Independent domestic violence advisor jobs in london, greater london

Location: Tower Hamlets

Salary: Unqualified: £28,255 - £29,913 per annum 

Qualified: £29,923 - £32,623 per annum (Dependent on qualifications/experience)

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 17th July 2025

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

Tower Hamlets Solace Advocacy and Support Service (SASS) provides advocacy and support to survivors of DVA with the aim to reduce risk and harm. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced IDVA to join our dynamic team in Tower Hamlets, working with people who have experienced domestic violence and abuse. You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

As an IDVA you are responsible for carrying out risk and needs assessments, safety planning and providing support and intervention to victim/survivors of domestic violence identified at Poplar jobcentre. In addition to this you will build relationships with, and provide advice, guidance and training to external professionals.

About You

You will need a passion for working with victim/survivors and a thorough understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on women and their children, as well as experience of providing emotional and practical support and strong casework management skills.

You will have the skills to provide effective crisis intervention, carry out risk assessments, safety planning, assessment of needs and individual support planning. You should have demonstrable experience of working in an IDVA or similar position with this or a similar client group.

In return, we offer great employee benefits including three per cent employer pension contribution, generous holiday entitlement and a focus on learning and development.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. 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. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

The Role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Specialist Trainer: Domestic Abuse, Gender-Based Violence, and Trauma Informed Working to deliver training to a variety of different audiences. You will be delivering training on an ad-hoc basis, in a range of settings including corporate clients, public sector workers, and other charities.

We are seeking trainers with both frontline and training experience, who can deliver this type of content in compassionate, articulate and accessible ways both in person and online. Rise for Change is dedicated to creating learning spaces that are safe for all folks, in content and delivery style. 

Rise for Change is the training arm of Hope After Harm and currently provides domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and trauma-informed working training programmes for non-specialist professionals, however, we are aiming to expand our training offer to cover other areas of gender-based violence. Uniquely created by our subject matter experts, our training directly addresses the need for intersectional, and trauma informed training on gender-based violence for professionals in all sectors. We actively promote self-reflection, critical thinking and survivor voice to affect sustainable, inclusive change for survivors. Our aim is to empower participants, no matter their professional role, to be able to respond safely and appropriately to survivors both within the workplace and in the wider scope of their lives.

Hope After Harm

Hope After Harm is an established, registered charity aimed at empowering adults and young people recover from harm and trauma. We want to see a society where everyone feels safe and can thrive, regardless of who they are and where they come from. Through support, advocacy and education we enable people to rebuild their lives and reclaim their future. And we inspire others to do the same, creating safer, more inclusive communities.  We have a proven track record of service delivery across Thames Valley and beyond, with our digital and training programmes supporting professionals and survivors globally.

This is what a Specialist Trainer will do:

• Deliver specialist training about domestic abuse, gender-based violence and trauma informed working to a range of clients, primarily online with some face-to-face sessions.
• Ensure that the way they work is aligned with the values of our team.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the training will be delivered and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of clients, ensuring the service is accessible to all.
• Respect and uphold the value and necessity of intersectionality within domestic abuse and sexual violence prevention and safeguarding, across all areas of work.
• Treat all participants with respect and care, positively representing Rise for Change and Hope After Harm in every interaction.
• Encourage feedback from participants for each session delivered to support with the continued development of Rise for Change training programmes.
• Undertake any training and continued professional development required for the role.
• Uphold GDPR and confidentiality of any data and content whilst in this role.
• Complete any necessary admin, as required as part of the session delivery.

This is what you will bring as a Specialist Trainer:

• A strong knowledge of domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, it’s impacts and working from a trauma-informed perspective.
• Experience as a highly skilled trainer, with the ability to engage people through both in person and remote delivery.
• Preferably, frontline experience of supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
• Understanding of supporting survivors in various settings (e.g. the workforce, as a manager, as a professional with a safeguarding role).
• An empathetic, caring approach to training- to you, learning is not just about providing information but ensuring a holistic approach to the learning environment.
• Skilled user of technology with high literacy of key presenting programmes, video platforms and databases.
• Have a good understanding of the nuances of culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity within domestic abuse and sexual violence, and be committed to intersectional ways of working.
• Knowledge of adult learning techniques and safeguarding procedures.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
• Places the survivor at the centre of all that you do.

For this role you will need:

• To be free from any criminal conviction which would conflict with the responsibilities of the post; you may be required to have a DBS Enhanced disclosure.
• To be able to deal with all information on a confidential basis and understand data protection requirements.
• To have Citizenship of the UK or have entitlement to work in the UK
• Sign a declaration that you are self-employed and responsible for all your tax and other liabilities. 

You will be provided with training in delivery of Rise for Change’s existing and future programmes.

Hope After Harm is committed to equality and diversity. While not a requirement for application, we do strongly encourage those of black and ethnic minority background, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community to apply for this role.

Hope After Harm is an equal opportunities employer; the aim of our policy is to ensure no job applicant, employee or worker is discriminated against either directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability.  We do not disbar applicants with criminal convictions and are mindful of the requirements of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974.

Reports to: Refuge Services Manager
Hours of work: full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Slough (on-site)
Salary: Band 5, £28,000 – £30,000 per annum dependent upon experience.
Contract: Permanent
Holidays: 25 days + Bank Holidays + 1 day for birthday
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on receipt on a rolling basis. Please apply as soon as possible.

Requirements: Relevant experience, living in close proximity to Slough, must have valid driving license to drive people carrier
Benefits:

· 25 days annual leave per annum (+ bank holidays), plus up to 5 days additional leave for length of service.

· Birthday off + 1 ‘charity day’ day agreed by the trustees for all staff (usually last working day before 25 December)

· Christmas closure days given as additional leave (subject to annual Board agreement)

· Fully-funded IDVA training

· Access to benefit platform for a wide range of discounts on everyday spends plus gym discounts.

· Access to private healthcare scheme

· Holiday buyback scheme

Overview

The Dash Charity is looking for a Refuge IDVA to join its dedicated refuge services team.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a local domestic abuse charity with a huge influence and reach. For almost 50 years The Dash Charity has been supporting individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse, empowering women, men and children to recognise the tactics of abuse, break the cycle, and take back control of their lives.

We were one of the first charities in the UK to be awarded Leading Lights status for our Advocacy and Outreach Services by SafeLives, and pioneered healthy relationships workshops in schools over a decade ago.

We run three refuges that offer a sanctuary to women and children escaping violence and abuse, offering specialist children’s support and one to one support for women.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify and assess the risks and support needs of refuge clients using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.

• Manage a caseload of clients ensuring each client receives a quality and consistent service and support individual to their needs and risks.

• Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation, and help them regain control of their lives.

• To ensure that information is shared within data protection guidelines to ensure a co-ordinated approach is taken to understand client need/risk and support appropriately.

• To work in accordance with the Refuge Services Case Management Policy ensuring that all client records and casework are to the required audited standard as per the case management policy.

• To maintain accurate, professional and confidential case management records and databases and ensure all monitoring and evaluation records/tools are completed in a timely and accurate manner.

• To understand any grant, funder or contractual requirements pertaining to the funding of the individual post, ensuring data and outcomes are gathered to inform periodic reporting as and when required. To contribute to the preparation of any grant/contract reporting as required.

• Support colleagues and partner agencies, through awareness raising and institutional advocacy, in order to provide the best possible service for victims of domestic abuse.

• To fully keep up to date with relevant legislation and sector updates.

• To work with a strong multi agency focus liaising with other agencies and professionals both internally and externally to ensure client’s needs are met.

• Support clients through the criminal justice system.

• Support clients with options of civil remedies and child contact options.

• Ensure intake paperwork is completed and individual support plan in place, including advising women on terms of occupation of safe house.

• Role model, mentor and support students and volunteers assisting with intervention of clients to support the Refuge IDVA role.

• Ensure that meaningful involvement of clients is central to all activities, applying equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory policies and ensuring rights to privacy and confidentiality.

• Ensure clients are clear about their rights and obligations whilst receiving our service.

• Complete 2 weekly keyworking sessions to identify individual client support needs and create an individual support plan for all refuge clients.

• To support clients in accessing medical treatment, legal, housing and debt advice. Attend appointments with clients as required.

• Ensure the Safelives RIC is reviewed 6 weeks after intake to refuge or immediately if an incident occurs.

• To complete a Housing Benefit application for all new clients and submit to SBC within 48 hours of intake.

• To update DAIU when a client arrives and leaves refuge.

• Ensure client rents are collected weekly, rent card completed and the Finance team are updated.

• To facilitate monthly resident meetings, complete meeting minutes and any actions arising from the meeting.

• To complete weekly H&S checks and update RST manager accordingly.

General duties:

· To operate within clear professional and confidentiality boundaries and to work within The Dash Charity code of conduct.

· Ensure clients are clear about their rights and obligations whilst receiving support.

· Check email daily and respond to urgent requests

· Review workload daily and prioritise accordingly

· Ensure that meaningful involvement of clients is central to all activities, applying equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory policies and ensuring rights to privacy and confidentiality.

· Contribute to the development and review of The Dash Charity policies and procedures.

· Remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures policies and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.

Job Summary

Location : Requirement to attend our sites in Basildon, Harlow and Thurrock if required and to team meetings quarterly.

Type: Remote

Salary: £48,000.00 per annum

Hours :  37.5 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership

1. As a member of the Operational Leadership Team and wider Senior Leadership Team, work collaboratively and take collective responsibility for the strategic management and leadership of the organisation.

2. Work closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Board of Trustees to facilitate good governance and risk management.

3. Manage, maintain and develop all financial systems and control; increasing their impact and quality, and implementing best practices in financial management.

4. To supervise finance assistants and ensure that they are adhering to financial code of practices.

Financial Management

1. Lead and manage all aspects of the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, fixed asset management, reserves & designated fund management and financial reporting.

2. Work with HR & Payroll Officer to manage and retain oversight of the day to day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and general ledger maintenance, including the reconciliation of petty cash, credit cards and all bank accounts on a monthly basis reviewing and approving payment runs and payroll.

3. Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to prepare the annual budgets and forecasts.

4. Lead and manage the provision of regular budget monitoring and reports to budget holders.

5. Assist with the budget preparation for funding bids. Manage, monitor and keep track of any grants, funding or commissioned income, working with relevant managers to provide relevant financial information for inclusion in monitoring reports.

6. Lead and manage the provision of quarterly financial reports to the Board and advise them on financial issues as appropriate

7. Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to inform and support organisational management, development and decision[1]making, and funding applications across the organisation.

8. Work with the CEO to prepare medium term financial forecasts for the organisation to support strategic decision-making and delivery of strategic priorities.

9. Lead on the audit process and the preparation of year end accounts to trial balance including preparation of the audit file and the closing down of the accounts on our accounting management system to ensure that the organisation is compliant with legal requirements and good practice.

10. To work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and designated Trustees to advise, review and cost the annual pay award.

11. To provide back-up and holiday cover for the processing of monthly payroll.

12. To work with and support the HR & Payroll Officer in providing payroll information and reconciling payroll monthly.

Governance and compliance

1. Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements (e.g. Companies House, HMRC and the Charity Commission).

2. Attend Trustee Board meetings to report on financial matters, including the identification and management of financial risk, and provide any relevant reports.

3. To support the Trustees, SLT and line managers in managing our finances carefully and within our financial means, through provision of advice, guidance, support and training.

4. To be the main point of contact with external auditors.

5. To ensure that robust financial controls are in place, underpinned by appropriate financial policies and procedures and to ensure that they are adhered to and that the organisation is protected from fraud and error.

Closing date for applications : 21st July 2025