The Odysseus Trust seeks to promote good governance in the interests of the governed, based upon plural democratic values, public accountability and the effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It seeks legislative, political and social reforms to achieve these objectives.

The Trust supports the activities of Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC in his work as a member of the House of Lords. Anthony Lester is a human rights advocate who has campaigned for a Bill of Rights and for equality legislation in the United Kingdom for some 30 years. The Odysseus Trust has four staff members: two Parliamentary Legal Officers (Tara Lyle and Paola Uccellari), a researcher (Caroline Baker) and an office manager (Evie Jamieson), who co-ordinate and direct the work of the Trust.

The Trust is a company limited by guarantee. It operates as a non-profit-making body financed solely by voluntary donations.

To find out more about the work of The Odysseus Trust download our annual report for 2007-08.

Previous Annual Reports

Annual Report for 2005-06

Annual Report for 2002-03

Annual Report for 2001-02

Cohabitation Bill

The Odysseus Trust has been working with RESOLUTION, an association of 5500 family lawyers, on the LIVING TOGETHER campaign. Lord Lester introduced a Private Member’s Bill in the House of Lords in the autumn which aimed to end the injustice and financial hardship faced by long-term cohabiting couples when they separate. The Bill had its Second Reading debate on 13 March 2009 and its Committee stage debate on 30 April 2009. The bill did not complete committee stage owing to a lack of parliamentary time.

For more information about the Living Together campaign please click HERE. If you would like to view the consultation (now closed) please click HERE.