Independent mental health advocate jobs

Job description  

We are looking for people with the values and commitment to increase the independence, self-confidence and access to new opportunities for people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health support needs across our Supported Living Services in Kingston and Richmond. You will be supporting people to live within a support living setting including sleep-ins, to enable them to remain as independent as possible while receiving person centred care.

Who we are  

At Balance we are committed to empowering those we support to build independent, fulfilled and self-confident lives. We work hard to ensure our charitable values are central to the professional experience of those who work for us, with us and who benefit from our services. We operate a range of services in SW London including outreach and small homes-based services in Kingston and Richmond.  

Who you are  

You are someone with experience of or a commitment to developing a person-centred approach in working with people with complex needs and challenges. You will be a collegiate player, and someone able to see beyond the barriers that people with disabilities experience every day. Your values and working practice will align with those of the charity to maximise the independence of those you are working with; to enable their ability to make decisions about the types of service they are in receipt of and to ensure that your approach is both professional and sustainable.  

Key Responsibilities of this role  

Your primary responsibilities will include:  

• To work as part of a diverse and experienced team providing personalised support, advice and advocacy to people living independently or in supported accommodation.  

• To apply a collegiate approach to deliver strengths-based support that maximises independence, knowledge and confidence of those using our services.  

• To provide a key point of reference for information and support to those using the services and professionals and carers dependent on it.  

• To work independently across the boroughs we operate in, with people in their homes or in accessing support and resources across the community.  

Critical Values in the delivery of this role  

• A commitment to building independence and self-confidence amongst your colleagues as well as those you provide services to.  

• Recognition of the skills, knowledge and commitment of those working around you and your contribution to them.  

• A professional, can-do attitude that finds solutions in the darkest corners.  

• A willingness to empower those around you to exercise authority to make mistakes, test things out and lead from the front.  

Benefits in working for us  

The charity ensures the following benefits for all its operational staff:  

• A baseline commitment to pay London living wage for all its front-line staff.  

• A commitment to training and professional development to at least Care Certificate NVQ level 3  

• Inclusion in and contribution to the charity's pension scheme  

• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days a year plus an additional day off for your birthday  

• Access to a range of discount schemes  

• Access to the charity's employee assistance programme  

• Access to travel card loan and bike to work scheme  

Application Instructions  

Please complete a covering letter and CV that indicates how you meet the key criteria in the person specification .

As an interim Supervising Solicitor in Public Law, you will supervise and carry out CPAG’s public law legal aid cases, to benefit families and children in poverty. You will play an active role in managing CPAG’s legal practice and conduct high-profile public law litigation. 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about using the law to advocate for the rights of, and directly improve the lives of, families in poverty. The ideal candidate will be a solicitor (E&W qualified) with experience of conducting public law litigation and legal aid (publicly funded) work. You will be able to supervise the casework of colleagues, such as CPAG’s junior or trainee solicitor(s) and welfare benefit advisers. You may have experience of working with clients in vulnerable situations or with additional needs, for example, survivors of domestic abuse, refugees, disabled people or children and young people.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack. 

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Supervising Solicitor - Public Law (Interim)

About the Role

The post holder will provide support to people in relation to their medication, treatment and care, ensuring that they understand and can access their rights, within the context of Independent Advocacy as set out in the Advocacy Charter and Code of Practice.

IMHAs are expected to provide a duty advocacy role as part of a rota which includes occasional Saturday working. (There is no additional payment for this, although time off in lieu is given).

To provide an Independent Mental Health Advocacy Service to Welsh Qualifying Patients in hospitals and registered settings as required by the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 Amendment) and the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010.

About You

You will have significant experience working with vulnerable adults and/or children, either within health or social care setting, or indirectly, for example as a carer. You will understand and have experience of working effectively in an intra-agency context with Health and Social Care Professionals.

Previous direct experience in the role would be preferred but training will be provided.

Essential Information

The position available is based in our Swansea office. You must be able to drive and have access to a car during the working week.

The starting salary for this role is £24,725 based on a 37 hour week.

All successful candidates will require an enhanced DBS check.

Closing Date: 17:00, 28 January 2026.

Interviews will be conducted in English.

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our vibrant team in the bustling heart of Birmingham.

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. You will deliver a range of statutory advocacy services including Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) and Care Act Advocacy. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Hours of Work: Full-Time: 37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Home based with travel around the Birmingham area.
(Applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport)

Salary: Starting Salary of £24,242.40 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
1 Community Leave Day per annum.
Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
Auto enrolment Pension plan
Death in service cover.
Bike to work scheme.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait, click apply now!

Closing Date: 9AM, Friday 6th February 2026 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)

Interview Date: TBC

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

About Us

Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) is a registered charity with offices in Cardiff and Swansea. We provide Independent Mental Health and Mental Capacity Advocacy Services across most of South Wales, employing 44 employees.

About the role

The post holder will provide support to clients who lack capacity and to implement the safeguards of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 or the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. They will provide non-instructed advocacy (NIA) support to people who lack capacity to make specific decisions and who have no-one else to support them. The successful candidate will travel efficiently and effectively within the Advocacy Support Cymru area of operation.

This role will operate within the Hywel Dda University Health Board Area.

About you

You will have experience working with vulnerable adults and/or children, either within health or social care setting, or indirectly, for example as a carer. You will understand and have experience of working effectively in an intra-agency context with Health and Social Care Professionals. Knowledge of the role of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate as defined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 is essential.

Previous direct experience in the role would be preferred but training will be provided.

Essential Information

The salary band for the role is £24,725 to £29,202, based on a 37 hour week.

This post is for 37 & 30 hours a week.

All successful candidates will require an enhanced DBS check.

Closing Date: 5pm 27 January 2026.

Only successful candidates will be contacted for interview. Interviews will be conducted in English.

Overview

FearFree delivers services across the Southwest for victims, children and perpetrators of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking with the aim to break the cycle of abuse and support all to live free from fear. We provide trauma responsive support, and this post will be fundamental to ensuring service users, stakeholders and partners experience this in our daily delivery.

This ISAC role is set within the Wiltshire Domestic Abuse service, providing specialist stalking advice, consultancy and support to high risk victims of domestic abuse stalking across Wiltshire. You will be working in a multiagency environment including police, other statutory bodies and third sector organisations to respond to and safeguard high risk victims, bridging gaps in their support.

FearFree is committed to flexible and hybrid working and this role will be a mix of home based and office based, alongside requiring travel for multi-agency meetings and other deliverables.

This role may include evening and weekend work when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with high risk victims of domestic abuse stalking, providing a targeted service, promoting safety as the central issue and thus reducing the risk of serious harm or death.
• To provide this service both at time of crisis and in longer term e.g. safety planning, risk assessing advocacy, support through the criminal justice/civil legal process and liaison with other statutory and voluntary agencies.
• Complete specialist risk assessments (SASH and DASH).
• Manage a caseload ensuring each person receives the appropriate service individual to their risk and needs.
• Provide proactive, trauma responsive and holistic support, with a focus on increasing safety and reducing risk.
• Work with criminal justice agencies as well as a variety of partners including Victim Support, Children’s Social Care and Housing, to ensure a comprehensive approach to risk.
• Provide specialist advocacy to victims going through the criminal justice process.
• Attend Multi Agency meetings (Stalking Clinic) and Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) meetings as required.
• Give information and support to those experiencing stalking, enabling and empowering them to make positive choices about options available to them and assist them in regaining control of their lives.
• Support other agencies in the identification and referral of stalking issues via promotion of service and institutional advocacy.
• Offer professional consultancy, training and advice to other agencies on stalking.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services works in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.
• Support colleagues and Head of Service to monitor data and report on quality outcomes.

Application

To apply, please download the full job description/person specification along with the application and equality monitoring forms. Please send the completed application form and optional equality monitoring form direct to FearFree. 

There is no specific closing date for this role and this vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged. 

For information about the processing of your personal data at FearFree, please visit our website. 

FearFree is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace.  We strive to be a diverse and inclusive place to work where we can all be ourselves and individual differences are recognised and valued. 

Job Title: Independent Visitor Co-ordinator

Service: Children’s Rights Services, London and the South East

Reporting to: London Lead IV Coordinator  

Salary: £16,200-£16,605 per annum (£27,000-£27,675 FTE)

Location: Hybrid, Coram Campus with homeworking and work in the community

Hours: 21 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Introduction

· Are you passionate about supporting and developing volunteers?

· Are you looking for an opportunity to help make positive differences to the lives of children and young people who are looked after or care leavers of the local authority?

· Do you want to work with a leading national independent children’s charity?

Then come join us here at Coram Voice. We have an exciting opportunity for you to become a co-ordinator of our independent visiting service in London.

We are seeking candidates who are committed to our objectives for children and young people and equally committed to the organisation and the development of our services. We recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and young people we help.

Our work

Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity established in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leading organisations for children and young people in the UK.

Coram Voice is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.

We provide:

· Advocacy services direct to children and young people in care, in need, in custody and to care leavers and children and young people with severe and complex mental health problems. Advocates around the country support children and young people to get their voice heard in decisions about their lives.  This may be through the telephone helpline or through an advocate working directly with a child, for instance, to support them at a review meeting or to help them make a complaint about their care. Coram Voice provides visiting advocacy services to most of the secure units nationally, to Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools and children’s homes.

· A National Helpline to provide access for children and young people to advocacy and advice, with access to legal advice and links with other national services.

· Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to advocate for young people as qualifying patients under the Mental Health Act, in order to fully support them to get their views heard in matters relating to their mental health.

· Independent Visitor services offers a child or young person in care an adult volunteer who provides independent, one-to-one visiting, advice and befriending support. Our independent visitors can become the only long-term, consistent source of support throughout a young person's time in care.

· Independent services provide independent person services for complaints by children and for reviewing whether children should be locked up in secure units on welfare grounds.

· Policy and campaigning to create a better system for all children and young people looked after by the state, for their care to be more child-centred and to give young people a greater say in decisions about their lives. 

· Participation services to ensure children and young people have a voice in the development and delivery of services and campaigns, and through the process, provide the opportunity to develop relevant skills which will be of benefit to them in their future lives.

· Training, development and information for young people, advocates and child care workers, offering courses in advocacy, children’s rights and child-centred practice across a range of areas including the National Advocacy Qualification.

About the Role

You will co-ordinate and deliver a statutory independent visitor service to children and young people in care or care leavers of London.

You will recruit, assess and train volunteers to become independent visitors, who are volunteer befrienders to children and young people looked after or care leavers. You will manage a cash flow to fund suitable activities for independent visitors to enjoy with the young person. You will manage data and reporting for this statutory service so that service leads and other stakeholders can understand the activity in the service.

We are a child led service, you will not act outside of the young person’s instructions (except in matters of child protection and safety.)  You will build strong relationships with the child or young person, independent visitors and other significant adults, you will support Independent Visitors to develop long term, meaningful friendships with the young person.

You will work in partnership with other parts of the service, organisation and external agencies and professionals. This is to ensure there are pathways to attract and retain Independent Visitors in the area and sometimes out of area.

What you will receive

We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of 28 days’ annual leave per year, with increases linked to years worked at Coram Voice. A supportive work environment fostering a good work/home life balance and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.

You will get a genuine opportunity to make a difference every day.

Recruitment process

Shortlisting will be undertaken by Grace Maher, Children’s Rights Services Manager and Jade Joseph, London Lead IV Coordinator. Successful candidates will then be invited for interview. The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview. Successful candidates will have a further one to one interview in accordance within Warner recommendations. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process.

Returning your application:

· We cannot accept general CVs. When completing your application form, address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.

· Applications must be fully completed.

The deadline for applications to be returned is 11.59pm on Sunday 1st February 2026.

Interviews will be arranged for Thursday 12th and Friday 13th February 2026.

Job Title: Independent Visitor Co-ordinator

Service: Manchester

Reporting to: Children’s Rights Manager

Salary: £19,434.82 (£24,293.53 FTE) per annum

Location: Home based (with travel across the region)

Hours: 28 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

Our work

Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity established in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leading organisations for children and young people in the UK.

Coram Voice is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.

We provide:

• Advocacy services direct to children and young people in care, in need, in custody and to care leavers and children and young people with severe and complex mental health problems. Advocates around the country support children and young people to get their voice heard in decisions about their lives.This may be through the telephone helpline or through an advocate working directly with a child, for instance, to support them at a review meeting or to help them make a complaint about their care. Coram Voice provides visiting advocacy services to most of the secure units nationally, to Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools and children’s homes.
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to advocate for young people as qualifying patients under the Mental Health Act, in order to fully support them to get their views heard in matters relating to their mental health.
• Independent Visitor services offers a child or young person in care an adult volunteer who provides independent, one-to-one visiting, advice and befriending support. Our independent visitors can become the only long-term, consistent source of support throughout a young person's time in care.
• Independent services provide independent person services for complaints by children and for reviewing whether children should be locked up in secure units on welfare grounds.
• Policy and campaigning to create a better system for all children and young people looked after by the state, for their care to be more child-centred and to give young people a greater say in decisions about their lives.
• Participation services to ensure children and young people have a voice in the development and delivery of services and campaigns, and through the process, provide the opportunity to develop relevant skills which will be of benefit to them in their future lives.
• Training, development and information for young people, advocates and child care workers, offering courses in advocacy, children’s rights and child-centred practice across a range of areas including the National Advocacy Qualification.

Job Introduction

• Are you passionate about supporting and developing volunteers?

• Are you looking for an opportunity to help make positive differences to the lives of children and young people who are looked after or care leavers of the local authority?

• Do you want to work with a leading national independent children’s charity?

Then come join us here at Coram Voice. We have an exciting opportunity for you to become a co-ordinator of our independent visiting service in Manchester.

We are seeking candidates who are committed to our objectives for children and young people and equally committed to the organisation and the development of our services. We recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and young people we help.

About the Role

You will co-ordinate and deliver a statutory independent visitor service to children and young people in care or care leavers of Manchester.

You will recruit, assess and train volunteers to become independent visitors, who are volunteer befrienders to children and young people looked after or care leavers. You will manage a cash flow to fund suitable activities for independent visitors to enjoy with the young person. You will manage data and reporting for this statutory service so that service leads and other stakeholders can understand the activity in the service.

We are a child led service, you will not act outside of the young person’s instructions (except in matters of child protection and safety.)You will build strong relationships with the child or young person, independent visitors and other significant adults, you will support Independent Visitors to develop long term, meaningful friendships with the young person.

You will work in partnership with other parts of the service, organisation and external agencies and professionals. This is to ensure there are pathways to attract and retain Independent Visitors in the area and sometimes out of area.

What you will receive

We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of up to 25 days’ annual leave plus an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. A supportive work environment fostering a good work/home life balance and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.

You will get a genuine opportunity to make a difference every day.

Recruitment process

Shortlisting will be undertaken by Emma Keen, Children’s Rights Manager and Sarah Gabriel, Children’s Rights Manager. Successful candidates will then be invited for interview.The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview.Successful candidates will have a further one to one interview in accordance within Warner recommendations. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process.

Returning your application:

• We cannot accept general CVs. When completing your application form, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
• Applications must be fully completed.
• If you are a current Coram Voice employee you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.

Closing date: Monday 2nd February 2026 at 9am

Interview date: Thursday 5th February 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

About the role

This role builds on work that we have been doing for decades to support and empower LGBT people who have experienced abuse or violence. Your work will enable TNBI 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 be joining our advocacy and support team, supporting TNBI survivors across the UK. You will work directly with TNBI 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 experiences of abuse or 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 work with mainstream services to ensure the voices and experiences of TNBI survivors are represented in order to make change for our community at a local and national level. You will also work closely with key partner organisations by attending meetings and have the opportunity to take part in external work to ensure a joined-up approach among services working with LGBT people facing abuse and violence.

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)
Reports to: Senior TNBI Independent Victim Advocate
Salary: You will start on scale point F1, £31,986.91 per year (including London Weighting of £4,212.01).

Closing Date

Applications should be submitted by 10am on 11th February 2026.
Interviews will be held on 19th and 20th February 2026.

REF-226 154

Job Purpose:

Terms & Conditions:

To Apply:

• Is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement
• Requires the right to work in the UK
• Is subject to an Enhanced + Adult Barred List DBS check
• Is subject to successful HMPPS enhanced vetting

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST:

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

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are looking for an ambitious, dynamic senior social worker to lead, deliver and develop our SAFE Project, a pan-London project dedicated to providing advocacy support for stalking victims aged 11-16 (or up to age 25 with particular vulnerabilities), funded by Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong senior operational experience.  You will need to be able to think on your feet and work in a fast paced, ever-changing environment.  This first-of-its-kind project, co-designed with partner organisation Safer London, will seek to fill in important gaps in understanding, assessing and supporting young people experiencing stalking. You will work closely to ensure that systems are robust, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of vulnerable children, while embedding the service into the wider ecosystem of London specialist services driving change.

Reporting to the Head of Pan London Stalking Support Service, you will provide expert advice and advocacy to children, young people and their families, ensuring the SAFE Project has what it needs to deliver an outstanding service.  You will be trainined as an Independent Stalking Advocate (ISA), hold a caseload, and over the course of the contract, you will support the upskilling of all ISAs on the team to be able to take children and young people's cases.  In addition to leading on the development of the children and youth work provision, you will oversee a Young People's Experts by Experience group to ensure victim's voices are fed into project development.

This role is hybrid, initially requiring on-site attendance at our London office until the sucessful completion of the first probation review (typically 3 months), as well as regular travel across London

Main purpose of job: To provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

Location: Hybrid: working from home, with regular attendance at CARA premises in Colchester and regular travel across mid and north Essex.

Preferred start date: ASAP (subject to enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references)

Salary: £32,151 - £34,020 (pro rata).

Contract: This is a permanent contract.

Hours: 28 - 35 hours per week.  

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional gift days at Christmas.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Application deadline: 9am, Monday 2nd February 2026.

Interviews:  Wednesday 11th February 2026.  

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

The role of an ISVA is to support victims and survivors by:

·Ensuring their voice is heard.

·Helping them make the choices that feel right for them.

·Accompanying them to important appointments and to court.

·Supporting them with their next steps after the legal process is over, regardless of the outcome of the case.

If victims and survivors are considering reporting to the police, ISVAs can also help them by:

·Providing impartial information to enable them to make an informed decision.

·Offering an overview of police processes and what to expect if they do decide to report.

·Supporting them in their next steps.

CARA provides an ISVA service to adults, young people and children who have been victims of sexual violence from across mid and North Essex, and Uttlesford.

Most ISVA clients are referred to CARA through the Police or the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).  Clients can also refer themselves.

Duties and Responsibilities

For all clients

· To liaise with CARA’s Information and Referrals Coordinator and First Contact Navigators in supporting new referrals to the ISVA service.

· To undertake risk assessment and support needs analysis with clients.

· To develop individual service plans to address risks/support needs of clients. 

· To help clients access services to which they are entitled, e.g. through setting up fast-track referral systems to sexual health follow-up services, making referrals to mental health services, assisting with return to work/absence from work arrangements.

· To provide face-to-face and telephone support (non-therapeutic) to clients and their supporters where appropriate. 

· To help clients to develop their own support network.

· To explain criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies to clients.

· To provide information in relation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

· Where relevant and with client’s consent, to keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.

· To consider safeguarding issues and follow CARA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

If a client reports to the Police

· To support the client throughout their time in the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within it.

· Subject to local arrangements and their wishes, to support the client at every step; from the provision of their witness statement through to a trial.

· To liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of the client.  To keep them informed about the progress of their case on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.

· To participate in case conferences with the police and CPS. 

· To understand and support the need for some clients to access special measures.

General

· To manage a caseload of around 50 clients (pro rata), including adults, young people and children.

· To travel to client meetings in a variety of settings, including outreach premises and clients’ homes.

· To maintain and monitor records, using a purpose-built online database.

· To follow procedures and protocols so that the safety of the client is kept central to any process.

· To note and feedback to other agencies any difficulties clients are having accessing their service.

· To contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within areas of practice as necessary. 

· To develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including the police, CPS, HMCTS, social services, education, primary care trust (mental and sexual health), Victim Support, Witness Service, CAFCASS and voluntary sector organisations.

·To participate in team meetings, supervision, training and development. 

·To participate in co-location working within Colchester and Chelmsford police stations.

· To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in the delivery of training sessions.

· To have a clear understanding of the myths surrounding sexual violence, and the trauma and long-term mental health effects it creates, including self-harm, suicidal feelings and suicide attempts.

· To be aware of resources available regarding interpreters, signers etc.

· To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.

· To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding.

· To report to the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of written reports.

· To be administratively self-servicing.

· To undertake any other related activities as required by the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO or Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on our website.  We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

The successful candidate will work within an innovative tenant-led partnership called Ageing Well in Place in Hulme (AWiPiH) which includes tenants and community groups; local and national charities; GPs; housing providers; and support from a local university. 

You will enable older and vulnerable people experiencing multiple disadvantage in high rise accommodation to 'age well in place' through one-to-one casework within a managed caseload and with supervisory support from a GP Fellow. You will work in collaboration with tenant committees; an Ageing Well Development Worker; the GP Fellow; and housing provider neighbourhood teams across two high-rise blocks. AWiPiH takes a preventative and proactive approach to wellbeing including health promotion, improved access to social care, housing adaptations, signposting on welfare rights, income maximisation and social participation. This role requires a person-centred and solution-focused approach to supporting people experiencing multiple and complex issues.

You will have a hybrid working arrangement including some working from home; some working based at a local GP practice; and on-site working across two neighbouring accommodation blocks in Hulme, central Manchester.

About You:

• You have a passion for enabling older/vulnerable people to live with dignity and independence in their own home.
• You are good at building trusting relationships with people while also maintaining boundaries and being mindful of your own levels of resilience.
• You are confident carrying out solution-oriented casework with people experiencing multiple-disadvantage amidst the current crisis in health and social care services.
• You are experienced in person-centred support planning and risk assessment.
• You are excited by the opportunity to work in collaboration with tenants, community groups, and charities, as well as with statutory service providers.

Please view our application pack and visit our website for more information.

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. 
 

Terms & Conditions:

Start date: To be confirmed

Salary: £30,640 (inclusive of £3,990 South East weighting)

Location:Across South London

Working hours: Full time, 35 hours per week

Contract: Fixed term - 6 month contract to cover secondment

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. 

The primary purpose of this role is to provide in-depth, ongoing support to a caseload of women in the community, co-located in hubs across South London. This programme is funded by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) co-commissioning grant, along with investment from the six Local Authorities, the Community Rehabilitation Company and NHS England. The funding will be used to develop and expand support for female offenders and women at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system across Bromley, Bexley Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Southwark, Sutton and Wandsworth. 

The primary purpose of this role is to provide in-depth, ongoing support to a caseload of women across the South London boroughs. 

The Advocate will: 

• Provide advocacy, support and advice services to women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with, the criminal justice system.  
• Be co-located across London Boroughs to support clients in Women’s Only Hubs.  
• Attend designated office for monthly team meetings, training and team development time.  
• Provide Through the Gate support to women leaving custody returning to one of the WIP’s boroughs. 

The job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.
 

To Apply:

Applications close: 23 March at 9am. We reserve the right to close the advert early.

Interviews: TBC 

To apply: Submit a completed application form. Please note, Curriculum Vitae’s (CVs) will not be accepted.

If you require reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, please contact the HR team on hr@wipuk .org

We are happy to invest in developing the right person, so you are welcome to apply even if your professional experience does not fully meet the job description or person specification.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minoritised women, and women who have personal experience of the criminal justice system. 

In line with legal requirements and the nature of our work, this role:

• Is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement
• Requires the right to work in the UK
• Is subject to an Enhanced + Adult Barred List DBS check
• Is subject to successful HMPPS enhanced vetting