In this Q&A, we introduce the ILBF community to Haroon Matloob, our new Shipping Coordinator. Haroon is a law student at the University of Surrey, currently on his placement. He has taken the role of ILBF’s Shipping Coordinator for the remainder of the academic year.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am from Manchester and went to the University of Surrey to study law. I wanted to challenge myself and become more independent while studying a law degree. This has been a life changing experience for me and I have learnt a lot about myself as a result. I love physical activities such as playing football and going on regular runs. I have also taken part in the debating society at university and became president in my second year. I love writing and reading, and this has been important to me over the last few years.
When and how did you come to be involved with the ILBF?
I started my role in September, and I first heard about the role when I spoke to a previous Shipping Coordinator. Immediately I was very interested and sent my application to Katrina, hoping I would get this role.
What does your role as Shipping Coordinator involve?
It involves communicating with potential recipients and getting them to complete forms such as the shipping and anti-bribery forms. I have to arrange packing days where I go to places like the Royal Courts of Justice and pack books for the recipients. I then have to arrange for shippers to collect the books and be shipped off to the respective organisations. My job involves a lot of communication via emails and updating spreadsheets. It also involves communicating with volunteers to organise packing days and setting out instructions for them.
What do you enjoy most about working with the ILBF? What are you most looking forward to in the role?
I enjoy the packing days in London the most because I get to go out there and really feel like I am part of the process, and this work is making a difference. It is a thoroughly enjoyable day out and I get to work with amazing volunteers to help do something special.
What does the ILBF’s mission mean to you?
It means a great deal as coming from a disadvantageous background I know how important access to justice is. It is at the foundation of society and not everyone is afforded that privilege and so the work done at ILBF is essential to ensuring everyone is allowed access to justice.
What are your future goals and career plans?
I am interested in being a barrister, however I am very open minded and have not made a decision on who I want to be yet. I think I know I do not want to be tied down to doing one thing and I want to do something I am passionate about.
What is your favourite book?
My favourite book is “So you want to talk about race” by Ijeoma Oluo.
