We are delighted to announce that the Garden Court Special Fund has been shortlisted for the ‘Access to Justice’ award at the UK Diversity Legal Awards 2019.
An initiative of the Black Solicitors Network, the awards are the only industry awards which focus solely on recognising, promoting and celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion across the legal profession.
Every member of chambers contributes to the Special Fund financially, in keeping with the long-standing progressive ethos of Garden Court Chambers.
The UK Diversity Legal Awards said:
“It is becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary people to obtain access to justice following cutbacks to legal aid, closure of courts and legal advice centres, increased high court and tribunal fees and other reforms. The result is an escalating crisis over access to justice in the UK. This award recognises an ambitious initiative or project that has effectively and demonstrably provided (and/or improved) access to justice for disadvantaged, marginalised and/or vulnerable members in society in the UK.”
Over the last 30 years, the Special Fund has donated almost £2 million to small legal, campaigning or charitable organisations undertaking work in defence of civil liberties and/or access to social justice.
Most of the organisations we support improve access to justice for disadvantaged, marginalised and/or vulnerable members of society. We currently provide long-term funding to 15 such organisations:
- Bail for Immigration Detainees
- Brent Community Law Centre
- Centre for Women’s Justice
- Friends, Families & Travellers
- Inquest
- Institute of Race Relations
- Just for Kids Law
- Migrants’ Rights Network
- Paddington Law Centre
- Public Law Project
- Reprieve
- Rights of Women
- Southall Black Sisters
- War on Want
- Women in Prison
In addition, the Special Fund also makes a number of one-off donations every year of up to £3,000 to other organisations. In 2018/19 we provided funding to 46 organisations & initiatives.
We would like to particularly acknowledge and thank Rajiv Menon QC, Convenor of the Special Fund Committee, and the Committee members, all of whom help manage the scheme, assess applications and grant funding.
The UK Diversity Legal Awards will be held on 28 November 2019 when the winners will be announced.
If you want to apply for funding or require further information about the Special Fund, please email Rajiv Menon QC, Convenor of Garden Court Chambers Special Fund Committee. If you are applying for short-term funding, you can apply at any time. The next deadline for long-term funding will be 10 January 2022.
Related News
Garden Court Chambers | Monday 20 May 2019
Garden Court Special Fund awards £12,000 in short-term funding to organisations working to defend civil liberties, human rights and social justice
We are delighted to announce that we have recently provided short-term support to 5 organisations. Each beneficiary has received a payment of between £1,000 and £3,000, amounting to a total of £12,000.
Garden Court Chambers | Tuesday 16 April 2019
Garden Court Special Fund awards £44,000 in short-term funding to organisations working to defend civil liberties, human rights and social justice
We are delighted to announce that we have recently provided short-term support to 18 organisations. Each beneficiary has received a one-off payment of between £1,000 and £4,000, amounting to a total of £44,000.
