The Law Commission is a small, independent organisation which plays a central role in Government. It was established by statute to carry out law reform work in England and Wales. We aim to ensure that the law is as fair, modern, simple and as cost-effective as possible.
At any one time we might have about 25 law reform projects ongoing, covering a huge range of complex and significant issues. We have a high implementation rate which means that Government and Parliament appreciate the work that we do. Currently the Law Commission is working with nine Departments and ALBs including on compulsory purchase (MHCLG), digital assets (MoJ), autonomy in aviation (CAA), social care for disabled children (DfE), evidence in sex offence prosecutions (MoJ), online harm (MoJ), and cooperative and friendly societies (HMT).
The Law Commission comprises commissioners, lawyers and researchers with specialist knowledge of their subject, but also of consultation techniques, Parliamentary procedures and legislative drafting. We provide a resource to Government and Parliament which cannot be replicated. Our reports are often world leading. Our lawyers have inquiring minds and apply very rigorous standard of analysis and drafting.
Above all, the Law Commission is a friendly and collegiate body. The work is stimulating and there is a high premium placed upon the quality of output. What we do really matters, and we strive to do it very well.
Sir Peter Fraser Chair
Joanna Otterburn and Stephanie Hack Joint Chief Executives
Why the Law Commission is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
This will be the Law Commission’s second year hosting a boardroom apprentice. The Law Commission values having a boardroom apprentice who will support and challenge, through sharing knowledge of best practice on good governance, but also in shaping the Commission’s strategy for the future of law reform. The Commission is seeking someone who will help us to deliver on our vision:
• To be the authoritative independent voice on law reform;
• To make a positive difference through law reform work;
• To be proactive in promoting the need for law reform in key areas and for having “good law”;
• To have a strong reputation in the UK and abroad for being effective in the delivery of law reform
and
• To attract the best talent and be an excellent place to work.
Our non-executive board members have no formal responsibilities in relation to individual law reform proposals, which remain the responsibility of the five independent Commissioners.
The Law Commission has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and we are looking for new ways to bring different perspectives into our decision making. As a consultative body producing law reform proposals for the benefit of the whole of England and Wales, we are keen to broaden our geographical reach, as well as increase ethnic and socio-economic diversity across all roles in the organization. We are also paying closer attention to the diversity of the groups we reach through our consultative exercises. A boardroom apprentice would not only bring an additional voice to the organisation, but would also support the board to deliver on the commitments in the strategy.
The Law Commission is keen to play its part in developing the next generation of non-executive board members. The Commission’s work stretches across Government and a very wide range of stakeholders, both domestically and internationally. This would therefore be a good opportunity for someone to develop their skills in strategic planning, as well as understanding budget, communications and other resource planning, in a busy public sector organisation.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
Central London – in person but hybrid attendance is possible.
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
Quarterly meetings from 10am – 12pm with an all day board away day in January.
Date of Board Meetings (January – December 2025)
25 September 2024
29 January 2025 (full day)
26 March 2025
June 2025 (tbc)
September 2025 (tbc).
Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (January – December 2025)
There are currently no sub committees of the board.
Security checks
Basic government security clearance will be required.
Payment of travel expenses
Yes
