Independent sexual violence advisor jobs

IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Location: FCWA Offices, 77 Montague Street, Blackpool

Salary: £26,500 (unqualified) - £28,500 (qualified or after 2 years of service)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday–Friday: 9:00am–5:00 pm)

Closing Date: 24th December 2025

Main Purpose and Scope of the Job

FCWA is an innovative, exciting, and friendly organisation run by a staff team who are passionate about bringing an end to domestic and sexual violence. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.

The IDVA Role and Key Responsibilities

• The IDVA will manage high profile / intensive case work
• To establish the risks to and the needs of survivors, identifying and prioritising those at the highest risk
• To support the empowerment of survivors, assisting them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation, and to help them regain control of their lives
• To ensure that SafeLives DASH Risk assessment, Individual Safety & Support Plans are completed and updated on a regular basis.
• To ensure that support planning is outcome focused and that clients inform the type and level of support that they receive.

Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of domestic violence its impact on victims and their children (physical, emotional, financial and sexual, with knowledge of ‘honour- based violence’ , forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation)
• Knowledge of perpetrators abusive behaviours within relationships, including family relationships, male victims and same sex relationships.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and ability to address them appropriately.
• At least one years’ experience of managing a caseload and of supporting service users.
• Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Previous experience of using computer-based systems to accurately record work and client details.

Benefits

• Birthday day off
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Regular staff support sessions
• Contributory pension scheme
• Death in Service insurance
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Friendly, values-driven team environment

To Apply 

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for FCWA, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

Please note that we reserve the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.

This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and clearance.

Job Purpose: To provide high-quality and comprehensive advice, information, practical and advocacy support relating to domestic and other forms of gender-based violence perpetrated against Black and minoritised women and children. To assist with educational, developmental, policy and campaigning work arising from advice and casework. To promote the aims and objectives of SBS as a specialist organisation for Black and minoritised women and children.

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

We reserve the right to close these adverts early if we have sufficient interest, so early applications are encouraged.

Are you driven by a commitment to social justice and equality? Do you want to utilise your expertise to support vulnerable women and children in their fight against inequality and discrimination? Southall Black Sisters has the perfect opportunity for you. We are seeking a dedicated Immigration Solicitor to provide specialised, personalised advice to our clients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.

The postholder will support and contribute to Southall Black Sisters’ (SBS) research, policy and campaigning work by developing and delivering high-quality, intersectional research that:

• Strengthens the evidence base on violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly as it affects Black, minoritised and migrant (BMM) women and girls.
• Centres the lived experiences of victim-survivors, using participatory and coproduced research methods.
• Informs SBS’s advocacy, public education and service delivery strategies through accessible, impactful research outputs.

Working closely with senior staff, frontline colleagues and external partners, the postholder will design and contribute to research projects, gather and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and produce clear, well-structured outputs including reports, policy briefings and presentations. They will be supported to develop their research skills and will be encouraged to bring creativity and rigour to exploring the structural inequalities that shape the lives of the women SBS supports.

By joining our team, you will be at the forefront of the fight for equality and justice, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Why work with Southall Black Sisters?

Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Hybrid working 
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Enhanced sick pay
• Subsidised public transport season ticket
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists 
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• Organisation-wide away days
• Career development pathways and support
• The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
• Employer eye care scheme

To Apply

Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline: Wednesday 10th December 2025 (5.00pm).
Interview dates: Thursday 18th December 2025 (Please note that the interview date is fixed. Applicants who cannot attend must state this in their application)

Location: Tower Hamlets SASS/Hybrid Working 

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

Qualified: £29,923 - £32,623 per annum

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

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Until 31st March 2026)

Closing Date: Tuesday 9th December 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 DWP 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, collaborating with external agencies in particular DWP. 

As the DWP 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 DWP staff.

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. 

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.

Please note: This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The Health IDVA provides vital support to those affected by domestic abuse, helping them access the specialist services they need and navigate challenges in their daily lives. You will work directly with patients with a wide range of experiences and needs, offering advocacy, guidance, and practical support. A key part of the role is raising awareness among community healthcare professionals about the impact of domestic abuse, particularly on mental health, through training, guidance, and ongoing support, so that patients are identified earlier and supported more effectively.

This role addresses a need in community healthcare, where many patients are not recognised as survivors of domestic abuse. By combining domestic abuse expertise with a therapeutic approach, the Health IDVA will provide direct support to patients while helping community services and healthcare teams feel confident and equipped to respond appropriately. You will be supported by the Head of Adult Services and HIDVA Managers. You will have the opportunity to complete a formal domestic abuse qualification once you pass your probation (if not already qualified).

Through this work, the Health IDVA will help ensure that patients receive timely, compassionate support while also strengthening the skills, confidence, and understanding of community services and professionals. By building strong partnerships and sharing expertise, the role will contribute to a more coordinated and effective response to domestic abuse, ensuring that patients are supported at every stage and that services are better equipped to meet their needs.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support to Survivors

• Hold a caseload of clients, including NHS staff.
• Ensure survivors are fully informed of their rights and options, and explain the criminal and civil legal remedies available to them.
• Promote enhanced safety and wellbeing for victim-survivors accessing community healthcare, including NHS staff.
• Conduct needs and risk assessments, including DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Abuse Risk Assessment), to determine appropriate levels of support. Develop and implement safety plans collaboratively with clients to address their needs in a timely manner.
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate legal, financial, housing, medical, educational, and employment services, as well as counselling and community support networks.
• Work in partnership with police, housing providers, and other agencies to advocate for survivors and facilitate referrals to ongoing support services.
• Attend Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences when required (MARAC) and make referrals where appropriate.
• Recognise and address the needs of survivors who experience additional barriers to accessing services, including those from minority groups or with protected characteristics.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities for children, young people, and adults, in line with Child Protection Procedures and safeguarding policies.
• Maintain accurate client records, monitoring data, and outcome information. Prepare reports and evaluations as required for service monitoring.
• Participate in an out-of-hours rota, providing a HIDVA service within the hospital on Friday evenings and weekends as scheduled

Partnership Working and Training

• Promote the Health IDVA service and establish formal working links with GP practices and other healthcare providers (such as dental, health visiting or mental health teams.
• Attend safeguarding, handover and partnership meetings to raise awareness of the service and share our knowledge so earlier identification of domestic abuse within community healthcare settings can be achieved.
• Deliver training sessions to community healthcare staff to raise awareness of domestic abuse, safe enquiry and appropriately responding to disclosures.
• Contribute to multi-agency safeguarding meetings and local domestic abuse forums to share learning and strengthen partnership working.

General

• Uphold the values and good name of Rising Sun at all times represent the organisation in a way that is consistent with its philosophy and ethos and in line with all Rising Sun’s policies.
• Actively participate in clinical supervision, training and development opportunities.
• Develop your understanding of trauma informed work and embed in your day-to-day practice.
• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge to be able to advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, such as housing options, legislation and welfare.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures, including Safeguarding, Data Protection and Health and Safety.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities in keeping with the nature of this post, as may be required from time to time.

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

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Qualifications

• Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) qualification (desirable)
• Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) qualification (desirable)
• Health qualification (desirable)

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse, including high risk clients, and assessing client risks and needs
• Experience of co-producing short- and longer-term risk management, safety and support plans with survivors and their children
• Experience of delivering training (desirable)
• Experience working with the police, social services and MARAC
• Experience of lone working and able to work on own initiative
• Experience working with people with mental health needs, substance misuse, other complex needs
• Experience of working in a hospital / healthcare setting (desirable)
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal remedies and housing law relating to domestic abuse
• Knowledge of domestic abuse risk assessment tools including DASH and extensive understanding of the MARAC process
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding relating to adults with care and support needs and children
• Up to date knowledge of the welfare benefits system and the ability to ensure service users maximise their benefit entitlement (desirable)
• Knowledge of local services and DA Specialists across Kent & Medway (desirable)

Skills and attributes

• Ability to network face to face and virtually, to develop new contacts and partnerships
• Ability to train professionals on recognising domestic abuse and responding appropriately (desirable)
• Ability to motivate yourself and work independently on your own initiative
• Solution focused and creative in approaching new challenges
• Competent using Microsoft office programmes, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Passionate about the aim and principles of Rising Sun
• Committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality
• Able to drive and have access to a reliable car (post holder will be required to attend meetings and across our areas of work)
• Able to work some evenings and weekends
• Eligible to live and work in the UK

Benefits

We offer a number of benefits to team members including:

• 25 days annual leave per year
• A bonus day of leave for your birthday
• 3% matched pension contribution
• Access to Rising Sun’s counselling service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health care cash plan for you and your children for a number of health treatments (e.g. dental, optical, physiotherapy etc.) and also discounts in shops and attractions
• Up to four weeks sick pay in any 12 month period (eligible after probation period)

How to apply

If you feel this role would be a good fit for your skills and experience, visit our website to download an application form and apply, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.

We request no contact from agencies or media sales please.

Salary: £30,784 per annum

Permanent contract

40 Hours per week, shift work including weekends and bank holidays

Location: North Kensington (W10)

We have presently a fantastic opportunity to join one of our 16+ Homes, located in North Kensington , and make a difference to our Young People’s lives.

About Us

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.

St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people and we are proud of our history for providing fostering, children's homes and a range of innovative leaving care services across the UK & Isle of Man.  We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do.  We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home.

We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong.  We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities.

St Christopher’s Academy

At St Christopher's we can offer you a career where you can develop your skills and knowledge while making a difference to young people’s lives.

When you join St Christopher’s, we will set you up in your career with a tailored development plan. Whether you want to move across to a different service, become a Manager or just explore further your current role, we will support you to map out your career trajectory and help you achieve your professional ambitions. If you want to learn more about St Christopher’s Academy, please visit our website to watch our short video to gain an insight into our working life here at St Christopher’s .

We are proud that 84% of all our Team Leaders, Deputies and Managers are internal promotions. 

About the Role

As Team Leader, you will assist the Manager in the running of a 16+ semi-independent supported accommodation service, supporting the delivery of high quality transition services for young people that promote their independence and increase their life skills.

We have an enthusiastic team including Support Workers, Waking Night Staff and Management who all have different interests which they bring to the service. If you’re ready for a challenge and think you have the skills to drive St Christopher’s forward we would love to hear from you!

Applicants should have

• At least two year’s relevant experience providing housing and/or support services to vulnerable individuals
• A good understanding of the regulatory framework relevant to the provision of housing services for young people
• Knowledge of the welfare benefits system in relation to young people.
• Ability to lead, motivate, supervise and support staff and be a positive role model.
• Ability to prioritise own workload and to work flexibly to meet deadlines or service requirements.
• Ability to use own initiative as well as be an active team member.
• Flexibility to occasionally work evening and weekend shifts and participating in the On-Call system.

In return we offer:

• Salary of £30,784 per annum.
• Competitive pay and reward structure offering salary progression based on performance.
• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
• Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary funded training programs.
• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

Recruitment Process

At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. During the recruitment process you will be expected to complete an online application form to ensure we capture essential information to meet legislation, best practice and vetting requirements.

Applicants will ideally already be on the DBS Update Service; if this is not the case St Christopher's will carry out a DBS (police) check prior to starting.

 Your online application must include a supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification. For the full Job Description and Person Specification please visit our website. CV’s will not be accepted.

For more information or assistance during the application process, please contact us via our website.

 We advise to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note that it is against the law to apply for work with Children/Young People if you are barred from working in Regulated Activity and if your name is added to a Children Barred List.

All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.

Please note this post has a minimum age restriction  of 21 for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and semi-independent Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’.

At Global Witness, we’re on a mission to shift the balance of power from the polluters profiting most from the climate emergency to the people most adversely affected.

We are an independent, global organisation of investigators and campaigners using cutting edge investigative methods. We shine a light on the financial and political systems that enable that enable corporate abuses of power that harm people and planet.

We are all determined and confident that together we can secure a better tomorrow for everyone. If you are inspired to join us as we investigate and expose abuses of power, tell the stories the world needs to hear and campaign for systemic change, we would love to hear from you.

About the role

As Director of People, you will lead the strategy that ensures Global Witness remains an inclusive, forward-thinking and trailblazing organisation — one capable of attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people across the globe.

You will guide the evolution of our culture, championing equity, wellbeing and collaboration while ensuring we are ready to adapt to the forces reshaping the modern workplace. Working closely with our Senior Leadership Team, you will embed a people-centred approach that supports high performance, strengthens organisational resilience, and upholds the values that unite our staff around our mission.

This is a pivotal moment for Global Witness, and your leadership will be essential as we equip our organisation for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

About you

We are seeking an experienced and inspiring leader who combines strategic vision with practical, hands-on delivery. You will be someone who builds trust, nurtures strong relationships and cultivates high-performing teams.

You will likely bring senior experience from an international, mission-driven or values-led organisation, along with the courage and confidence to drive transformation. You are committed to fostering a culture of learning, accountability and inclusion, and you understand what it takes to create an environment where people can thrive.

Above all, you share our mission and are energised by the opportunity to shape the culture and people strategy of an organisation working at the forefront of global climate and human rights challenges.

Working for Global Witness

Global Witness has a talented team of people worldwide with offices in London, Washington DC, and Brussels. We aim to be a diverse and inclusive place to work. We value new perspectives, original ideas, and different ways of working. We believe that diverse views and experiences improve the way we do our work. We do our best to make our jobs accessible to all regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or identity.

We offer an excellent benefits package including a competitive salary and 25 days annual leave (excl. Bank Holidays). We also offer healthcare insurance, wellbeing days and policies to support you during key life events.

We are currently in the first year of a shorter working week pilot where everyone works 30 hours Monday to Thursday, with Friday off with no impact on full time salary. We operate a hybrid working model which requires at least 2 days in the office.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots. If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email Mark Crowley at Tall Roots.