Independent gender violence advocate jobs

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

Job Title: Housing IGVA

Location: Barking & Dagenham
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We are seeking a committed and compassionate Housing Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) to join our service in Barking and Dagenham, supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse. This is a vital role that works in close partnership with the Housing Department, with the post‑holder co‑located three days per week in person to strengthen joint working and improve outcomes for survivors.

The Housing IGVA will provide specialist support and advocacy, working alongside housing colleagues to ensure survivors’ safety, needs, and experiences are fully understood and responded to. The role involves advocating on behalf of clients, conducting risk assessments, developing safety plans, and making appropriate referrals to internal and external support services. The post‑holder will also provide professional guidance and insight to housing staff to enhance trauma‑informed practice.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication and partnership‑working skills, the ability to maintain professional boundaries, and a clear commitment to empowering women on their recovery journey. Relevant lived experience and/or professional experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse will be highly valued, alongside empathy, resilience, and a solutions‑focused approach.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference at a critical point in survivors’ lives, while also developing specialist knowledge of housing systems and safeguarding practice.

Closing date: 9.00am on 13 May 2026

Interview date: 27 May 2026

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

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 Advocate (Youth Crisis) 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

Major Trauma Centre (MTC) project is funded by Violence Reduction Unit and is delivered under Solace CYP portfolio of diverse service provisions.

The MTC project supports young people of all genders and aged 11-25 who present at St Marys Hospital, Kings College Hospital, Royal London, and St Georges Hospital who have experienced, or are at risk of, domestic abuse, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, honour-based violence, and any other form of gender-based violence.

This role provides intensive crisis support and advocacy to young people impacted by gender-based violence who present at emergency or any other MTC departments. The MTC project is run in close partnership with MTC safeguarding teams, where individual Youth IDVA sits, and together we deliver excellent holistic support for survivors, as well as delivering training and advice to hospital stakeholders.

About the Role

The Youth Crisis IDVA delivers high‑quality, person‑centred, strength‑based and trauma‑informed advocacy and casework to survivors of abuse. Through careful identification of risk and need, the role involves developing robust safety plans and working in close partnership with statutory and local agencies to minimise the risk of further harm.

You will actively promote the service within the co‑located hospital by building strong, collaborative relationships with hospital staff, particularly safeguarding teams, nurses and clinicians, to ensure a consistent flow of appropriate referrals. You will regularly design and deliver training to hospital staff to raise awareness of domestic abuse and other forms of gender‑based violence. You will also respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and represent cases at MARAC where required.

About You

We are looking for a passionate, values‑driven individual who is committed to Solace’s mission and to delivering inclusive, anti‑discriminatory practice. You will be flexible, open to new challenges, and motivated to support innovation and continuous improvement.

You will have strong experience supporting young people who are survivors of domestic abuse, sexual abuse or other forms of gender‑based violence, with the ability to quickly build trust, assess risk and need, and develop effective safety plans. You will bring excellent communication skills, a solid understanding of safeguarding for young people and vulnerable adults, and good knowledge of VAWG legislation and interventions to help survivors make informed choices and create meaningful change.

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.

GMRC is a registered charity working with adult women who are victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

We are looking for a qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) to join our friendly and committed team.

Your role will be to support women practically and emotionally as they go through the criminal justice system.

PLEASE NOTE

this role is restricted to female applicants under the Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010)

Overall Objectives

To work within a multi-agency setting to provide a proactive service to adult victims of sexual violence within and outside the criminal justice system to:

• Risk assess and maintain client safety
• Help clients access their rights
• Monitor and keep clients informed of case progress and provide support through the criminal justice system
• Help clients access health and other services they require
• Build ongoing relationships with loved ones of a victim/survivor engaged in the ISVA service
• Provide an information point for loved ones on the CJS

Applicants who are not yet ISVA‑qualified, but who have relevant experience working within the criminal justice system and/or sexual violence services will also be considered. In this case, the successful candidate would be supported to complete the ISVA qualification.

During the training year, the salary would be £28,000 per annum, reflecting the cost of training and supervision. On successful completion of the ISVA qualification, the salary would increase to £30,000 per annum.

The salary for a qualified ISVA would be £30,000 – £32,000, depending on experience.

If you have a trauma informed and feminist ethos and want to contribute to changing and improving the lives of survivors of sexual violence, we would love to hear from you.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible working TBC
• Generous annual leave (30 days a year exc. BH)
• Pension contributions
• Reasonable travel expenses
• Free on-site parking

#isva #independentsexualviolenceadvisor #advoacy

Anawim are looking to recruit a qualified IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) to join their Central Services team. 

Central Services is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to women through our Casework and Drop-in projects. These projects aim to address various challenges faced by women in Birmingham. 

Casework Project offers specialised support in key areas including, Domestic Violence – IDVA, Children and Families, Accommodation, Substance Misuse, Multiple Complex Needs, Trauma.

Caseworkers will be required to provide individualise support, practical advice and signposting on a range of matters such as money management, benefits, homelessness, drug treatments, parenting, children’s education, healthcare, legal and immigration issues, mental health, training education and employment opportunities.Women may also present with issues such as self-harm, suicidal ideation and safety planning. 

From our Birmingham centre, Anawim provides trauma informed services including holistic support and advocacy to enable women to reach their potential 

Our Vision statement:  

A world where women are safe, free, valued and equal members of society. 

Our Values: 

Anawim believes in the intrinsic value of every person and welcomes each women without judgement 

We are deeply committed to listening to our women and building services around their needs 

We help women to navigate the complex challenges they are facing and we do all that we can to support them for as long as they needs us 

Anawim empowers women to make positive changes to turn their lives around, helping them, one step at a time – to become independent 

We want the best for our women and to make sure their basic needs are met.We won’t rest until we’ve done all we can to keep them safe. 

We are looking for a new Independent Sexual Violence Advisor to join our team in providing advocacy and support to survivors of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse.The ISVA will be based in our central Reading office, with the option of hybrid working. ISVAs will need to travel within Thames Valley to meet clients as required.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To provide advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence.  The ISVA will support adults who have reported or are wishing to report this crime navigate the criminal justice system. The ISVA will work closely with the Police Service, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, CPS, and other relevant organisations. 

ISVA Main Duties

· Provide advice, guidance and information to adults who have experienced rape and sexual abuse.

· Support service users that have been referred to Trust House Reading.

· Support clients in making informed choices about their future options.

· Explain relevant criminal, legal and civil remedies and housing options to clients as required.

· Assess the risk and support needs of clients.

· Develop individual support plans to address risks /support needs of clients.

· Ensure that clients are aware of the services to which they are entitled and advocate for them to help them access services.

· Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults including the policy and procedures in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

· Support ISVA clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system, referring to Victim Support or the Witness Care Service as appropriate.

· Support the service user in making a witness statement and attending court.

· Keep the service user informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Service Code of Practice.

· Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister.

· Assist clients accessing special measures.

· Liaise with the police, CPS and other service providers on behalf of the service user.

· Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.

· Help clients to develop their own support network.

· Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary, for instance, sexual health services, mental health, drug and alcohol, counselling, housing etc.

· Actively and positively engage with other voluntary sector agencies, including sexual violence specialist agencies e.g. domestic violence service outreach, IDVA and refuge providers.

· Maintain and update records of all cases including initial referral, risk assessment, subsequent risk assessment, care and safety plans, and action taken.

· To understand and assess other support needs of clients, for example translation or interpretation needs and be fully aware of available resources.

· Where an assault is related to domestic violence and the client is assessed as high risk, refer on to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) following locally agreed protocols (including working proactively with the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service), attend and participate in meetings and follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC.

· Contribute to the development of policies, protocols, guidelines, strategies within practice area if necessary.

· Collate areas of service gap and service inadequacy to feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups.

· Note and feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups or other appropriate body any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing services.

ISVA Person Specification

Essential:

· Educated to A-level standard.

· Experience of working with vulnerable clients.

· Knowledge of the impact of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse on service.

· Knowledge of the criminal justice system for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

· Understanding of the principles of risk assessment and safety planning.

· Pro-active.

· Empathic, with a non-judgmental approach.

· A good listener.

· Strong crisis management skills.

· Understanding of the process of seeking help and barriers to seeking help.

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work on own without close supervision.

· Ability to manage caseload and work priorities.

· Ability to share sensitive information, adhering to protocols.

· Understanding of child protection and safeguarding issues and legal responsibilities.

· Willingness to undertake regular training.

· Willingness and ability to work with clients of all genders.

· Commitment to continued professional development.

· Knowledge of and commitment to diversity issues.

· Ability to work safely and within boundaries.

· Completed accredited ISVA training course (or equivalent) or willingness to complete the training.

· Willingness and ability to travel across the Thames Valley when necessary.

· Computer literate: word-processing, emailing, data collection/spreadsheets.

· Ability and willingness to work in partnership and as part of a team.

Desirable:

· Professional qualification in social work or related field.

· Current full driving license and own vehicle.

Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse Support and Outreach Worker

We are looking for a Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse Support and Outreach Worker to provide direct support and advocacy to victims of Forced Marriage (FM) and Honour Based Abuse (HBA)

Join an organisation that supports Black & Minoritised communities affected by domestic abuse. Set up in 1979, the charity is a leading provider supporting survivors through their journey to safety, confidence and independence to live free from violence, abuse and fear.

Please note that due to the nature of this role, we can only accept female applicants.

Position: Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse Support and Outreach Worker

Location: West Midlands

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: £25,000 - £26,000 (depending on experience and qualification)

Contract: Fixed term contract until 31 March 2028

Closing Date: 20th May 2026

Interview Date: 28th May 2026

The Role

As a Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse Support and Outreach Worker you will provide person-centred, needs-led support, advocacy and safety planning to victims and survivors, ensuring they are safeguarded and supported to access appropriate services, including legal advice and assistance with evidence gathering.

You will support applications for Forced Marriage Protection Orders and other civil protection orders, and help individuals to report abuse and navigate the criminal justice process with ongoing emotional and practical support. You will work in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies to coordinate effective responses and improve access to support pathways.

The role includes delivering and supporting group work, workshops and outreach activities that reduce isolation and build confidence, resilience and independence. You will also contribute to awareness-raising and training for young people, community members and professionals, as well as supporting the development of campaigns and engagement work. In addition, you will participate in a 24-hour helpline rota, assist with policy development, and ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational procedures and regulatory requirements.

Specific areas of responsibility include:

• Advocacy and Casework
• Quality, Performance and Partnerships Management
• External Partners Work

You will be expected to cover on a rota basis out of hours and weekend on-call for emergencies.

About You

We are looking for someone who has excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively when advocating for service users, raising awareness of FM & HBA and representing the charity.

You will bring with you the following key skills and experience:

• Experience of successful advocacy for women who are victims/survivors of FM and HBA, and particularly who may face additional risks and barriers
• Knowledge of the issues facing women, children and young people affected by FM and HBA
• Ability to prepare effective, relevant arguments (written and oral) and to influence effectively to a wide range of audiences
• Fluent in English and at least one main South Asian language
• Able to be work evenings occasionally when required
• Ability to work independently and within a team, to plan and manage a complex workload, meet deadlines, problem-solve and respond to unplanned demands
• High level of self-motivation and ability to think creatively with a ‘can-do’ attitude that can inspire others

Female applicants only. Our client is committed to equality of opportunity and encourage applications from all sectors of the community. In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.

This post is subject to Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A criminal record will not necessarily exclude you from this post but under the Act, we must have details. An Enhanced Disclosure will be sought in the event of a successful application for this post and therefore you will be required to give details of spent and unspent convictions disclosed above. The charity operates under the Revised Code of Practice for Disclosure and Barring Service.

You may also have experience in roles such as Advocacy, Advocate, Domestic Abuse Advocate, IDVA, Domestic Abuse Advocate, Domestic Abuse Advocacy, Domestic Abuse Outreach Worker, Domestic Abuse Case Worker, Domestic Abuse Case Worker and Outreach, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Junior IDVA. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

We are looking for a Housing Advice Worker who is passionate about supporting young people experiencing homelessness to transition into safe and secure housing.

The ideal candidate will work proactively and enthusiastically, both independently and as part of a team. They will have experience working in a busy, often fast-paced environment and be confident in assessing individual needs and identifying appropriate housing pathways. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of housing and homelessness legislation, along with a solid insight into the reasons individuals experience homelessness. They will be able to effectively support young people presenting with a wide range of needs and barriers.

Key details

• Contract type and hours: permanent, full-time working 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday (9:30-5:00)

• Salary: starting salary £32,136.00. Salary scale £32,136.00 - £35,778.08

• Location: New Horizon Youth Centre, 68 Chalton Street, London, NW1 1JR

• Application deadline: 9am, Wednesday 20th May

• How to apply: complete our application form on our website, submit your CV and write a 2 page cover letter/supporting statement. Please don't include your name or address in your CV or cover letter.