Become a Trustee for Employment Rights
Bradical Employment Rights (BER) is a charity which provides free employment law advice and practical assistance for those living within Birmingham who face unfair dismissals, pay/contractual issues or redundancy. Our emphasis is however on helping those who face discrimination at the workplace because of their race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age or religion. Our services are headed by our Casework Supervisor and supported by volunteers who are predominantly studying law. Whilst BER does not profess to act as an equivalent to a law firm or instructing a solicitor or barrister, we have a wealth of experience and knowledge about employment and discrimination law which has allowed us, for years, to secure positive outcomes for our clients (over £300,000 by way of out of court settlements and Tribunal or county court awards).
BER has a rich and proud history of helping those in Birmingham who have no recourse to Union membership or financial resources to instruct a legal representative. BER started over 16 years ago in Handsworth as an unincorporated voluntary organisation. In 2011, BER formerly registered as a community interest company. Our services were supported by an increasing number of volunteers, many of whom were prospective barristers. We developed strong links with the Sikh Community & Youth Service and the Birmingham CAB. As our caseload rose, we continued to secure successes in the Tribunal and through out of court settlements.
In 2016, BER gained charitable status and continued to work with the Birmingham CAB and educational establishments such as Birmingham City University of the University of Law. Whilst the pandemic and lockdown stopped BERs ability to offer face to face appointments with our clients and sustain our stakeholder relationships in the same way, we were able to still champion our cause via remote channels. Since March 2023, BER has now acquired offices to enable clients to have face to face appointments. In tandem to this, BER still supports clients remotely.
Despite all the challenges that have been thrown at BER, we have continued to support and assist people who face difficulties at work. We remain focussed in our approach to hold employers to account for any unlawful or discriminatory actions at the workplace.
BER is now looking to expand its Board of trustees with emphasis on those who can assist with the following roles:
(a) Treasurer;
(b) Fundraising (including, if possible, updating the website and social platforms);
(c) Who can advise on discrimination claims.
There are some exciting plans brewing for BER and we look forward to strengthening our Board's expertise to bring the same into fruition.
Trustee meetings are held monthly or every other month. These take place either remotely or at our offices at Gazette Buildings, Corporation Street.
If you are interested in learning more about the role or applying to become a trustee, please do not hesitate to get in touch with BER’s chair, Gurpreet Rheel, on grheel1@gmail.com. You can also access more information about BER on our website: bradicalemploymentrights.co.uk.