Our Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for NCLS. It acts collectively and effectively in the charity’s interests by giving strategic direction and determining its mission and vision.
Meet our board
Laurence Harris
Chair
Laurence became a trustee in 2024 and chair of the Board in 2025. He is a solicitor, and being involved in pro bono advice has always been an important part of his legal career.
David Butler
Treasurer/Vice-Chair
David has lived in Norwich for almost 30 years and is retired after working as a corporate treasurer, mostly in the insurance sector. He also sits as a magistrate in the criminal courts, and volunteers for a charity helping young adults with learning difficulties. Read more here.
Rachel Higgs
Operations Committee Chair
Rachel is a solicitor and was a partner at national law firm, Mills & Reeve, for over 30 years where she led a team of lawyers specialising in complex litigation. She became a trustee of NCLS in 2022, wanting to reclaim her legal aid roots and help others.
Helen Jackson
Board Member
Helen’s background is in Health and Social Services. Her work as a frontline social worker provides an appreciation of the complexities of the issues facing NCLS clients. She has experience of multi-agency working, strategic planning and budget management.
Sally Davenport
Personnel Committee Chair
Sally is a retired employment and discrimination solicitor. She is still providing legal advice to NCLS clients at our Free Legal Advice (FLA) clinics.
Aqmar Zakaria
Board Member
Aqmar is an Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging Associate at Allianz Commercial. She says being a trustee at NCLS helps to ensure that everyone gets a chance to access a high-quality legal service that is both free and accessible.
Naomi Newell
Board Member
Naomi has volunteered for NCLS since she was an undergraduate student at the University of East Anglia, where she studied Law. She now works as a solicitor for Birketts LLP and continues to volunteer on NCLS’ general free legal advice rota. Outside work, she is a cheerleader and enjoys hosting NCLS’ annual quiz. Read more here
Norman Lamb
Board Member
A Norfolk employment solicitor, then local MP for 18 years. In 2012, he became Employment and Business Minister then Health Minister. Later, Select Committee Chair. After leaving Parliament, chaired a large London NHS mental health trust. He lives in Norwich with wife Mary. They have two adult sons. Read more here.
Ros Brown
Board Member
Ros came to Norwich to study at UEA then had a long career at Norwich City Council. She joined NCLS in 2004 as Law Centre Development Officer, eventually becoming CEO. Ros retired in 2019 but continued to support NCLS by drafting funding applications and through membership of the Supporters Group. Read more here.
Cassie Cox
Board Member
Cassie Cox brings senior leadership experience across strategy, governance and organisational change. A freelance consultant and Magistrate, she is passionate about fairness, access to justice and helping organisations deliver meaningful impact. Outside of work, Cassie enjoys staying active and is a mum to two girls and two dogs. Read more here.
Janka Rodziewicz
Board Member
Dr Janka Rodziewicz brings over fifteen years of leadership experience in charities, public sector and regulated environments. She is the founder of a Norfolk-based consultancy specialising in governance, strategy and operational excellence for purpose-led organisations.
Jade Hunter
Board Member
Jade Hunter is the proud Head Teacher of West Earlham Infant and Nursery school. She is passionate about quality early years provision and has a strong interest in and drive for developing high-quality SEN provision within mainstream school and delivering a proactive trauma informed approach. Read more here.
It is a huge privilege to serve as the Chair of NCLS’s Board. I am inspired by what our staff and volunteers do with calmness, good humour and a smile.
Whatever your debt problem, NCLS can offer you advice and support. Our advisers Mariusz, Suzie and Simon are approved Intermediaries for Debt Relief Orders and experts in money management.
We can help you with that. Please note that we only advise on appeals, we cannot give general advice on benefits, such as entitlement. For help with this please visit Citizens Advice .
You have 1 month to request a review of the decision (late requests can be made up to 12 months late but only with good grounds for lateness). Many of the local entitlement advice services can assist with this stage. Please take a look at our website for further support.
Access to our Welfare Rights appeals and Representation service (WRARS) is usually by referral from partner advice services in the Norfolk Community advice network NCAN Common Referral System.
If you have problems with getting referred you can call the Welfare Benefits team directly on 01603 496623 and choose option 4, or email us at wrars@ncls.co.uk. If our Welfare Benefit service has assisted you previously you can self-refer.
Alternatively contact us using our enquiry form and we will get back to you within 3 working days.
