Structure and Funding

Staffing, funding and decision-making

Staffing

The LCF has a relatively small central office, with a Director and twelve members of staff. There are two departments covering Support and Development, and Policy.  Staffing includes three LCF project workers for the following initiatives: Equality and Diversity Project, Policy Development in London, and Young Peoples’ Rights Project.

Funding

The Law Centres Federation is funded by London Councils, The Big Lottery, Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Legal Services Commission.  It also receives funding for several projects:

  • Equality and Diversity Project is funded by the Big Lottery Fund
  • Young Peoples’ Project is funded by the City Bridge Trust
  • Policy Development in London Project is funded by City Parochial Foundation

The LCF also receives income from annual subscriptions paid by member Law Centres.

LCF’s income from main funders and from subscriptions is around £420,000 p.a.  Funding for projects is currently around £272,000 p.a.

Decision-Making

The LCF’s Memorandum and Articles of the Association states that the LCF must hold three General Meetings per year, including an Annual General Meeting.  General Meetings are held for Law Centre staff and delegated members of their management committees to decide upon major policy issues.  Applications from organisations wishing to become members of the Law Centres Federation are decided upon at General Meetings.

LCF General Meetings approve the LCF’s Rules of Membership Rules_of_LCF_Membership.doc and the Minimum Criteria for Membership Minimum_Criteria_for_LCF_Membership.doc.

At Annual General Meetings, a new Executive Committee of the LCF is elected.  The Executive Committee represents the interests of all Law Centres and is made up (almost) equally of Law Centre staff and management committee members.  There are 15 in all including Officers.  The LCF’s current members are: List_of_Members_2007_to_2008.doc

The Executive Committee meets bi-monthly and has several Sub Committees.

For more information, download LCF_Memorandum_of_Association.doc and LCF_Articles_of_Assocation.doc.