To provide practical and emotional support to individuals representing themselves in family court proceedings. The volunteer will help people feel informed, organised and supported throughout the court process, while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
The role may include:
Providing reassurance and practical support.
Helping individuals organise paperwork and prepare for hearings.
Supporting individuals to understand information relating to their case.
Taking notes during meetings or hearings.
Helping individuals prepare questions or points they wish to raise.
Attending court alongside the individual where appropriate.
Signposting to appropriate services and including professional legal services where required.
Maintaining confidentiality, accurate records and professional boundaries.
Important: A McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor and does not act as the person's legal representative. The role must remain within the permitted boundaries of McKenzie Friend support.
What You Will Be Doing
Supporting individuals who are representing themselves in family court proceedings.
Providing practical and emotional support before, during and after hearings.
Helping individuals organise court paperwork, documents and information.
Supporting people to prepare questions and key points they wish to raise.
Attending court hearings or meetings alongside individuals where appropriate.
Taking notes and helping individuals keep a clear record of important information.
Helping individuals understand court correspondence and processes, within the boundaries of the role.
Signposting individuals to solicitors, or other specialist services where appropriate.
Supporting individuals to communicate their own wishes, views and concerns.
Maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries and accurate case records.
Following safeguarding procedures and raising concerns appropriately.
Working closely with The Vault Unlocking Potential CIC team and attending relevant training and supervision.
For the Volunteer McKenzie Friend role:
Excellent communication and active listening skills.
Calm, patient, empathetic and non-judgemental approach.
Ability to support people experiencing stressful or sensitive family situations.
Good written skills and attention to detail.
Confident organising documents, information and case paperwork.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and clear professional boundaries.
Reliable, organised and able to work independently.
Understanding of safeguarding and when concerns should be raised.
Ability to remain impartial and focused on the individual's needs.
Comfortable attending meetings and family court hearings.
Basic understanding of the family court system is desirable, but training and support can be provided.
Previous experience in advocacy, family support, social care, SEND, safeguarding, legal services or a similar role would be beneficial.
Lived experience may also bring valuable skills and understanding to the role.
This is a flexible Volunteer McKenzie Friend role, with support provided across County Durham and the wider North East. Volunteers may attend family court hearings, meetings and appointments in person, alongside some remote support by telephone, email or Microsoft Teams.
Hours are flexible and will depend on the needs of the individual being supported and scheduled court hearings or meetings.
Full induction and training will be provided to help volunteers understand the McKenzie Friend role, professional boundaries, safeguarding, confidentiality and supporting individuals through family court proceedings.
Volunteers will receive ongoing guidance and support from The Vault Unlocking Potential CIC, with opportunities to develop their knowledge and practical experience.
Reasonable travel and other agreed out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with The Vault’s arrangements.
For the Volunteer McKenzie Friend role:
Gain valuable hands-on experience supporting people through family court proceedings.
Develop knowledge and understanding of the family court process and McKenzie Friend role.
Build skills in communication, organisation, note-taking and supporting individuals in challenging situations.
Gain experience that may support future careers in law, advocacy, social care, family support and related professions.
Receive induction, training and ongoing support from The Vault Unlocking Potential CIC.
Build confidence and professional experience working alongside individuals and other professionals.
Make a meaningful difference by helping people feel heard, informed and supported during difficult family circumstances.
Become part of a supportive organisation committed to empowering individuals and families.
This is a flexible, community-based Volunteer McKenzie Friend role. Volunteers may need to attend family court hearings, meetings and appointments across County Durham and the wider North East, alongside some remote support by telephone, email or Microsoft Teams.
Access to reliable transport is desirable due to the nature of the role. Reasonable adjustments will be considered, and we welcome applications from disabled and neurodivergent volunteers. Individual accessibility requirements can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.
This role involves supporting individuals through potentially sensitive and challenging family court proceedings. Volunteers must demonstrate confidentiality, impartiality, professionalism and clear boundaries at all times.
Volunteers must understand that a McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor and does not replace professional legal advice or legal representation.
A commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and person-centred support is essential. Relevant recruitment checks, references and training will be completed where appropriate.
The Vault Unlocking Potential CIC welcomes applicants with relevant professional or lived experience who are passionate about helping individuals feel informed, supported and empowered when navigating the family court system.
