Pro Bono Skills Development Framework

This opportunity is open to students who have been accepted onto a volunteering placement with the CAJ. This does not include student-led projects.

About the PBSDF

The Pro Bono Skills Development Framework is an opportunity for students to reflect on and demonstrate the skills they develop while completing extracurricular volunteering on a CAJ pro bono placement. The framework is based on the Aurora Competence Framework. During the programme, volunteers will complete three reflective writing pieces on three different skills from the .Aurora Competence Framework

Students who successfully complete the PBSDF alongside their CAJ pro bono placement will be awarded a Certificate of Commitment to Pro Bono. To successfully complete the PBSDF, students will need to complete the Pro Bono Skills Development Record outlining how their placement has helped them develop the relevant skills.

Your participation will help you document and showcase the valuable competencies you've developed, however, please note that participation in the PBSDF scheme is entirely voluntary and will not affect your placement in any way. 

Eligibility notes

Please note, this framework is only available to LLB and LLM students who are working on a pro bono project that is organised through the Centre for Access to Justice. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate students who are working on projects or placements outside of the CAJ.

Please note that students completing pro bono as part of a module/degree requirement are not eligible to participate in the PBSDF, though if you are participating in pro bono projects in addition to your curricular commitments, you may undertake the PBSDF for any extracurricular projects. If you are unsure whether you or your project are eligible, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

Committee positions on CAJ Student-Led Projects (UCL SPBC, JLAP, AMICUS, and LWOB) do not meet the criteria for volunteer activities required to qualify for participation in the PBSDF program. 

How to Sign Up

The deadline to sign up is 21st November 2025, at 5PM. Please sign up here. 

For more information about the scheme or to sign up, please email accesstojustice@ucl.ac.uk 

2025-2026 Timeline

  • Deadline for sign up: Friday, 21 November
  • Introductory session: 26th November, from 5-6PM
  • Small group 'team' meeting for peer discussion (Students to arrange): January 2026
  • First draft submission date (one competency): Monday 9th February
  • Optional check in appointments: w/c 23rd February
  • Final submission deadline: 13th March
  • End of year party and certificate presentation: w/c 23rd March

Relevant Forms and Documents

Aurora Competence Framework Rubric

The PBSDF Guidance Document and Template for Submissions can be found at the following link: UCL Laws Pro Bono Programme and Student Opportunities - Handbook and Policies - All Documents