22nd April 2016
A community legal clinic run by law students at Barking & Dagenham College has won the prestigious Association of College's (AoC) Beacon Award for Widening Participation in Learning, and a cheque for £5,000.
A community legal clinic run by law students at Barking & Dagenham College has secured a prestigious national award. The Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Award for Widening Participation in Learning, and a cheque for £5,000, was presented to the College at a reception in front of guests including Jon Cruddas MP.
Supported by local lawyers and pro bono barristers, the Barking & Dagenham College Legal Clinic is run by student volunteers who are all studying Access to Law, a course designed specifically for mature students who want to go on to study at university. The clinic was praised by the judges for its work in encouraging aspiration to higher levels of study, and to careers in a sector which can be difficult to break into.
Dame Pat Bacon, Chair of the Beacon Awards, said:
“Barking & Dagenham College is an outstanding representative of the excellent work happening in colleges across the country.”
Carol Snape, CEO of award sponsors Gateway Qualifications, added,
“I have seen first-hand how the recipients of the Beacon Awards in 2014 benefitted from winning and how other colleges learnt from their award winning projects, I am sure Barking & Dagenham College will enjoy a similar experience as winners this year.”
Jon Cruddas MP, said
“On behalf of the local community I want to thank the students and staff at the College for the work of the Legal Clinic.
“I know I speak for all our local Councillors when I say that we are really proud of the work you are doing. Good luck to all the students and their careers future careers. It is outstanding work.”
Yvonne Kelly, Acting Principal and CEO at Barking & Dagenham College added,
“Working in a Legal Clinic is usually reserved for university students in their third year of a law degree. With the support of legal professionals, our students have provided a free service to local people and, at the same time, acquired valuable real work experience in their chosen field. Experience that will give them a head start as they prepare for their universities studies and future careers.”
Legal Clinic Opening TimesThe Legal Clinic is open every Wednesday during term time, 9am - 12noon, at our main Rush Green Campus (Dagenham Road, Romford RM7 0XU). To make an appointment please email us via this link with your full name and a contact telephone number. We regret that we are unable to provide legal advice by email.
