At a Glance
- Tasks: Help build a vital platform for navigating the criminal justice system using Drupal.
- Company: Join a passionate, volunteer-run team dedicated to social justice.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, collaborate with diverse volunteers, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Remote role with opportunities for personal growth and community contribution.
- Why this job: Use your tech skills to empower communities and shape a meaningful resource.
- Qualifications: Experience with Drupal, PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Git.
The Criminal Justice Hub helps people and communities navigate and have a voice in the criminal justice system in England and Wales. We need a committed Drupal developer to help bring our new platform to beta launch using LocalGov Drupal. Could you be part of something meaningful? What difference will you make? The Criminal Justice Hub exists to give people and communities a stronger voice in a system that can feel overwhelming and inaccessible. Your development work will directly shape a platform that thousands of people across England and Wales will rely on to understand their rights, find support and hold the system to account.
We are a small, entirely volunteer‑run team, and every contribution matters. The developers in this role will be central to taking our new platform from beta to a fully launched public service. Without reliable technical volunteers, the Hub simply cannot progress. Your work will ensure that the site is stable, accessible and built to the standards that our users deserve. By joining us, you will also become part of the wider LocalGov Drupal community — contributing to an open‑source project that benefits councils and public services across the country.
What are we looking for?
- Above all, we need people who are reliable and committed. This is not a token role – we need developers who will turn up, follow through and care about the work.
- Essential:
- Experience working with Drupal (ideally Drupal 10+)
- Familiarity with PHP, Twig, HTML, CSS and JavaScript
- Comfortable using Git and GitHub for version control
- Ability to work independently and manage your own time
- A collaborative attitude – you will be working across disciplines with non‑technical volunteers
- Genuine interest in social justice, access to justice or public services.
- Desirable:
- Experience with the LocalGov Drupal distribution
- Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG)
- Experience working in agile or sprint‑based teams
- Familiarity with continuous integration or deployment workflows.
We welcome applications from people at different stages of their careers. What matters most is that you are dependable, skilled enough to contribute meaningfully, and motivated by the mission rather than the job title.
What will you be doing?
We are looking for two volunteer Drupal developers to join a small, dedicated team building the Criminal Justice Hub — a free online resource helping people and communities navigate the criminal justice system in England and Wales. The platform is built using Drupal and the LocalGov Drupal distribution, with all code managed through GitHub. We are approaching beta launch and need developers who can help us get there and beyond.
As a technical developer, you will work alongside a Head of Technical, Product Manager and Service Owner, and collaborate with volunteers across user research, content design and product management. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Building and maintaining features on the Drupal platform in line with the product roadmap
- Working with the LocalGov Drupal codebase and contributing to its development
- Reviewing and committing code via GitHub
- Collaborating with the wider team to ensure technical work meets user needs
- Troubleshooting issues and supporting the ongoing stability of the site
- Participating in regular team check‑ins and sprint planning
This is a hands‑on development role. We are a volunteer‑run service, so there is no hierarchy for the sake of it – everyone contributes meaningfully. We are honest about the fact that we have experienced high volunteer turnover in the past, and we are now looking specifically for people who are genuinely committed to the cause and can offer consistent, reliable time to the project. If you are primarily looking for a title for your CV, this is not the right opportunity. If you want to use your skills to make a real difference in how people experience the justice system, we would love to hear from you.
Technical Developer (Drupal) - Volunteer in Manchester employer: Criminal Justice Hub
The Criminal Justice Hub is an exceptional volunteer employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause that empowers communities in navigating the criminal justice system. As part of a small, dedicated team, you will collaborate closely with like-minded individuals, ensuring your technical contributions have a direct impact on thousands of users across England and Wales. With a strong focus on social justice and a supportive work culture, this role not only allows for personal growth but also connects you to the wider LocalGov Drupal community, enhancing your skills while making a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Developer (Drupal) - Volunteer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get involved in the community! Join forums or groups related to Drupal and social justice. Networking with like-minded folks can lead to opportunities and insights that you won't find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you chat with potential teams, make sure to express why social justice matters to you. Your genuine interest can set you apart from others who might just be after a title.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a project or task that needs doing, don’t wait for someone to ask. Taking initiative shows your commitment and can really impress the team you're hoping to join.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Developer (Drupal) - Volunteer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you write your application, let your enthusiasm for social justice and the mission of the Criminal Justice Hub shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to showcase your experience with Drupal and any other relevant tech skills like PHP, Twig, or Git. We’re looking for developers who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back on what you bring to the table!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see how you fit into our team and the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of all applications and ensures you’re considered for this meaningful opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Criminal Justice Hub
✨Know Your Drupal Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Drupal skills, especially if you're familiar with Drupal 10+. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how you've used PHP, Twig, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The more specific examples you can provide, the better!
✨Show Your Commitment to Social Justice
Since this role is all about making a difference in the criminal justice system, be prepared to talk about why social justice matters to you. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your passion for access to justice and public services.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This is a small, volunteer-run team, so collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked with non-technical folks or contributed to a team project. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support others in achieving common goals.
✨Be Ready for Technical Challenges
Expect some technical questions or challenges during the interview. Brush up on Git and GitHub, and be prepared to troubleshoot common issues. Showing that you can think on your feet and solve problems will impress the interviewers!
