases and they develop their case management skills. Training is always provided and includes induction training, training in the Advice & Referral Service and internal and external training events such as lectures and seminars. Typical activities include: Handling enquiries from the general public Interviewing clients over the telephone Signposting clients to other appropriate organisations Corresponding with clients in writing Reviewing client documentation Briefing legal and technical advisers and arranging case referrals Conducting client monitoring Collecting data and drawing up simple statistics ELF internships are unpaid. However, ELF will reimburse volunteers for all agreed out of pocket travel expenses.

Applications A degree in law and/or environmental science is desirable. Although graduate applicants are preferred, ELF will consider undergraduate applicants, provided they demonstrate their suitability for the role. ELF is looking for volunteers who will be available approximately two to three days per week for three months. This may be extended to six months by mutual agreement. ELF will consider alternative arrangements depending on availability of places. Opportunities are only available at the ELF office in central London. Unfortunately, it is rarely possible to accommodate requests for remote working, mainly because we must preserve client confidentiality. For those whose first language is not English, ELF requires Grade 7.5 in International English Language Testing System or equivalent. Applicants from overseas will need to check in their home country for visa and work permit requirements. ELF will require evidence of their status. Person specification: Knowledge of some areas of environmental law and a willingness to learn more Experience of litigation procedures Excellent communication skills Experience of dealing with the public and/or senior professionals Experience of working with communities Ability to work as part of a team and to work alone when required Administrative and organisational skills Familiarity with office systems Computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Access and Excel To apply to the ELF internship programme, please complete the online application form (see: www.elflaw.org) and send it with a covering letter explaining why you would like to do an internship at ELF to: Emma Montlake Advice & Referral Co-ordinator Environmental Law Foundation Suite 309, 16 Baldwins Gardens London EC1N 7RJ United Kingdom If you prefer, you can email the form to us at info@elflaw.org. Please mark your email for the attention of Emma Montlake. We will process your application as soon as we can. Where appropriate, we will invite you for an interview at the ELF office. Please contact us on 020 7404 1030 if you have any queries.