Navigating Uncertainty: our latest annual review is out

On Friday, the Law Centres Network (LCN) published its latest annual review, titled 'Navigating Uncertainty: Forging Our Path Ahead'. The report offers a look at the challenges and achievements of the Network over a year marked by uncertainty and change.

Building resilience

The review looks back over a busy year. It is the first full year under the current government, that has pursued policy changes across many areas, including workers' rights, renters' rights, public spending priorities and, most recently, immigration and asylum. These changes affect the immediate circumstances in which our member Law Centres work.

Responding to crisis and change

2025 saw Law Centres face new and ongoing challenges: a major cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency has disrupted services for months and has impacted all providers, Law Centres among them. The sector also contended with anti-immigration protests, threats from far-right activists, and threats to funding in some newly elected local councils.

Data-driven transformation

The review highlights the Network's new data project, that aims to strengthen Law Centres' digital and data maturity, and to establish a common data framework across Law Centres and beyond, to their partners. In less than a year, the project has already had impressive achievements, that we intend to build on over the next four years.

Supporting members and communities

LCN’s support for Law Centres included guidance on legal practice challenges, training on emerging issues, like the use of AI in decision-making, and practical help with funding and governance. It has supported knowledge-sharing between Law Centres and collaboration on common issues and shared projects.

Work has increased this year to develop the Law Centres workforce, spanning recruitment, retention, qualification, career pathways and diversity and inclusion. The Network also prizes its role as a convenor for Law Centres, bringing them together through inspiring events like June's mutual aid-themed conference.

Advocacy and impact

The review covers LCN’s advocacy work and successes, including lobbying for legal aid fee increases, supporting legal action that expanded welfare benefits legal aid funding, and campaigning for improved rights for renters. The Network's voice has influenced policy, supported research, and strengthened the public profile of Law Centres through strategic communications.

As Law Centres' funding environment remains challenging, it is important that LCN's work has continued to provide good value for members. This year, for every £1 we received in membership fees, we have returned £11 to members in services, grants and other benefits.

READ THE ANNUAL REVIEW.