Ladies and Gentlemen: let me thank the Law Centres Federation for inviting me to Manchester today, to help celebrate the establishment of three new Law Centres in Bury, Stockport and Trafford. It is fitting that today's launch is being hosted jointly by representatives of the legal professions, the not-for-profit sector, and the Legal Services Commission - and sponsored by Garden Court North Chambers. This is a classic example of the partnership spirit that is central to the ethos of the Community Legal Service.
The other cause for celebration this week is of course the second National Pro Bono Week, launched on Monday by the Attorney General. Last year's events raised the profile of Pro Bono, not only within the legal professions and not-for-profit sector, but also with the public. This year, we aim to build on that progress and ensure that Pro Bono does not remain - as one newspaper described it last week - "one of the best-kept consumer secrets".
The opening of new Law Centres in Bury, Stockport and Trafford is the result of a successful partnership between the Law Centres Federation and regional Legal Services Commission colleagues. It is further evidence that the Community Legal Service (CLS) is working very well. The CLS has transformed access to legal services. It has built a framework for comprehensive local networks of good quality legal advice services, supported by co-ordinated funding, and based on the needs of local people. So it has made it far easier for people to understand their rights and responsibilities, to resolve disputes, enforce their rights, and if necessary seek the protection of the Courts. And the CLS has focussed on the social welfare categories of law - the areas which impact most on people's daily lives and in which timely access to good quality legal and advice services can help vulnerable people avoid the downward spiral to social exclusion and poverty.
The CLS Partnerships bring together the key players in each area - the Legal Services Commission (LSC), the local authorities, legal practices, Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs), independent advice centres, Law Centres and other local service providers - to identify local need and implement strategies for meeting it in a focussed and co-ordinated way. CLS Partnerships now cover almost 100% of the country - well ahead of our target date of April 2004. This is largely due to the drive and commitment of those involved, so let me thank everyone who has made the local partnership here such a success.
The Law Centres in Bury, Stockport and Trafford have been developed in direct response to the need here for increased legal help in the social welfare categories of law, as identified by the LSC in a recent regional report. And since the Centres are managed by boards drawn from the local community, they can continue to identify local need as it emerges and adapt services accordingly. This morning I visited Stockport to see the work underway on issues such as housing, debt and employment. Seeing the excellent work Law Centres do first-hand brings home the value of voluntary participation. And it reinforces the reality that the success of a Law Centre relies on the enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment of its staff. The services provided by the three new Law Centres here will be valued highly by the local communities and I wish each Centre all the very best for the future.
Pro Bono is one of the proudest facets of our legal system. It represents the fullest flowering of the voluntary impulse and is integral to the CLS, as a complement to, but not a substitute for, Legal Aid. Pro Bono brings out the very best in lawyers, and shows them to be dedicated, efficient and caring professionals, providing important services to the poor and disadvantaged. Many of us who chose the legal profession did so because we wanted to help people resolve their difficulties and uphold their rights. Many lawyers demonstrate their dedication to Pro Bono in law centres and advice centres all over the country. This involves significant commitment and I salute all of them.
Where lawyers voluntarily give up their time to put their skills and expertise to such valuable use, it is vital that their commitment is not wasted or undervalued. We must have easy outlets for their skills, and we must ensure that those skills are properly targeted at the people and cases which really need them. So I am pleased that the excellent LawWorks project - which I launched three years ago - is a key ingredient of the three new Law Centres being launched today. LawWorks is a partnership between the Law Centres Federation and the Solicitors' Pro Bono Group, that brings Pro Bono work fully into the CLS context. LawWorks encourages lawyers to undertake not-for-profit work in Law Centres and clinics; and helps train volunteers in those areas of law needed to best support the requirements of the local community. It has developed an electronic advice programme to help improve access to advice not normally available in given areas. And it promotes the generation and exchange of new ideas, good practice and expertise between the Centres it supports. In Manchester, for example, the Law Works North Advisory Board has been established to identify opportunities for Pro Bono work and ensure that Pro Bono efforts are directed where they are most needed. LawWorks is a first class example of the imagination and innovation that is flourishing under the CLS; and it will serve the communities of Bury, Stockport and Trafford well.
Another important and positive development has been the creation of the Attorney General's Pro Bono Co-ordinating Committee which was set up in May 2002 to raise the profile of Pro Bono and co-ordinate its delivery at a national level. As many of you know, the Committee comprises representatives of all the key organisations involved in providing legal advice and support, including both the Bar and Solicitor's Pro Bono Groups, the Law Society, the Institute of Legal Executives, the College of Law, the Law Centres Federation, the Free Representation Unit, NACAB (National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux) and Advice UK.
As well as being the driving force behind National Pro Bono Week, the Committee's achievements in the past year include the development of a Protocol setting straightforward quality standards for Pro Bono, and a Pro Bono Website: www.probonouk.net. This useful site, which was launched on Monday by Michael Napier, on behalf of the Attorney General, offers volunteering opportunities for lawyers, students and advice agencies; guidance on obtaining legal assistance; and links to other related sites. Again, it has been developed through a partnership between the Bar and Solicitors Pro Bono Groups, the Law Society and the College of Law. And, as if to echo its theme, part of its development was undertaken by a web design company on a Pro Bono basis. The website will be an important tool in improving awareness of Pro Bono and building links between volunteers and people in need of legal assistance.
Let me also mention the Legal Advice Centre at Manchester University, which has been set up as part of the local CLS Partnership. It involves around 100 student volunteers who dedicate their free time to helping others. Their commitment is complemented by supervising lawyers, administrators and academic staff who ensure that the guidance provided is quality assured. This model is being promoted in other universities and academic centres as an opportunity to make an important contribution to the wider community, whilst gaining valuable on the job training. It is illustrative of the ideas and energy that have been unleashed by the new relationships that have formed under the CLS, and I applaud everyone involved.
Finally, I am pleased to be able to combine my visit to Manchester today with the opportunity to present this year's Northern Circuit Award. This is part of the Northern Circuit Free Representation and Advice Scheme - the first of its type - which was launched in 1991. It now receives referrals from over 125 agencies and is supported by some 500 members of the Circuit. The Northern Circuit regards the free representation scheme as one of its mainstream activities, encouraging as many members as possible to participate in it. The Award recognises outstanding commitment to the Scheme; and this year it goes to Elliot Gold of Cobden House Chambers for his Pro Bono work in Employment Law, and before the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel. Elliot has always responded enthusiastically to requests under the Scheme and is a shining example of Pro Bono in practice. It is a great pleasure to make this presentation.
Let me congratulate Elliot, the three new Law Centres and all those who support them, and everyone involved in Pro Bono. Today's event is a celebration of partnership and volunteering, and I thank you for letting me share it with you.