Independent advocate jobs

Mind in Croydon is seeking to recruit a full time Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA)  to join our small, dedicated team of Independent Mental Health Advocates working to provide advocacy services to adults subjected to detention under the Mental Health Act in the London Borough of Croydon to ensure they understand, express and exercise their rights, and to enable them to access essential services. The advocacy team also provides Community Mental Health Advocacy for people who are informal patients in psychiatric hospital or living in the community and provides weekly advocacy service at two InMind Healthcare Group hospitals in Croydon.

This role is suitable for a fully qualified Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) with a proven ability to support people under the Mental Health Act. We are not considering trainee positions at this time.

In December 2024 the team was awarded the Quality Performance Mark in Advocacy, a testament to their quality of service providing safe and life-changing support.

SALARY: £30,404 per annum
plus pension contributions (above 4% by salary sacrifice.

REPORTS TO: Advocate Service Manager 

TERM: Permanent, subject to funding, full time (36 hours pw)

BASED AT: Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham BR3 3BX. Advocates are also required to meet clients at different sites throughout Croydon and neighbouring boroughs.

This role supports hybrid working. Other flexible arrangements can be discussed however please note that specific flexible working arrangements such as staggered hours may not be feasible due to operational constraints set by the Hospital.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor specialising in supporting service users through the criminal court process to join the New Era team working 37.5 hours per week. The role will focus on the identifying risk and meeting the needs of those affected by domestic abuse. The role will be covering the pan Staffordshire will be required.

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:

This role will work across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent. Hybrid working will be considered following successful completion of probationary period. Travel across the whole of Staffordshire will be required.

As an IDVA you will be asked to:

• Provide a pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse
• Promoting the service and raising awareness of issues arising, minimising barriers and improving access to support

You will need:

• Experience of providing support those affected by domestic abuse
• Experience of undertaking need and risk assessments and creating safety plans
• Experience of the MARAC and other partnership processes
• Experience of multi agency working

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 look 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.

Brighton and Hove Speak Out is an innovative advocacy charity. We support people with learning disabilities to have a voice and choice and control over their lives by providing a range of advocacy services and community projects.

About the role

We are seeking to recruit an advocate for adults and young people (17+) with learning disabilities, who will:

• Deliver 1-1 advocacy casework on a broad range of issues that enables people with learning disabilities to express their views and wishes, understand their rights and options, communicate with professionals and address issues they face.
• Coordinate Speak Out’s Drop-in advocacy service, providing time limited 1-1 advocacy within drop-in sessions.
• Develop peer advocacy at drop-in sessions.

About you

The successful candidate will need excellent communication and organisational skills. They will be able to manage a complex workload and work independently within a framework of supervision. Experience of advocacy or work with vulnerable clients is essential. Experience of working with people with learning disabilities and knowledge of learning disability services is an advantage. A full induction and training will be provided as well as ongoing peer mentoring and support. It would be desirable for the successful candidate to hold the national qualification in independent advocacy, however this can be undertaken once in post.

If you are eager to make a positive difference in your next role this is a superb opportunity to join a charity making a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities. 

 For more information about Speak Out and the services we offer please visit our website.

 Professional Development

You will have plenty of opportunities to develop in your role, through ongoing training, support and supervision.

Benefits:

· Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance.

· Holiday entitlement of 30 days, plus bank holidays 

· Flexible hybrid working 

· 3% employer pension contribution 

· Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing support package) 

· Committed to training and learning opportunities for continuous development 

· A strong sense of purpose knowing your work makes a real impact 

Equality and Diversity

Speak Out is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes, values and celebrates diversity. We encourage applications from all parts of the community and treat all on a basis of equality. We support all staff to meet their potential in their role. 

How to Apply

An application pack and more information about Speak Out can be found on our website:

All successful applicants are subject to an enhanced DBS.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications:  Monday 10th November, 12.00 noon

Interview date:  Wednesday 19th November 

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 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.

 

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 8 December 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.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Join Our Advocacy Team – Make a Real Difference!

Role: Trainee or Qualified Multi-Disciplinary Advocate

(Dependent on qualifications and experience)
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm

Location: 3 days Devon and Torbay and 2 days Langdon Secure Hospital, Dawlish

Are you passionate about empowering people to have their voices heard?

Do you want to work for a leading national charity that’s been transforming lives for over 50 years?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

About the Role

We’re looking for a Trainee or Qualified Multi-Disciplinary Advocate to join our friendly and experienced team at Rethink Advocacy, part of Rethink Mental Illness.

In this rewarding role, you’ll deliver statutory advocacy across Devon and Torbay, specialising in:

• Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
• Independent Care Act Advocacy (ICAA)
• Independent Health Complaints Advocacy (IHCA)

You’ll spend:

• 3 days per week working across Devon and Torbay
• 2 days per week based at Langdon Secure Hospital in Dawlish,

About Us

Advocates work across two services helping people to understand their rights, express their views, and navigate complex systems with confidence.

Rethink Devon and Torbay Advocacy Service is one of the partners in The Devon Advocacy Consortium (DAC). Our multidisciplinary advocates work in partnership with other local organisations across Devon and Torbay to provide specialist advocacy services for adults with a range of additional needs.

Rethink Langdon Advocacy is based on site at Langdon Hospital where all patients are detained under sections of the mental health act. The hospital supports men from South-West England who, because of their mental health needs, have had contact with the legal system and require a safe and secure environment where they can receive treatments, therapies, and care to help them recover. Our advocates work across the site providing Independent Mental Health Advocacy for adults detained in the hospital.

Who We’re Looking For

Whether you’re already qualified or looking to train, we welcome applicants who are:

• Committed to human rights and social justice
• Skilled in communication and empathetic listening
• Organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently
• Based in or willing to relocate to Devon

What We Offer

• Full training and support to become a qualified advocate (if applying as a trainee)
• A supportive team environment
• Opportunities for professional development
• The chance to make a meaningful impact every day

Ready to apply?
Join us at Rethink Advocacy and be part of a team that’s changing lives.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion 

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. 

We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation 

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here. 

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Please see further details on our Website

You can also follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram and LinkedIn to find out more about the work we do!

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

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 10 November 2025

Interview date: 17 November 2025

About the Senior Trans Independent Victim Advocate role
 
Galop is looking for an experienced practitioner to provide effective support to LGBT victims and survivors of abuse and violence in the UK. You will work within the advocacy team to deliver advice, support, and advocacy to LGBT victims and survivors of interpersonal abuse and violence each year.  You will act as a specialist lead within the advocacy team for work with Trans and Non-Binary survivors, including providing support, advice and expertise to your colleagues and externally. 
 
As a Senior Advocate, you will provide high quality advocacy and support to Trans and Non-Binary people who are subjected to abuse and violence, specifically domestic abuse and sexual violence, focusing on their needs, safety and recovery. This role builds on work that we have been doing for decades to support and empower LGBT people who have been victims of violence and abuse.  Your work will enable LGBT people to feel supported, heard and empowered in the face of abuse and violence, and pave the way to a safer future for our community. 
 
You will work directly with Trans and Non-Binary victims/survivors, offering them a space to talk and think through options, helping them plan what they want to do, and offering assistance in getting what they need from services. Your work will focus on needs specifically related to domestic abuse and sexual violence, including issues such as wellbeing, support with the criminal and civil justice process, safety and access to other services to enable survivors to cope and recover. You will be empathetic and thoughtful in your approach to understanding your clients’ needs, while remaining boundaried and mindful of self-care. 
 
You will manage a small number of specialist advocates providing needs-led support, information and advocacy to Trans and Non-Binary survivors of violence and abuse. You will also act as specialist lead for work with Trans and Non-Binary survivors within the advocacy team, providing support, advice and leadership to advocates on this specialism, to ensure that survivors get support that meets their needs. You will work with colleagues to ensure that survivors are supported in a trauma-sensitive way and that the needs of Trans and Non-Binary survivors are met, through sharing best practice and your expert knowledge and experience in delivering this work. This will include an understanding of the support landscape for Trans and Non-Binary survivors, the wider trans sector and the specific impact and support needs for survivors. You will contribute to the development of the TNBI service and work collaboratively across the organisation. You will need an understanding of legislation, the CJS, civil justice systems and domestic and sexual violence including ISVA/IDVA best practice.
 
You will have an in depth understanding of the spectrum of violence and abuse that Trans people are subjected to, including the causes, impact and barriers to accessing services. You will use your expertise to represent Galop with key stakeholders, advocating for the needs of the community. 
 
Location
Galop’s offices are located in London. This role will be hybrid working, with both home working and working from the office. 
 
Hours
Full Time (35 hours per week) 
 
Contract
Until 31 March 2027 (extension subject to funding)
 
Line manages
Advocates and caseworkers 
 
Reports to
Advocacy and Support Manager
 
Salary
Grade E £37,754.88- £39,761.08 (including inner London weighting of £4,212.01) 
 
Closing Date 
Applications should be submitted by 25^th November 2025
Interviews will be held on 2^nd and 3^rd of December 2025
 
REF-224 860

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

Job Title: IDVA

Location: Hertfordshire
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

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 11 November 2025

Interview date: 18 November 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.

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 Purpose:

Women in Prison’s Advocates deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, independent advocacy for women in communities and in prisons, which focuses on early intervention, and holistic provision as part of a ‘whole system’ multi-agency response that looks to address the root causes of women’s offending.

Key Responsibility Areas

1. Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive advocacy and support to a caseload of women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with the criminal justice system.
2. Undertake risk and needs assessments and co-producing bespoke support plans with women across the nine pathways to reoffending.
3. Monitor case management systems to ensure accurate and timely data recording, aligning with contract KPIs and WIP policies.
4. Champion the core values of Women in Prison, including social justice and feminism in all internal and external communications, articulating their importance to the work we do.

For the full list of responsibilities, please download the recruitment pack.

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 covering Warwickshire and Coventry.  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. 

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. 

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; 11pm on 09 November 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. 

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

Job Title: IDVA

Location: Wandsworth and Richmond
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

Refuge is recruiting Independent Domestic Abuse Advocates for our new service in Richmond and Wandsworth to focus on supporting survivors of all forms of 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.

Closing date: 9.00am on 21 November 2025

Interview date: 1 & 2 December 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.

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. 

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK.  

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

As Policy Officer you'll use your expertise to influence change on key areas, including housing, household costs and income. You'll investigate complex policy areas and translate these into engaging and accessible content for reports and briefings to build a compelling evidence base to directly impact national policy. You will conduct vital qualitative and quantitative research, ensuring our policy positions are robust and informed by real-life experiences, speaking directly to older people in financial hardship. You will also have opportunities to work with a range of external stakeholders to develop and advocate for our key policy calls. 

You will have experience of conducting research and producing high-quality written analysis, with excellent written and verbal skills to effectively tailor information for different audiences. You will be able to apply your existing understanding of public policy, policymaking processes and advocacy to create positive change. You'll need experience of building strong working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders. Above all, you will have a genuine passion for our cause!

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. We also are open to this role being worked on a part-time basis on a minimum of 28 hours per week. It is a fixed term contract for up to 12 months. 

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age by visiting our Careers page. 

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website and submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Person Specification (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS will be required for this role.

Closing Date: Sunday 16th November 11:59pm

Planned Interview Dates: Wednesday 26th – Thursday 27th November

Victim Support is recruiting for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to support high risk victims of domestic abuse living in Central Bedfordshire. This is a full time role on a fixed term contract for 6 months from start date, this may be extended subject to funding. Hybrid working is 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 for 6 months. Hybrid working would be available for this role. The aim of this role is to support victims of domestic abuse, who are deemed as at high risk, 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

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.

We are recruiting for a IGVA to join our team in Barking & Dagenham; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: IGVA

Location: Barking & Dagenham
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a IGVA to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children seeking support from the community advocacy support service.

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 17 November 2025

Interview date: Week beginning of 24 November 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.