Disability Law Service Appoints New CEO and Opens Applications for New Trustees
Disability Law Service (DLS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew MacKay, an experienced lawyer and charity leader, as its new CEO from November 2024.
Andrew is a qualified solicitor in Scotland and England & Wales, initially having worked in private practice commercial litigation and international arbitration.
For many years, Andrew worked and volunteered in the non-profit sector with a wide range of human rights and social justice charities, including those providing free legal advice and support in the UK and worldwide.
For nine years Andrew was Chief Operating Officer at A4ID, a legal charity tackling poverty, inequality, injustice and climate change. Most recently, Andrew was Co-Director for a UK environmental charity, supporting the development of African civil society, and assisting leaders and charities working towards climate and social justice.
Andrew said: “I feel very privileged to take up the role of Chief Executive, as the important work of DLS reflects my own long standing, passionate commitment to providing free advice, support, representation, and access to justice for disadvantaged and Disabled people. My own lived experience of unseen disability also fuels my passion for this work, having navigated life with ADHD since childhood.”
Andrew is joining a charity that not only advocates for the Disabled community, it is also part of it. More than 75% of trustees and half of staff are Deaf or Disabled, an approach that allows the team to provide a more tailored, empathetic support.
Deaf and Disabled people face discrimination and inequality on an unparalleled scale. They are among the poorest in society, were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and must fight daily to uphold their most basic human rights.
Andrew will build on DLS’s high-quality legal and benefits advice, advocacy and policy work, strengthening collaboration across the DLS network to deliver sustainable systems change to enable Deaf and Disabled people to live with dignity, independence and hope.
Edward Richards, DLS trustee, said: “we are all delighted that Andrew is joining with such extensive experience, and he has already made a very positive impression on the trustees and staff. We are confident that Andrew will build on the high-quality work that DLS has been undertaking to support Deaf and Disabled people since 1975.”
Disability Law Service Trustee Recruitment
In addition to this exciting appointment, DLS is seeking passionate and committed individuals with lived experience to join its Board of Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a vital charity that has been empowering Disabled people for 50 years.
We welcome applications from individuals with expertise in the non-profit sector, law, charity governance, finance, fundraising and/or people management. DLS values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
Trustees will contribute to the growth and development of DLS by taking an active part in Board meetings, and by supporting its work in other ways as appropriate. The Board meets five times a year, with meetings currently held via remote technology. Trustees will additionally respond to occasional requests for opinions or input between meetings.
This is an extremely rewarding but voluntary position and is unremunerated. The trustee role description can be downloaded here.
If you are interested in an informal discussion, please contact Andrew MacKay, DLS Chief Executive. Please let us know if you would like any further information or require the trustee information in another format.
- Email: andrew@dls.org.uk;
- Tel: +44 20 8167 2710
- Facebook: @disabilitylawservice
- Bluesky: @disabilitylaw.bsky.social
- Address: The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, London SE11 5RR
- Email Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DLS-Emails
- Web: dls.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies
Notes to Editors
- Disability Law Service (DLS), a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation (DDPO) dedicated to providing free legal advice, support and representation to Deaf and Disabled individuals across the UK, is based in Lambeth, London, but serves clients in England and Wales. Our MS Services support clients nationwide (including Scotland and Northern Ireland).
- We all want as much control as possible over our lives—the power to make decisions, pursue what matters most to us, and live without barriers, fully participating in our communities. For many, these freedoms are basic human rights we take for granted.
- But for Disabled people, these rights are often denied. Discrimination, inequality, and systemic challenges can make it difficult to live a life of dignity and independence. Support to challenge these barriers and access the tools to exercise their rights is crucial. Yet, many Disabled people are unaware of their rights or how to enforce them. The situation is worsened by the diminishing availability of free legal advice across the UK, leaving many unable to navigate the complex legal system. That’s where Disability Law Service comes in.
- We provide free legal advice, support and representation to Disabled people, their families and carers in key areas such as community care, housing, welfare benefits, employment, discrimination, and public law. Our work empowers Disabled individuals to exercise their rights, challenge injustice, and achieve equality and independence. We also provide disability law training to organisations to build sector capacity, advocate for changes to the law where it disadvantages Disabled people and undertake policy initiatives to fight for social change.
- With the right advice and representation, Disabled people can overcome barriers, live more independently, and fully participate in their communities. At Disability Law Service, we’re here to make that vision a reality.
- For trustee application details, visit dls.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies .