Advocacy service manager jobs

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

· Advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

· User involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

· Local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

The Advocacy Project vision is clear: everyone should have a voice. We work tirelessly to ensure that those who are often unheard or whose wishes are dismissed are heard and their rights upheld.

We believe passionately that everyone should have equal outcomes when accessing health and social care services, and we all live our values everyday showing up with kindness, strength, honesty and belief in the work we do. Our work makes a difference, but we need to reach more people and change more lives; can you be part of our journey? 

You will be joining The Advocacy Project at a critical time as we enter the second year of our new strategy.  Key to the success of the new strategy is developing a sustainable business model that moves us from a reliance on statutory income to a mixed portfolio of funding including trusts and foundations and paid for services.  Focussing on growth we are looking to secure at least £250,000 new income annually while maintaining our current income levels, we aim to double our income by the end of our strategy in 2030.

As part of our senior leadership team, you will be agile and collaborative, a fundraising professional who has developed and delivered an income generation strategy and achieved income growth across multiple income streams, including developing commercial income streams, grants and statutory income. You will be hands on, getting stuck into applications, prospecting, communicating, and developing new income opportunities. Building strong relationships with staff, volunteers and service users, you will also have the ability to engage with stakeholders and build relationships externally. You will develop evidence-based and impact-led cases for support for various projects and must be able to unlock growth, develop new approaches and help communicate our impact.

You will build and lead a small, effective and positive fundraising team.

Key responsibilities

• Developing our income strategy to ensure we reach our financial and strategic goals.
• Chairing the Business development and fundraising committee
• Further developing trust and foundations pipeline, growing income and identifying new opportunities.
• Further develop our commercial income opportunities including training, consultancy and paid for services.
• Overseeing all tender submissions including building the pipeline and writing or commissioning tender writers.
• Working with the CEO and our comms officer to ensure our Comms and Income generation strategy are aligned.
• Recruiting and managing bid writers as required. 
• Working with our Finance team to ensure all donations are collected and recorded correctly, holding budget responsibility for fundraising and cooms.
• Building our case for support, working closely with staff and service users to understand their lived experience.
• Representing The Advocacy Project with funders, commissioners and external partners
• Ensure the Board of Trustees are regularly updated on the progress of income generation and our comms engagement, using a transparent and consistent reporting framework.
• Embed a fundraising culture within The Advocacy Project.

About you

We’re looking for someone with a significant success and experience of impactful charitable fundraising across diverse income streams especially from trust and foundations.

You must be passionate about our work the role of advocacy and involving service users in design.

Essential

î  Effective line management skills and ability to deliver alongside and through small team.

î  Experience of developing trust and foundations pipelines, bid writing and evidenced success of winning significant funding.

î  Experience of statutory services and tender submissions

î  Experience of developing new income streams.

î  Experience of delivering to targets, including a strong understanding of risk and how best to manage it

î  Knowledge of fundraising regulations, GDPR, and best practices

Desirable

î  Experience of working as a senior leader within a third sector, public sector, or voluntary organisation, including setting strategy and managing change

î  Experience of designing and delivering commercial income streams including business to business and direct to consumer products

î  Previous experience in an Advocacy/user voice organisation

î  Previous experience of co production.

Skills

î  Strong leadership and management skills

î  Ability to work collaboratively and lead change effectively

î  Be highly organised and self-motivated with a proven ability to work to tight deadlines

î  Positive, creative, entrepreneurial, and solutions focused.

î  Proactive, dynamic, able to work effectively independently.

î  Ability to problem solve and think creatively

î  Confident networker, with strong communication skills.

î  Strong understanding of EDI principles and how to apply them in your work

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

· advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

· user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

· local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

This position involves supporting the Finance team by providing financial assistance to the Head of Finance in maintaining the organisation’s financial records and internal controls.

You will utilise your finance skills to ensure that transactions are accurately and promptly recorded, and you’ll assist in preparing high-quality month-end reports. You will also collaborate closely with the Finance Officer and wider teams to contribute to the organisation’s financial reporting and planning.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and internal reports for departmental managers and participate in regular review meetings; conduct variance analysis against budget and forecasts and provide commentary for senior management.
• Prepare, check, and submit end-of-month financial data to external accountants.
• Respond to internal and external finance queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Process the month-end transactions on Quick Books.
• Assist the Head of Finance with payroll processing, audits, financial reports, and ad hoc finance-related tasks.
• Prepare budgets and financial forecasts in collaboration with the Head of Finance and ensure accurate upload into the financial system.
• Monitor cash flow and support cash flow forecasting.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of financial procedures and systems to improve efficiency and accuracy.
•  Assist with the preparation of year-end accounts and liaise with auditors as required.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, internal policies, and reporting standards.
• î  Support the Finance Officer in reconciling bank accounts.
• î  Undertake any other duties as required by the Head of Finance to support the effective running of the finance function

General responsibilities

• Work according to the Equality Act 2010 and other forms of legislation that combat discrimination and promote equality and diversity.
• Participate in personal, team and organisational development.
• Contribute to internal and external monitoring reports.
• Adhere to organisational policies, including those related to health & safety, safeguarding, and risk management.
• Work in alignment with our mission, vision, and values.
• Person specification
• We welcome applications from people with transferrable skills and qualities, and people with diverse employment histories and personal backgrounds.

Essential qualities and attributes:

• Proven experience in a finance role, preferably in a management accounting or analytical capacity.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, reporting, and analysis
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial software systems.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise a heavy workload and multi-task
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Ability to work flexibly and to tight deadlines
•  A proactive, solution-focused approach to improving systems and processes. 

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

• Accounting qualification or studying towards an accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Experience of working in the charitable or voluntary sector.
• Knowledge of data protection regulations and managing confidential information.

Essential qualities and attributes:

• Understanding of the role and responsibilities of an advocate.
• Understanding of issues faced by people with mental health conditions, physical health conditions and learning disabilities.
• Ability to listen and build trust, to encourage people to express their own views and to represent clients’ self-defined interests.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). Good at working with a wide variety of people including commissioners, service users and colleagues.
•  IT literate, including working knowledge of Microsoft packages (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.
• Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and its services in line with our mission, vision and values.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

·advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

·user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

·local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

You’ll provide a warm and professional presence and a welcoming space to everyone that contacts The Advocacy Project.  You’ll interact regularly with senior managers from local government and the NHS, local councillors, charities, and people in need of our services.  Some of those who use our services may be unwell or in desperate need of help. A calm, professional manner is therefore key.  You’ll be proactive in finding ways to help people, whether through making a referral to our services or signposting to services provided by other organisations.

Key responsibilities

î  Answer calls professionally and in line with our customer service standards

î  Manage the info email box ensuring all queries are dealt with in a timely and professional manner.

î  Listen to voicemails and take appropriate action

î  Refer queries about existing referrals to the appropriate advocate or service manager proactively. Where appropriate chase to ensure that the advocate or manager has continued to work on the case

î  Make referrals to our own service using the web form which helps you enter relevant information into our Case Management System

î  Maintain a list of services provided by other organisations so that you can signpost people if they need a service that we do not offer

î  Upload reports received from external agencies into our Case Management System

î  Act with care and attention in line with our data protect and confidentiality policies; you’ll be dealing with sensitive personal data

î  Follow a simple flowchart; remain alert to potential safeguarding situations where prompt action needs to be taken to keep people safe

î  Call the Duty Advocate and request assistance on complex cases

î  Raise potential issues and problems with your manager at the earliest possible opportunity

General responsibilities

î  Participate in team meetings and training

î  Participate in personal, team and organisational development

î  Contribute to monitoring reports

î  Keep to our policies, including health & safety, safeguarding and risk regulations

î  Work to our mission, vision, and values

î  Carry out other projects and tasks as needed

Person specification

We welcome applications from people with transferrable skills and qualities, and people with diverse employment histories and personal backgrounds.

Essential qualities and attributes:

î  Aligned to our values – voice, rights, and choice

î  Calm empathetic professional manner

î  Shows professional curiosity – no stone unturned when trying to find the root cause of issues that individuals face

î  Proactive and responsive

î  Committed to high quality work

î  Team player

î  Experience of customer care or helplines, including handling telephone calls

î  Good knowledge of IT – Microsoft Office and other databases

î  Experience of data entry

î  Experience of working to customer service standards

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

î  Ideally you have worked in health and social care. Experience of working in consumer organisations such as a utility company would also be beneficial

î  Good understanding of advocacy

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

This is a critical role that is responsible for managing the charity's day-to-day people management and development, ensuring appropriate processes are in place and in line with current and relevant legislation. The People Manager will help develop a high-performance culture where all colleagues feel a sense of belonging and are able to fulfil their potential.

RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide proactive coaching on values alignment and desired behaviours, with support and advice to managers and team members        on    all matters relating to people.
• Support managers to create an inclusive culture and workplace that gets the best out of our people.
• Promote and advocate for early resolution when issues arise, including Performance Improvement guided by organisational values         and policies.
• Effectively manage employee relations (ER) issues alongside line managers including, but not limited to absences, performance             management, disciplinary, grievances and dismissals, escalating to the Director of People as required.
• Support the Director of People to deliver change management programmes including TUPE transfers, redundancy and service re-       organisations.
• Develop an understanding of challenges, opportunities and people priorities in each team and work with managers to develop long term resource plans and succession planning.
• Support the Director of People in the development of information, reports and analysis for managers, the Strategic Management Team and the Board, to deliver insights and take action.
• Work with the Finance Manager to ensure the accurate processing of payroll.
• Support the end-to-end recruitment process, including attraction, supporting with job descriptions, shortlisting, interviews and the induction process.
• Build and implement engagement processes and activities including surveys, focus groups, conferences/away days and exit interviews, ensuring they deliver continuous improvement and enhance our reputation as a great place to work.

ROLE

• Support the implementation of Belonging, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (BDE&I) and wellbeing strategies and programmes
• Support the Director of People with the development of reward and recognition programmes
• Support the Director of People in creating learning and development programmes
• Support with the management of the L&D budget and programme, ensuring effective return on investment and value for money.
• Manage the organisation’s people information systems and identify opportunities for enhanced digital services.
• Analyse data e.g., from engagement surveys, exit interviews and turnover to inform the People Strategy and implement improvements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

• Experience in managing, coaching and developing employees
• Degree in Organisational Psychology, HR, CIPD level 5 qualified or equivalent knowledge gained through experience
• Proven experience in managing the employee lifecycle (recruitment to exit)
• Adept at stakeholder management and relationship building across multiple teams
• Proven track record in managing varied, complex employee relations (ER) issues and capable of managing several issues at once
• Experience of planning and delivering L&D projects
• Experience of working successfully in a changing organisation where flexibility, agility and adaptability are essential.

Skills & knowledge

• Strong relationship building skills, you are equally comfortable having informal positive conversations as you are holding people to account and providing direct challenge
• Working knowledge of employment law, and able to use sound judgement on when we can be flexible and when we need to be rigid in our approach
• Confident in both written and spoken communication with the ability to present to internal audiences both virtually and in person
• High in emotional intelligence, psychological agility and a coaching mindset
• Highly numerate with strong analytical and problem-solving

Personal qualities

• Track record of delivering to tight deadlines and overcoming setbacks
• A focus on continuous process improvements through measurement, analysis and progress of actions in order to deliver service improvements
• Requirement to work at pace to respond to customer requirements whilst balancing key priorities
•  A focus on outstanding customer service excellence, high standards of attention to detail, quality, accuracy and responsiveness

Desirable criteria

• Experience in managing TUPE and redundancies

Before starting this position, you’ll need to undergo a criminal record check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. You must be entitled to work in the UK.

LONDON INDEPENDENT STALKING ADVOCATE (ISA)

About Suzy Lamplugh Trust 

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was established in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986 and was later declared deceased in 1993.Created to honour Suzy’s legacy, the Trust aims to empower individuals and organisations to take a stand against abuse, aggression, and violence in all forms, supporting safety in both personal and professional lives. 

Role Overview 

London ISA’s will deliver high quality advocacy, advice, and emotional support to victims across all risk levels, assisting them to navigate the criminal justice system (CJS), civil and family courts, and wider statutory and voluntary services.The role will involve multi-agency collaboration, risk assessment, safety planning, and supporting victims to understand and exercise their rights. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Interest and commitment to the work of Suzy Lamplugh Trust 

• Experience providing advocacy, advice, or support to victims of stalking, abuse, violence, or harassment 

• Experience navigating the criminal justice system, civil or family courts 

• Experience in using SASH or conducting other VAWG based risk assessments and developing safety plans 

• Experience liaising with external agencies and multi-agency collaboration 

• Experience providing emotional support to clients experiencing trauma or distress 

• Ability to manage a caseload effectively and maintain accurate records including EDI monitoring 

• Experience of handling confidential information and understanding safeguarding obligations 

Initially office-based (London) for 3 months to support a meaningful induction, moving to a blended working model (40% office / 60% home). While London-based candidates are ideal, we'll consider applicants from nearby areas too.

What we offer in return: 

In return for our staff’s commitment and dedication, we offer a range of Company Benefits: 

• Hybrid working (minimum 40% in the office and agile working enabled to work from home) after 3 months 

• Flexitime Policy  

• 28 days annual leave (which increases after 3 and 5 years to a maximum of 33 days pro rata) + public holiday 

• Special leave for life events, such as 1 day off for moving house and a paid day off for your birthday 

• Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution  

• Health & Wellbeing App with access to advice, counselling, support and a wide range of discounts  

• Occupational Sick Pay (which increases after 3 years) 

• Cycle to Work scheme (cycle racks on site)  

• Interest-free travel loan for annual season ticket  

• Regular all-staff off-site meetings and events 

Hours: 35 per week 
Contract: Permanent 
Salary: £30,737

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH INDEPENDENT STALKING ADVOCATE (ISA) 

Location: Hybrid – Community & Office/Homeworking 

Hours: Full Time 

Type of Contract: Permanent 

Salary: £33,950

Reports to: Specialist ISA Practice & Development Manager

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST: 

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was established in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986 and was later declared deceased in 1993. Created to honour Suzy’s legacy, the Trust aims to empower individuals and organisations to take a stand against abuse, aggression, and violence in all forms, supporting safety in both personal and professional lives.

Role overview: 

This is a new and developing service focused on increasing accessibility to stalking support for underrepresented and marginalised communities across London.  The postholder will play a key role in designing, embedding, and delivering this community-based model, working closely with community groups, partners, and volunteers whilst holding a small caseload leading to building trusted pathways into service for communities that may face barriers to accessing traditional support. 

The role will oversee two key initiatives: 

1. Community First Responders:  Trained volunteers with lived and/or professional experience (including LGBTQ+ communities, racially minoritised groups, victims with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and those with other accessibility needs) who provide face-to-face stalking support and awareness across London. 

2. Community Champions: Staff/volunteers within third-party organisations within the London ecosystem of service providers who are trained to provide first-responder level support within their own communities. 

The role builds and manages networks of community champions and first responders while holding a reduced advocacy caseload. 

Initially office-based (London) for 3 months to support a meaningful induction, moving to a blended working model (40% office / 60% home). 

What we offer: 

At Suzy Lamplugh Trust, we value the commitment and expertise of our staff and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package: 

·Hybrid Working: With a minimum of 40% office-based work

      Generous Leave Package: 28 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time) increasing with length of service, plus public holidays 

·Special Leave: Including days for personal milestones, like moving house or celebrating your birthday 

·Pension Contribution: 5% employer contribution 

·Health & Wellbeing App: Access to counselling, advice, and discounts 

·Occupational Sick Pay increasing with service 

How to Apply: 

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is dedicated to equality and inclusivity. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

· advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

· user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

· local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

We are seeking a skilled Bid Writer to work alongside our Head of Business Development to secure vital funding through tenders and trusts and foundations. If you have experience of winning income for front line services (especially advocacy), we would be particularly delighted to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

î  Identify pipeline tenders.

î  Manage and write tender submission

î  Produce highly quality proposals for trusts and foundations working closely with staff and service users

î  Produce best practice toolkit

î  Manage funder communications and reporting.

î  Assist with other funding applications as required

Experience and skills

î  Proven success as a bid writer in the charity sector.

î  Ideally experience in Advocacy or user involvement

î   Proven experience with large grants, tenders, and government contracts.

î  Highly IT proficient with experience of using AI to support in bid preparation

î  Ability to work collaboratively

î  Be highly organised and self-motivated with a proven ability to work to tight deadlines

î  Proactive, dynamic, able to work effectively independently

î  Strong writing, research, and communication skills.

î  Knowledge of fundraising regulations, GDPR, and best practices.

î  Strong understanding of EDI principles and how to apply them in your work

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?   

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?  

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?  

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.  

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Bradford.Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About us  

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.  

About you 

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support. 

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance. 

How will you make a difference? 

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support. 

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.  

Professional Development? 

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in. 

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service

• 5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution

• Salary sacrifices pension scheme

• Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)

• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc

• 24/7 Employee Assistance programme

• Access to remote counselling service

• Paid Disability Leave

• Paid compassionate Leave

• Home Working Allowance 

Support with continuous professional development

Personal Development Plans

How are staff supported to work remotely?

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). 

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

How to apply 

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.  

Important Dates: 

Closing date for applications; 9am on Monday 29th June 2026

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role? 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?   

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?  

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?  

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.  

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Sunderland.Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About us  

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.  

About you 

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support. 

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance. 

How will you make a difference? 

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support. 

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.  

Professional Development? 

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in. 

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service

• 5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution

• Salary sacrifices pension scheme

• Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)

• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc

• 24/7 Employee Assistance programme

• Access to remote counselling service

• Paid Disability Leave

• Paid compassionate Leave

• Home Working Allowance 

Support with continuous professional development

Personal Development Plans

How are staff supported to work remotely?

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). 

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach. 

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

How to apply 

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.  

Important Dates: 

Closing date for applications; Midnight 23rd June 2026 

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role? 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

We are looking for a proactive and compassionate Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse within a hospital setting.

The role is based at Princess Royal University Hospital along with some working from the Victim Support office in Old Street and some home working.

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will provide pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, providing individual safety planning, trauma-informed support, guidance, information, and advocacy and enabling victim/survivors to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse and trauma they have experienced.

You may work within a Hospital Trust's Safeguarding Team to support both patients and staff in an Acute Hospital setting, who have experienced Domestic Abuse. You will make initial contact with victims of domestic abuse, explaining our services and assessing the impact of crime, or receive referrals from colleagues, in order to provide on-going support and case management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess risks and needs using evidence-based checklists.
• Focus on high-risk cases with short to medium-term crisis intervention.
• Assist high-risk victims in accessing safety services.
• Deliver tailored support and information.
• Understand legal frameworks for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
• Provide advocacy on legal, housing, health, and financial options.
• Empower clients to recognize domestic abuse dynamics.
• Participate in Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC).
• Work with a team to deliver respectful, dignified, and sensitive services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records.
• Comply with data protection laws and organizational policies.
• Stay updated with procedures, policies, and professional codes.

About You

Ideally, you will have knowledge about legal remedies for domestic abuse victims and have experience working with drug, alcohol, and mental health issues. An understanding of benefits, housing, and homelessness would also be beneficial.

You will need:

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience in statutory, voluntary, or multi-agency settings.
• Competency in risk and needs assessment frameworks.
• Understanding of safeguarding issues.
• Direct service delivery experience to victims or vulnerable people.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritize work.
• Strong crisis management skills.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and advisory skills.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our Advice Centre at NTSU as we deliver our ambitious new strategy focused on student advocacy, belonging and care.

You’ll lead our Advice Centre, ensuring students receive high quality advice, representation and advocacy when they need it most. But this role is about much more than managing casework.

We're looking for someone who can think beyond traditional advice services, using insight, evidence and student experiences to influence change across the University and improve outcomes for students. You'll play a key role in identifying emerging issues, championing student interests and ensuring student voices help shape policy, practice and decision making.

Working closely with colleagues across Membership Services, you'll build strong partnerships with our Student Voice team to drive advocacy work and support elected officers and student representatives. You'll also work alongside our Opportunities team to help create a culture of support, belonging and early intervention across all student-facing services.

This role would suit someone who enjoys leading people, developing services and working collaboratively to solve problems. We're looking for someone who is willing to challenge existing ways of working, embrace innovation and help us develop an Advice Centre that is responsive, inclusive and genuinely student-led.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading and developing NTSU's Advice Centre, ensuring students have access to high-quality advice, advocacy and representation.
• Managing and supporting a team of advisors, creating a positive culture of learning, development and continuous improvement.
• Working directly with students on complex and sensitive cases, providing advice, advocacy and support through University procedures.
• Using casework trends, student insight and evidence to influence institutional policy and practice and improve the student experience.
• Working closely with the Student Voice team to support elected officers, student representatives and campaigns that drive positive change for students.
• Building strong partnerships across NTSU and NTU to ensure students receive joined-up, student-centred support.
• Leading service development and exploring new approaches, technologies and ways of working that improve accessibility and impact.
• Acting as NTSU's Designated Safeguarding Officer and ensuring appropriate support and interventions are in place.
• Monitoring service performance, quality and impact, ensuring the service continues to evolve in line with student needs and sector best practice.

What we're looking for:

• A passionate advocate for students who believes in the power of representation, influence and student voice.
• An experienced manager who can motivate, support and develop others.
• Someone with experience of advice, advocacy, casework or support services, ideally within Higher Education, Students' Unions, charities or similar environments.
• A collaborative leader who enjoys building relationships and working across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Someone who is comfortable using data, insight and evidence to identify issues and influence change.
• A creative thinker who is willing to challenge convention, embrace innovation and explore new ways of supporting students.
• A confident communicator who can build credibility with students, colleagues and senior stakeholders.
• Someone who is committed to inclusion, fairness and ensuring all students can access the support they need.

Why work for NTSU?

At NTSU, you'll be part of a supportive and ambitious organisation that exists to make students' lives better. Working as the Advice & Advocacy Manager not only positions you at the heart of delivering meaningful impact on students every day but also offers a range of benefits designed to support your professional and personal growth.

• Generous Paid Holiday: Enjoy 33 days of paid time off, allowing ample time for rest, recreation, and personal pursuits.  New staff start with 20 days holiday, 8 bank holidays and 5 closure days
• Time Off in Lieu (TOIL): We understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer TOIL for extra hours worked, ensuring you have time to recharge
• Competitive Pension Contribution: With a 4-6% pension contribution, we invest in your future, helping ensure your financial stability post-retirement
• Flexible Working: We embrace flexibility, offering arrangements that can help you balance your professional and personal life effectively
• Salary Progression Based on Performance: Your hard work and dedication won't go unnoticed. We reward performance with salary increases within a band, reflecting your value to our team
• Travel Pass Loan and Wage Loan: Ease your commute and manage unexpected expenses with our travel pass and wage loan benefits
• Enhanced Sick Pay: We support our employees during difficult times with enhanced sick pay, ensuring you can focus on your health when you need it most
• Training and Development Opportunities: Grow with us. We offer numerous opportunities for professional development, helping you expand your skills and advance your career
• Enhanced Parental Leave: We support new parents with 3 weeks of paid paternity leave, enhanced maternity leave and shared parental leave ensuring you can spend invaluable time with your new family member
• Free eye tests and financial contribution towards glasses required for computer work
• Free annual flu jabs

JOB PURPOSE

To provide information, advice, support and advocacy work on all  forms  of  gender  based  violence faced by migrant women,  including  forced  marriage,  rape  and  sexual  abuse,  honour  based  crimes  and  related  issues  such  as  immigration/asylum  and  no  recourse  to  public  funds,  matrimonial  and  children,  housing  and  homelessness,  mental  health  and  financial  matters.  Your  casework  will  focus  on  women  with  complex  needs. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide  a  professional  high-­quality  VAWG  advocacy  and  outreach  service.

2. Undertake  casework  and  advocacy  (this  will  include  liaising  with  relevant  professionals  and  agencies  such  as  solicitors,  social  workers,  police  officers  etc.) 

3. Provide  practical  support  such  as  accompanying  women  to  appointments  and  courts,  making  reports  to  such  agencies  or  collecting  belongings  and  otherwise  taking  all  necessary  steps  to  ensure  the  general  safety  and  wellbeing  of  women  and  children. 

4. Write  assessment  reports  and  support  letters,  and  under  supervision,  help  to  collect  evidence  and  statements,  as  well  as  undertake  some  basic  legal  representation.

5. Undertake risk assessments for referral to the Multi-­Agency Risk Assessment Conferences  (MARACs) 

6. Establish  links  with  key  partners  [local  authority,  police,  health,  schools,  etc.]  to  ensure  effective  referral  routes  and  information  sharing  protocols.

7. Assist  in  developing  and  meeting  quality  standards  in  relation  to  advice  and  casework.  This  includes  administration  and  IT  systems  for  advice  and  casework. 

8. Cover the helpline as required.

9. Assist migrant women to access immigration advice, and assist in meeting their housing needs.

10. To  undertake  campaigning  and  policy  work  arising  from  the  advice  and  casework  (this  may  involve  some  weekend/evening  work)

11. Where  necessary  to  assist  staff  in  organising  and  running  support  group  activities  and  consultations  for  women  who  are  isolated  and  vulnerable  due  to  their  experiences  of  violence  and  abuse.

12. To  publicise  and  provide  S4S  services,  and  attend,  contribute  and  represent  the  organisation  at  relevant  local  meetings  or  initiatives. 

13. To  support and mentor the Women’s Council.

14. Follow  S4S policies  and  procedures,  and  maintain  IT  and  case  file  management  systems.

15. Contribute  to  S4S  record  keeping  and  provide  information  for  monitoring,  evaluation,  policy,  and  research  and  training  purposes. 

16. Ensure  women  are  referred  to  S4S  projects  and  activities  as  required  for  example,  counselling or group work.

17. Support women residing in the refuge as required.

18. Be  self-­servicing  and  to  assist  other  workers  when  required. 

19. Undertake  any  additional  duties  which  will  contribute  to  the  smooth  running  of  the  S4S services  and  projects.

GENERAL  DUTIES  AND  RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Contribute  to  the  smooth  running  of  the  project  and  activities 

2. Assist in maintaining high standards in all aspects of the organisations work; including conduct with colleagues, external agencies and service users.

3. Comply and promote issues of confidentiality, equal opportunities and other policies and procedures of the organisations.

4. Attend supervision, training and staff, management and team meetings when required.

5. Promote equality and diversirty in all aspects of Safety4Sisters work.

HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Be fully compliant with all Health and Safety legislation. 

2. Ensure that your work area is maintained in a clean, safe and tidy manner, all equipment is used safely according to instructions, and work is carried to ensure no risk to yourself, other employees and visitors.

FLEXIBILITY CLAUSE

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required, and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties, however, will fall within the scope of the job at the appropriate grade.

This job description will be subjected to review with the post holder, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post. The aim is to improve the quality of service for Black and minoritised women and all matters relating to their well-being.

When necessary, the post holder may be expected to work evenings and weekends. This time can be claimed back as TOIL.

This post is:

· subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure

· subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.  It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.

· open to women* only (*exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1).

National Helpline independent Stalking Advocate 

Location:  Hybrid (40% London Office based) 

Hours: Full time - 35 hours per week 

Type of contract: Permanent 

Start date: ASAP 

Salary: £30,737.70

Reports to: National Services Practice and Development Manager

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST: 

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was established in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986 and was later declared deceased in 1993. Created to honour Suzy’s legacy, the Trust aims to empower individuals and organisations to take a stand against abuse, aggression, and violence in all forms, supporting safety in both personal and professional lives.

Role Overview: 

This is a blended role combining responsibilities across the National Stalking Helpline (0.6 FTE) and the National Advocacy Service (0.4 FTE).
The postholder will deliver high-quality, trauma-informed support across the full victim journey from first contact and immediate risk assessment through to ongoing advocacy and multi-agency casework.
The role ensures a seamless service for victims, supporting individuals at all risk levels through:

• Immediate advice, triage, and safety planning via the helpline
• Ongoing advocacy, case management, and support navigating the criminal justice system

This model strengthens continuity of care and ensures consistent, victim-centred support across services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: National Advocate (.4) National Helpline (.6) 

• Provide advice, guidance, emotional support, safety planning, and risk assessment to individuals contacting the National Stalking Helpline. 

• Answer incoming calls to the helpline and manage contacts in line with service standards. 

• Helpline duties day/week/FTE with flexibility to meet demand/need 

• Provide tailored advocacy support, advice, and guidance to victims living including emotional support, risk assessment, and safety planning. 

• Using the SASH, conduct follow on risk assessments to inform ongoing safety planning 

• Develop and maintain individualised advocacy plans for each client. 

• Support clients to navigate the Criminal Justice System (CJS), civil and family courts. 

• Liaise with other professionals and agencies, such as housing, health, social care, and law enforcement, to ensure coordinated support. 

• Proactively research and build strong working relationships with support services and share best practice 

• Advise and advocate on behalf of victims when their rights under the Victims’ Code are not being met. 

• Undertake ISA accreditation (training provided if not already achieved). 

• Apply cyberstalking knowledge and seek cyber technical support on complex cases. 

• Manage a caseload of up to advocacy 12 clients 

• Ensure prompt case closure when advocacy needs end, victims withdraw consent, or contact attempts fail. 

• Monitor and respond to the helpline email Live chat, inbox and voicemail messages in a timely and professional manner. 

• Respond to contacts from victims, friends, family members, and professionals seeking support or information. 

• Make safeguarding referrals and maintain compliance with safeguarding policies. 

• Conduct surveys and feedback to assess service impact. 

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in line with organisational standards. 

• Deliver one-off advocacy interventions where appropriate. 

Special requirements 

• This role is hybrid, initially requiring on-site attendance at our London office until the successful completion of the first probation review (typically 3 months). 

What we offer:

• Hybrid Working: With a minimum of 40% office-based work
• Generous Leave Package: 28 days annual leave (pro-rate for part-time) increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Special Leave: Including days for personal milestones, like moving house or celebrating your birthday
• Pension Contribution: 5% employer contribution
• Health & Wellbeing App: Access to counselling, advice, and discounts
• Occupational Sick Pay: increasing with service

How to apply:

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is dedicated to equality and inclusivity.  Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills experience align with the job requirements.  Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.