What had begun as a small local action group in 2018 had grown into a trusted service, supporting individuals with complex and often traumatic experiences.
“Last year we supported about 70 individuals in a variety of ways, people who had experienced different forms of exploitation and modern slavery.”
ASIOX works closely with survivors as they rebuild their lives, supporting people who have experienced labour exploitation, domestic servitude, and other forms of abuse. Many of those who come to the charity are dealing with insecure housing, immigration concerns, and long-term trauma, often with little access to specialist advice.
“We see people who have been through horrific experiences. They’re trying to make sense of what’s happened to them, and at the same time they’re dealing with housing, benefits, immigration, and all sorts of practical issues.”
As demand increased, so did the complexity of the organisation’s work. Supporting vulnerable people safely and effectively required strong systems, clear public information, and robust governance. ASIOX needed a professional website, clear terms and conditions, and policies that reflected both its values and its legal responsibilities.
“We realised we needed proper systems in place. Not just for funders, but for the people we support. They need to know who we are and that they can trust us.”
For a small charity, developing this legal and digital infrastructure felt overwhelming.
“You’re trying to support people who’ve been through horrific experiences, and at the same time you’re worrying about compliance and safeguarding. It’s a lot to carry.”
Recognising that they needed expert guidance, Sue and her team began searching for support. That search led them to LawWorks.
Through LawWorks’ Not-for-Profits Programme, ASIOX was connected with volunteer lawyers from White & Case, who provided legal support at a crucial stage of the charity’s development. LawWorks acted as the broker, bringing together the right expertise at the right time.
“It was such a gift to find that this kind of support was even available. It constantly surprises me that there are people and organisations out there who will help with this kind of thing. It’s been a real encouragement to know that others will come alongside us and contribute what they can.”
With these foundations in place, ASIOX gained greater confidence in how it presented itself to survivors, partners, and funders. While the new website is still in development, the strengthened governance framework and legal foundations have already made it easier for people to understand the charity’s work, access support, and trust its services.
“Having the legal foundations in place gives us confidence as we develop our website. It means when people do find us, they’ll know they can trust what they’re seeing and who we are.”
Looking ahead, the strengthened digital and governance infrastructure is opening new opportunities for ASIOX to build partnerships, secure funding, and reach more survivors.
“We can now think about the future in a different way. We’re not just reacting to what comes in, we can actually plan how to grow and help more people.”
What began as a grassroots initiative has become a trusted organisation with the systems needed to grow responsibly, ensuring that more survivors of exploitation can access the support they need, when they need it.
“We’re so grateful for the support we’ve had through LawWorks. It’s been a real encouragement to know that we’re not doing this alone, and that there are people who genuinely want to help us do this work well.”
Stories like that of ASIOX show how small charities can achieve lasting change when they have access to the right legal and governance support.
Through its Not-for-Profits Programme, LawWorks provides free legal advice on governance, contracts, policies, and digital compliance, helping charities operate safely and sustainably.
With our support, organisations like ASIOX can focus on what matters most, supporting vulnerable people and strengthening their communities.
Donate today to LawWorks and help more charities secure their future.