Legal Adviser and Service Coordinator

Job title: Legal Adviser and Service Coordinator

Organisation: PERN (Penrith and Eden Refugee Network)

Location: Hybrid / Carlisle

Deadline: 4 May 2026, at 11.59pm

Salary: £21,945 per annum (FTE – £36,575 based on 37.5 hours a week)

Website: https://pern.org.uk

Contact for role: Jessica Boatright (Charity Administrator) hello@pern.org.uk

About the role:

PERN are looking for someone sharp and determined to lead our Carlisle-based PERN Legal and Info service, skilfully navigating the current hostile environment for asylum seekers and refugees. Ideally qualified to or working towards IAA Level 3 (or equivalent) in Asylum and Protection, you will carry out casework alongside leading the service, including supervision of our small but dedicated team of staff and volunteers. This is a hybrid part-time (3 day a week) role with some remote working possible.

ABOUT PERN LEGAL & INFO

PERN Legal & Info is a frontline service primarily for asylum seekers in Cumbria. The service provides case work, advice and self-help support on asylum and protection, asylum rights and some wider immigration matters. The service is currently registered to IAA Level 3 in Immigration.

At PERN we centre lived experience in all that we do. Our ambition for PERN is to be a true alliance of refugees and those who have lived in the UK for longer. Solidarity is always at the heart of how we think and act.

PERN Legal and Info (Carlisle branch) is supported by Cumberland Council and The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund.

Our Legal Adviser and Service Coordinator will:

1) Provide asylum and protection and asylum rights advice and casework up to and including IAA Level 2 and IAA Level 3. If qualified, they will provide Immigration casework.

2) Oversee of the day to day operation of PERN Legal & Info, ensuring that it is accessible, efficient and compliant. This includes working in conjunction with our Barrow based service.

3) Develop the PERN Legal & Info service including leading on the feasibility of a Legal Aid contract.

4) Uphold and build PERN’s culture and values, particularly being lived experience centred and promoting solidarity and community cohesion.

The Legal Adviser and Service Coordinator will be accountable to the Director of PERN. We expect all members of staff and volunteers to work at all times to promote PERN’s values and operate within PERN policy and procedures.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY:

You can find the full role description and person specification for this role on our website: https://www.penrithandedenrefugeenetwork.org/legal-adviser

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to hello@pern.org.uk.

Deadline: 4th May (11:59pm)
Interviews will take place week commencing 11th May 2026.

• Document Date
• Wednesday April 1, 2026