Principles & Goals
Wyndham Legal Service Inc. is committed to the following principles and goals:
l To provide accessible legal services, particularly for those people who are disadvantaged in their access to justice through services that are free, friendly, confidential, physically accessible and responsive to the needs of our community. These services will be for individuals and communities that experience marginalisation, discrimination and systematic problems with the justice system for reasons including income, gender, age, culture and political persuasion.
l To provide legal services that represent the right of community members to informed decision making and to be treated with respect, dignity and consideration. This will be done by providing accurate and appropriate information, encouraging the recognition and understanding of legal rights and enabling people to make informed decisions for the resolution of legal matters and enforcement of legal rights and responsibilities.
l To affect more than the individual solution to legal problems by encouraging and facilitating active community participation in law reform activities and projects, approaching legal problems from a consideration of wider social experiences of the client and community and by providing appropriate referrals to other agencies. Also by developing knowledge and expertise in areas of law not generally provided by the private legal profession or Victoria Legal Aid.
l To provide legal education to encourage communities and individuals to develop an understanding of the law and the legal system by providing information through seminars, printed materials and the development of links with other community based organisations.
l To advocate for, and participate in the process of legal and social changes that redress injustices and inequities in the law and society by seeking positive changes to legal structure, the implementation and enforcement of laws and the attitudes, behaviour and knowledge of those who make, administer or enforce the law.
l To encourage and support participation in the operation of the Legal Service by developing and maintaining active links with the community, involving community members in the management structure and decision making processes whilst working in co-operation with other community organisations and legal service providers.
l To develop efficient and effective organisational and administrative systems by working towards best practice models, reliable and efficient systems and responsive management structures and procedures that operate in accordance with professional standards and ethics. Also to undertake regular planning and evaluation exercises encouraging and utilising the services and skills of professionals, volunteers, local services and community members to extend the services provided.
l To provide a satisfying, stimulating and safe work environment that complies with all relevant statutory and award requirements in employment conditions.
