I joined Protect as a volunteer just after I finished my Legal Practice Course and although I had only a basic grasp of aspects of employment law, Protect’s work really appealed to me.
Summarising Employment Tribunal judgments and highlighting the relevant discussions of the Public Interest Disclosure Act seemed daunting at first, but after an informative induction and feedback on a few initial case summaries, I felt much more confident pulling out and writing up the relevant points for use by Protect’s advisers. I have learnt so much over the last six months, seeing the legal challenges from the perspectives of both the whistleblower and the employer. As well as becoming familiar with the legal tests applying to whistleblower protection, I also attended internal meetings and took part in training sessions on whistleblowing law.
Having spent six months at Protect, I have now come to the end of my time here and am moving to a specialist corporate law firm in the City, Lewis Townsend LLP to continue my legal career.
The people at Protect have been inspiring for their commitment and empathy towards whistleblowers and I am so sad to be leaving. I will continue to recommend Protect as a fantastic and rewarding volunteering opportunity and can only hope the charity and its work receives the support it deserves.
By Protect volunteer Jo Cousins