Advocates jobs

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 are looking for a new Advocate to join our team in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support. 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

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for 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. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact us for further options. 

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 on 3 October 2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

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.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?

Please call visit our website.

NB: If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.

We are recruiting for a IDVA to join our team in Wandsworth; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: IDVA

Location: Wandsworth
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Fixed term (Until August 2026)

Hours: 37.5

Refuge is recruiting Independent Domestic Violence Advocates for our new service in Richmond and Wandsworth to focus on supporting survivors of financial and economic abuse.

As an Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate, the post holder will provide high quality independent advocacy. The job involves ensuring that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options.

We are looking for someone who is passionate, committed and cares about the work Refuge undertakes. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of domestic abuse and the impact this has on survivors and their children. They will be able to work under pressure to effectively manage risk and provide needs-led support to clients with a variety of support needs.

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.  This is an opportunity to join a brand-new service and improve the local multi agency partnership to recognise, reject and respond to all forms of gender-based abuse.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing date: 9.00am on 1 October 2025

Interivew date: 9 & 10 October 2025

Benefits

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

Job Title: Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Housing IGVA)

Location: The GAIA Centre (Lambeth, London)
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)
Contract type: Full time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

The Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) will be embedded within borough housing teams to facilitate the dual working that will ensure that survivors’ safety and housing needs are met. This includes:

· Close working relationships with Housing colleagues 

· Provision of specialist knowledge relating to DA for Housing Officers and Homelessness Teams to draw on 

· Specialist support for survivors at the moment of crisis 

· Provision of advocacy; supporting survivors to access safe accommodation 

· Ongoing support from the IGVA from wider DA service, including access to group clinical supervision, casework management meetings, reflective practice sessions, one-to-one supervision from service manager 

The Housing IGVA will work closely with victims of gender-based violence from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of gender-based violence at the highest risk and their children. The role will be part of increasing the ability of partner agencies to recognise, reject and respond appropriately and safely to all forms of gender-based violence (including domestic violence, sexual, financial and emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based violence).

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal, housing and practical options that might increase their safety. The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support especially around complex housing needs.

The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am October 2025

Interview Date: 13 October 2025

Terms:

• Start date: 3rd November 2025
• Salary: £24,512 per annum actual salary (£30,640 FTE, inclusive of £3,990 London Weighting)
• Location: Hybrid - across South London community hubs, HMP Bronzefield, remote working

About Women in Prison

Women in Prison is a national, women-led, feminist organisation. We deliver front line support to women harmed by the criminal justice system, through our work in prisons, in the community and ‘through the prison gate’ as they resettle back into their communities. We also campaign for systems change that addresses the root causes of offending, reduces the harmful impact of prison, and creates workable, community-based alternatives to imprisonment.

Job Description:

Job Purpose:

This role will be based in both HMP Bronzefield and in our community-based hubs in South London, delivering specialist housing support with women impacted by the criminal justice system in prison and the community.

Key responsibility areas

1. To deliver an effective accommodation intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
2. To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, probation, prison, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
3. To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions.
4. To work with colleagues to take a system change approach to tackling key issues, such as housing, for women affected by the criminal justice system.

For full job description, please download the recruitment pack.

Aurora New Dawn is a registered charity providing support and advocacy to survivors of domestic abuse, stalking and sexual violence.

The Children & Young Person’s Advocate will support children at risk of domestic abuse, including sexual violence and stalking within a domestic abuse context within the Thames Valley area. Children will be identified via their non-abusing parent who is already accessing support as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking from Aurora New Dawn. The support offered to the child will be parallel to the non-abusing parent’s support and offers the parent a safe space to speak confidentially to their advocate.

The Children & Young Person’s Advocate will take part in age appropriate activities via various communication channels with the child. This can include telephone conversations, face to face visits, reading books, arts and crafts and offering an environment for the child to communicate any worries or concerns they may have.

For further insight into the core duties of this role, please see the attached job description.

OVERVIEW

Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (Rising Sun) is an independent charity in Kent working to prevent domestic abuse and improve the lives of survivors and their children suffering from its effects. We have an ambitious vision for a world in which women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.

Our team provide a range of services to adults and children who’ve experienced domestic abuse. We understand the impact of domestic abuse on survivors, so we listen to individual needs and respond in a trauma informed way. We provide one-to-one support and also deliver therapeutically informed group programmes to help survivors to recognise healthy/unhealthy behaviours in relationships and to understand the impact of domestic abuse. Bringing survivors together validates experiences and enables them to draw strength from one another.

JOB PURPOSE

As one of our High Support Needs IDVAs you will be part of our experienced and dedicated adult team reporting to the HSN IDVA Manager covering the Ashford District area, and your role will include a mixture of remote and office working. You’ll be providing a high-quality, frontline service to survivors of domestic abuse and play a crucial role in advocacy, risk assessment, safety planning and empowerment for our clients with more complex needs. You will assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse which are impacting their situation, and help them to regain control of their lives. You will support them to make informed and safe choices and to move forward.

Alongside working with survivors, you will develop and maintain productive relationships with partner organisations to strengthen multi-agency working and improve service outcomes for survivors.

We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for supporting people who is confident, resilient and has the ability to build strong relationships.

You will have experience of delivering domestic abuse interventions with survivors, including some whose individual circumstances are more complex. This might include clients with issues such as homelessness, poor mental health or drugs and alcohol use.

The nature of this work and being exposed to survivors’ trauma and challenges can have a negative impact on our own wellbeing as support workers, and therefore good self-awareness and the ability to recognise our own needs and put in place appropriate boundaries is essential. All team members are expected to exercise self-care and attend regular clinical supervision to mitigate the potential impact of vicarious trauma.

As part of our passionate and committed team of approximately 50 staff, our aspiration is that you will thrive and develop in this varied role. You will be contributing to the invaluable work of the Rising Sun and making a lasting difference to the lives of those who are impacted by domestic abuse.

Equal Opportunities

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team. Flexible working is available in most roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high quality case work support and information to victims/survivors who have experienced domestic and/ or sexual violence and have high support needs.
• Support those who are experiencing domestic and sexual abuse to access services to keep themselves (and their children) safe and address their needs
• Identify and assess the needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist while taking a trauma informed approach
• Provide 1:1 support to survivors in the Ashford, Canterbury and Folkestone and Hythe districts, either over the phone, in community venues or at Rising Sun offices
• Manage a caseload in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and adhere to confidentiality
• Work as part of a team, supporting colleagues and building positive working-relationships with team members
• Attend regular clinical supervision and case review meetings
• Hold weekly information and advice drop in sessions and facilitate relevant programmes when required i.e. Freedom Programme
• Participate in street walks to meet and build relationships and trust with street homeless
• Advocate for high risk victims with agencies who can help to address the domestic abuse by:
  • Understanding the role of all relevant statutory and non-statutory services available to domestic abuse victims and how your role fits into them.
  • Providing advocacy, emotional and practical support and information to survivors including in relation to legal options, housing, health and finance. 
  • Effective partnership working with all key agency partners (including housing and other specialist services, such as drug and alcohol support) to address the safety of high risk victims and ensuring that their safety plans are coordinated particularly through the MARAC (multi-agency risk assessment conference).
• Identify training opportunities and provide training and support for housing staff and other relevant agencies as appropriate
• Work with volunteers (where appropriate) to enhance the capacity of the service
• Be responsible for personal well-being and exercise appropriate self-care
• Attend wider team meetings to share learning and feed into organisational developments
• Ensure that the service user is at the heart of all service delivery by encouraging participation in service development and reporting on their recommendations and complaints
• Be willing and available to work occasional evenings and weekends to support wider team activities such as representing Rising Sun at events (time off in lieu can be taken)
• Ensure publicity materials are effectively distributed as well as contributing to the development of literature

 General

• At all times work professionally and to a high standard, setting an example to the wider team and external partners
• Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development, being responsible for personal learning and keeping up to date on research, relevant legislation, policy and practice, and other literature relevant to the role
• At all times protect the safety and security of the Rising Sun, service users, staff, volunteers and buildings, and the confidentiality of records and other information
• Uphold the rights of women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse, and proactively assess the gender specific, trauma informed needs and the safety of children and women to ensure that any risks/needs identified are addressed, having full regard to Rising Sun Safeguarding Children policy and Safeguarding Adults policy
• Ensure the effective implementation of Rising Sun’s policies and procedures and uphold the core values of the Rising Sun.
• Work across teams and undertake such other duties, appropriate to the grade and nature of the work, as may reasonably be expected.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes. (D = Desirable)

Qualifications

• An accredited VAWG/domestic abuse qualification, e.g. IDVA / DAPA (D)
• Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) qualification (D)

Knowledge and Experience

• A good understanding of the causes and dynamics of domestic abuse including its impact on survivors, children and young people, families and communities. 
• A sound working knowledge of housing, welfare and policy relating to domestic and sexual violence
• Thorough knowledge of safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation (adults and children)
• At least two years’ experience of working directly with survivors affected by domestic abuse
• Experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse with complex needs for example homelessness, mental health issues, drugs and alcohol dependency (D)
• Experience of managing own case load, working under pressure and prioritising workload
• Experience of risk assessment and management, and safety planning
• Experience of multi-agency partnership work
• Experience of facilitating group programmes (D)
• Experience of delivering training (D)

Skills and attributes

• Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills.
• Personal resilience
• Good self-awareness and ability to exercise effective self-care
• Competent in the use of Microsoft packages i.e. Word, Excel and Power Point
• Effective negotiation, advocacy and interpersonal skills, at all levels
• Ability to collect and collate data and write reports as appropriate to this role
• Ability to be self-motivating, work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Ability to liaise and work well with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Strong crisis management skills

 Other

• A good understanding of cultural issues, and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
• A commitment to the values and ethos of Rising Sun
• A commitment to fostering innovation in working practice
• A flexible approach to your work
• A commitment to respecting and valuing service users' perspectives and involvement in Rising Sun
• Able to drive and have access to a reliable car (D) (the post holder will be required to attend meetings and events across our areas of work)

Please visit our website to download and fill out an application form if you feel that this role would be a good fit for you, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for 3 x Domestic Abuse Housing Advocates

Salary: £26,000 - £32,000

Location: Hammersmith with travel to other service locations Finsbury Park and Stratford

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

As a Housing Domestic Abuse Advocate, you will provide intervention, advocacy, and support to survivors of domestic abuse. Working within a fast-paced team, you will help empower women and ensure that the voice of survivors informs every stage of their journey towards improved safety. You will have your own caseload of survivors who hold social tenancies with local authorities or housing associations, and you will encourage them to engage with our service and ensure they have access to support. You will also co-ordinate the provision of multi-agency support which focuses on working with domestic abuse survivors to maintain their tenancies and prevent homelessness.

About You:

To be successful as the Domestic Abuse Housing Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:

You will bring solid experience of supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse in all its forms; coming from a sector with transferrable skills or possess a feminist/VAWG degree and be keen to learn and to train on the job. You will have a good understanding of violence against women and girls with a particular focus on the dynamics of domestic abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, so-called ‘honour-based violence’, forced marriage, stalking and harassment) and its impact on women, children, families, and communities. You will have proven skills and experience in conducting comprehensive assessments of needs and risk for survivors experiencing domestic abuse, including carrying out short risk management and safety planning. We will expect that you have experience in assessing the needs and safety of any children that women using the service may have and an understanding of the criminal justice system and relevant legislation with regard to legal and civil options, housing, benefits, matrimonial and children. Lastly you will bring your knowledge of safeguarding practice, procedures, and legislation.

With many skills and qualities to add to this role, if you have good IT literacy, data collection and monitoring these skills are maximised in your role. If you have experience or have been trained or are qualified in the fields related to substance misuse, criminal justice, law, social work or domestic abuse we would love to hear from you.

We recognise that women often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the criteria. We encourage you to demonstrate how your skills and experience would make you an asset to the role, and if you don’t have the exact skills/experience, tell us in your cover letter how you think you might grow and develop in the role.

The advert will close on the 27th of September but please note that interviews are taking place on a rolling basis.

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

• A 35-hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• One week paid carer's leave
• Organisation wide away days
• Career development pathways

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email contact the Talent Acquisition Team via our website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

Barnardo's is seeking an empathetic and child led individual who can work within a dynamic and fast-paced environment using their strong organisational, communication and time management skills, to support children in the secure estate.

This part-time position (Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is based within HMP Parc Young Person's Unit, which accommodates children aged between 15-18 years, who are in custody, either sentenced or on remand. Barnardo's refers to Young Offender Institutions (YOI's) and Secure Training Centres (STC's) as the Secure Estate (please note, the location of some secure establishments may mean they are not easily accessed by public transport).

Barnardo's is commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to provide an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy (ICRAS) Service to children accommodated in a secure setting. The service is known to children as Barnardo's: Your Rights, Your Voice, and currently works within  four Young Offender Institutes,  one Secure Training Centre and oneSecure Children's home. The ICRAS service is child led and independent of the secure estate; our service is delivered within Parc  YOI to ensure children can freely access support for a range of issues linked to their needs, rights & experiences of custody, resettlement, and safeguarding.  As such this is a child-facing service, and at times involves lone working in the establishments, so we are seeking someone who can see the child, not the offence.

We hold ‘voice' at the heart of all we do, therefore we feel the role is best described by someone who is currently working in this sector: “The role is a Children's Rights and Advocacy role, which means it is our job to empower the children we work with and help them to understand that what they think, what they feel and what they want, really matters. We can speak on behalf of children to ensure their voice is heard and we also have the opportunity to help them to find the tools and confidence to raise their voices for themselves.Advocacy and Children's Rights support is particularly crucial in the secure estate because children are away from home, family and champions, and also because children in secure estate are some of the most vulnerable children in society; they have often faced considerable adversity, disadvantage and discrimination prior to arriving into custody and they might not, therefore, be equipped with the skills needed to articulate their concerns. Through the work you do with a child such as  simply helping them make contact with friends or family on the outside, to helping them with concerns they may have in relation todiscrimination, resettlement or safeguarding issues, you  may be the one person telling them thatthey matter for the very first time.”

The position (Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is line managed by a Team Manager, reporting to an off-site manager. The post holder will need to be able to work autonomously, working to the requirements of the contract and the regime of the YOI. The secure estate is a highly structured environment; as a Barnardo's service we deliver independent advocacy and support for a range of issues, whilst still having to follow and adhere to this structure.

This role includes lone working in this challenging prison environment. It is, therefore, critical that the successful candidate can follow guidance and policy and is able to take proactive and individual responsibility to understand and access the service support mechanisms.  This role requires the worker to be onsite for their contracted hours, working remotely only for occasional training or meetings. The advocacy team work on a rota system with set hours each week, which includes weekends and bank holidays. Applicants should also be aware, that due to the nature of working within secure estate, the vetting and induction process can take several months to complete.

When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Additional Information, Person Specification and Job Description document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described, including advocacy and safeguarding.  

This is a part-time vacancy with  18.5 hours available per week. 

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

We are looking for an experienced Policy and Advocacy Manager to take forward our work with Central Government and other Non-Departmental Public Bodies.

You will play a critical role in shaping and deepening our relationships with these key partners. By working together, we can expand the support available to community-based charities and social enterprises, helping them become more resilient through enterprise.

What you will deliver (responsibilities)

• Policy development - You will lead on developing clear and actionable policy recommendations to Government and relevant NDPBS that expand the funding and support available to charities and social enterprises looking to build their resilience through enterprise.
• Public affairs - Advocate for policy and funding models that create long-term, meaningful support for charities and social enterprises. Represent Access at various policy forums, meetings, and events to influence public policy and engage directly with decision-makers such as MPs.
• Partnership working - Actively contribute to relevant campaigns, policy forums, and advocacy groups to strengthen Access’s influence on policies that impact the social economy and the policy and regulatory environment for social investment.
• Communications - Write clear, engaging, and persuasive policy briefs, reports, and position papers to communicate Access's policy priorities to government and other stakeholders. Contribute to Access's wider communications strategy by developing blogs, reports, press releases, and speeches to amplify the organisation’s role in shaping public policy.
• Evidence and storytelling - Use data, sector insights, and compelling case studies to create narratives that not only advocate for policy change but also strengthen Access's position as a thought leader.

If this opportunity aligns with your career goals, please review our job pack, which includes the job description and person specification apply via BeApplied. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the requirements before applying.

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We are committed to being an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all. We believe in the value of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Selection for roles is based solely on individual merit, talent, skills, and potential.

As a charity, we are dedicated to reflecting the communities and individuals we aim to support. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who share lived experiences or come from backgrounds that align with those we serve. Diversity strengthens our ability to make a meaningful impact, and we encourage all who feel passionate about our mission to apply.

Interview dates are expected to be online on 15th and 16th October.

Victim Support is recruiting for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to be co-located within Central Bedfordshire Council. This is a full time role on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2027, subject to year on year funding. Hybrid working would be available for this role.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…..

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

We are looking for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA). This is a full time role on fixed term contract. Hybrid working would be available for this role. The aim of this role is to support victims of domestic abuse who live in Central Bedfordshire. This role will be part of our other wider specialist services covering Bedfordshire.

As an IDVA you will be:

• Providing a high quality support and advocacy service to victims of domestic abuse.
• Managing a caseload; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored crisis intervention service trough individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users in order to help them access services to keep them safe.
• Working within a multi-agency framework consisting of partners as well as MARAC and other local partnerships to offer a coordinated response to domestic abuse.
• Promoting the service and raise awareness of domestic abuse through the delivery of training
• Supporting the Daily Domestic Abuse meeting in the IFD (Integrated Front Door), which discusses all medium/standard risk referrals that have come in over the previous 24 hours and agrees on the most appropriate source of advice and support for the family.
• Attending the BRiF meetings weekly where community partners bring concerns about family's they are working with including concerns about standard/medium domestic abuse.
• Professional point of contact for the IFD and Adult Safeguarding teams (also based at Priory House).
• Point of contact for any concerns staff have about their own relationships and dynamics of domestic abuse they need support with

You will need:

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse is advantageous
• To be able to prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/needs and interests and promote organisation interests and values.
• To ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic abuse victim's/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 looking forward to hearing from you.

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.

A Hybrid Role

This role will work across both frontline delivery and input into the administration of the Duty system that underpins all HHPA’s work. It’s anticipated the worker’s role will be split roughly 50/50 across both elements of the work. Having a staff member working across both will give us a valuable insight into how frontline and Duty can work better together.  It is also a good opportunity for the worker to gain experience in all aspects of project delivery, which could be a valuable first step for anyone interested in project management or leadership.

The Duty work

The HHPA Duty Team makes sure the Homeless Health Peer Advocacy service runs safely and smoothly. They handle bookings from partner organisations, match referrals with Peer Advocates, and organise all the practical details – like booking transport, giving travel directions, and confirming who will attend each appointment. They use a specially designed Salesforce database to keep track of appointments, update records, and measure the impact of the service. A key part of their job is running the Duty System, which checks Peer Advocates in and out of jobs so that everyone is safe and supported.

The team is also the main point of contact for partners, frontline staff, and volunteers. They answer questions, make sure referrals have all the right information, and keep everything running to schedule. They look after data security, maintain good relationships with partner agencies, and make sure volunteers and workers have what they need to do their work well. By taking care of the behind-the-scenes work, the Duty Team frees up the frontline team to focus on supporting people to attend healthcare appointments and improve their health.

The pan-London Caseworker work

We need this role to support people experiencing homelessness in Boroughs where support needs are extremely high, but where we don't have the capacity or flexibility through our other funding to meet their needs. Most of our Caseworkers are funded by individual Boroughs and can only work in that area.  This role will be able to work in any of the Boroughs where we deliver HHPA so will give us the flexibility to go to where the need is greatest rather than being fixed in a single local authority area. As a more senior role in our HHPA service, the Caseworker will use their skills and experience to focus on people in the most complex and difficult situations, including those grappling multiple connected issues around physical and mental health, addiction, trauma, disabilities, and more.

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Prison Advocate

Salary: £27,000 - £29,000

Location: HMP Peterborough

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term – until 31st March 2027

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

The Advance Prison Advocate will support women on remand and those unsentenced within the prison setting, providing pre-release support; focused on Accommodation, Finance, debt & benefits, Family & significant others and Social inclusion.

The Prison Advocate will develop a referral pathway with the Offender Management team within the prison, for women to access the service and will work in partnership with the existing service providers operating within the prison. You will co-design a person-centred support and action plan with women accessing support, enabling you to support them to address their needs and any risks in relation to the interventions identified above including providing ‘through the gate support’. The role will combine a casework- based approach, along with a signposting and advice service for the women in custody.

You will have demonstrable experience and understanding of working with women in a challenging multi-agency environment, ideally working with prisoners and/or their families.

You will build strong relationships with the Pre Release teams to ensure clients are able to maintain or access suitable accommodation, finance, benefits and debt, family and social inclusion support including negotiating terms on behalf of the women. Ensure that interventions are responsive to and meet the needs of women from diverse and minoritised backgrounds. This, together with referrals to wider partner organisations in the community, will ensure additional support needs are addressed post-release and continuity of support exists.

A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential.

About You:

To be successful as the Prison Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:

Knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system obtained through academic study, experience of working in the criminal justice system (or closely associated social system).

The ability and experience as a caseworker delivering gender specific and trauma responsive interventions which support resettlement and rehabilitation of female adults in the criminal justice system whether in the community or in prisons.

You will possess excellent organisational skills, excellent communication skills and be able to work in a prison environment whilst remaining calm.

Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of managing a caseload including maintaining and updating records, remaining focused on action plan goals, and keeping to deadlines

You will have the ability to complete trauma informed, support and action plans in collaboration with the woman; to support in addressing their multiple and individual needs and enable them to engage with services, which will result in timely and prescribed outcomes being achieved.

How to apply:

Please apply with a copy of your CV and a cover letter through our website. The closing date for applications is the 21st of September.

Interviews will take place the week of the 29th September.

· *Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

• 35-hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• One-week paid carers’ s leave
• Career development pathways

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

We want a world where no one dies from hunger. Life-threatening hunger is predictable, preventable and treatable. Join Action Against Hunger and together we will stop it in its tracks.

Action Against Hunger is an optimistic, inspiring place to work. We want passionate and dedicated people to help build a better world. We’re a creative team made up of people with a wide range of talents, styles and expertise. But we are united in our relentless dedication to end world hunger. No challenge is too big. With you we can do it. Join us.

We are looking for an Advocacy Director (temporary position to cover maternity leave) to join our team.  The Director of Advocacy plays a key role in influencing UK government decision-making around preventing and responding to hunger and nutrition crises globally. This senior leadership position will be responsible for shaping and driving an impactful advocacy agenda that aligns with Action Against Hunger’s mission to respond effectively to humanitarian crises worldwide and to detect, prevent and treat child undernutrition. Additionally, the role will position the charity as a trusted partner and reliable recipient of UK government humanitarian grants.

This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in both advocacy on humanitarian crises and related subjects, and a good understanding of UK ODA funding mechanisms. The Director of Advocacy oversees a department responsible for both Action Against Hunger’s UK advocacy and campaigns work and for managing UK government and related income streams.We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in joining us. For more detailed information on the role – and to see whether you have the necessary experience - please download the attached pdf Job description.

Closing Date: 25-Sep-2025 23:30 

Planned date to begin interviews: 01/10/2025

Please read the following carefully before making your application: then all you need to do is send your CV and write a supporting statement explaining why you want the job and how your skills and experience make you the right person for the role and where you saw this vacancy.

• As a UK based position, candidates must have the right to work in the UK
• We welcome applications from all sections of the community and we encourage as broad a range of candidates as possible. If you need any additional support to help you through this process, please let us know (contact details in the job pack)
• Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will only contact shortlisted candidates, within two weeks of the closing date Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual feedback
• If you experience any technical difficulties in submitting your application, please contact the charityjob helpdesk

National Rural Touring Forum (NRTF) is looking for a new Director to lead our national network and champion rural arts across the UK. We’re seeking an inspiring leader with a collaborative approach to advocate for our members and sector, to strengthen partnerships and support a vibrant network that ensures creativity and culture thrive in every community.

About NRTF

NRTF is an Investment Principles Support Organisation (IPSO) within Arts Council England’s (ACE) National Portfolio. As a national membership and strategic organisation, we unite and champion the diverse parts of the rural touring sector. We advocate on behalf of our members, offering up-to-date information, advice, guidance, professional development and networking opportunities. By sharing news, stories and opportunities, supporting rural touring-focused projects and initiatives, and through our Annual National Rural Touring Conference, we raise the profile of rural touring, embedding its value in the wider cultural landscape. We celebrate the work and achievements of the volunteer promoters, professional artists and organisations who make culture accessible for rural communities. This is an exciting moment to join NRTF as we enter our third decade as an organisation and continue building the profile and impact of rural touring across the UK, while supporting the passionate and committed members at the heart of our network.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Director is the strategic and operational lead of NRTF, responsible for the organisation’s vision, management, performance, and long-term sustainability. They ensure delivery against NRTF’s mission and business plan, champion rural touring at a national level, and act as the primary liaison with Arts Council England, stakeholders, and the wider sector. Working closely with a proactive Board of Trustees, the Director provides leadership on governance and compliance in line with UK Charity Law and NRTF’s Articles of Association, ensuring the organisation operates with transparency, accountability and good practice. The Director is a visible ambassador for rural touring, building strong relationships across the cultural sector, advocating for members, and promoting the role of rural touring in ensuring that creativity and culture thrive in every community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

● Lead and implement NRTF’s Business Plan and strategic objectives.

● Oversee the delivery and evaluation of all funded programmes and initiatives.

● Develop and sustain relationships with our members, including the rural touring schemes, national and regional stakeholders, funders, and policy-makers.

● Ensure alignment with ACE’s Investment Principles and “Let’s Create” strategy.

● Ensure long-term sustainability through innovation, partnerships, and appropriate diversification, ensuring the organisation remains relevant and forward-thinking.

Finance and Fundraising

● Lead financial planning, budgeting, and reporting in collaboration with the Finance Officer and Treasurer.

● Ensure ACE and funder reporting is accurate and timely.

● Lead on developing new funding opportunities, working with colleagues and freelance support to secure income from trusts, foundations and diversification streams.

Membership and Sector Support

● Foster strong relationships with membership, particularly scheme members.

● Understand and respond to member needs, ensuring services and benefits are relevant.

● Foster a strong member community through events, forums, and networking opportunities.

● Together with the NRTF team, design and deliver initiatives to grow, engage, and retain members.

● Represent NRTF and advocate for member interests at national and international events, conferences, and sector forums.

Project and Event Delivery

● Provide strategic oversight of all NRTF projects, ensuring they are well-managed, impactful and aligned with the business plan.

● Lead and represent NRTF at the Annual National Rural Touring Conference and other national events, with project managers and freelance teams responsible for delivery.

● Foster partnerships with schemes and sector organisations to co-create and deliver events and projects that serve members and raise the profile of rural touring.

Communications and Advocacy

● Provide strategic leadership for NRTF’s communications and advocacy, ensuring consistency of voice and alignment with the business plan.

● Lead sector advocacy and act as spokesperson and ambassador for rural touring.

● Maintain and develop national visibility for rural touring through partnerships, media opportunities and press engagement (with support from NRTF’s freelance press agency).

● Oversee delivery of marketing and communications, working with the Marketing & Digital Coordinator to manage campaigns, content and social media.

● Build strategic partnerships with other organisations, funders, and influencers.

HR and Operations

● Lead on recruitment, contracting, staff management, and HR policy implementation.

● Line-manage employed staff, ensuring fair and effective working conditions.

● Manage Contracts for Services for freelance teams and contractors

● Maintain organisational infrastructure, including IT, office resources.

Governance and Legal

● Support and develop the Board of Trustees, ensuring sound governance practices.

● Organise and service Board meetings, the AGM, and working groups.

● Act as Company Secretary: ensure compliance with charity and company law, maintain registers, and submit returns.

Person Specification

Essential

● Proven senior leadership within arts or cultural organisations.

● Commitment to rural/community engagement.

● Strong understanding of the UK arts funding landscape, especially ACE.

● Demonstrable experience in finance, HR, governance, and fundraising.

● Experience in project delivery.

● Strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills.

● Experience of working and engaging with key stakeholders.

● Experience working with or supporting a Board of Trustees.

● Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

● Evidence of original thinking, idea making and bold ambition.

● Caring and positive leadership style.

Desirable

● Awareness of the ethos, principles and practice of rural touring.

● Knowledge of community arts and engagement, and/or cultural networks.

● Experience in legal compliance and company secretary responsibilities.

● Understanding of contemporary cultural policy and advocacy.

● Experience in digital communications, social media, and PR.

● Experience in event management and programming.

If you are excited by this role but are not sure if you fully meet the person specification, we encourage you to reach out to our Interim Head of Operations, Jo Purseglove to discuss further.