Advocacy and information officer jobs

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is on an exciting journey of growth and change — and we’re looking for a skilled, values-driven Director of Finance and Resources to join our leadership team.

With a new CEO, a new strategy, and a bold new vision, this is a pivotal moment for our organisation as we prepare to launch our refreshed brand and future direction. If you’re ready to use your financial and strategic expertise to make a real impact for women and girls, we’d love to hear from you

We’re a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs.
From our women-only Croydon centre and six satellite locations, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, and prevention education, alongside training for professionals.

In 2024/25, our income was around £4 million — a reflection of our growing reach and the trust placed in our work. Everything we do is grounded in feminist, trauma-informed, and empowering principles.

About the Role

As our Director of Finance and Resources, you’ll be a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, leading on:

• Strategic financial planning, reporting, and sustainability

• Governance, audit, and compliance

• IT, facilities, and information governance

• Risk management and organisational performance

You’ll work closely with the CEO and Board to ensure sound financial stewardship, support our strategic vision, and strengthen the systems that enable us to deliver life-changing support for survivors.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Professionally qualified (or equivalent) in finance and accountancy

• Experienced in senior financial management, ideally in the voluntary sector

• Skilled in overseeing finance, IT, governance, and resource management

• Collaborative, analytical, and proactive in problem-solving

• Deeply committed to feminist principles and to equity, diversity, and inclusion

What We Offer

• 27 days’ annual leave + 8 bank holidays (pro rata)

• 3 extra gifted days between 27–31 December

• NEST pension (3% employer / 5% employee)

• Life assurance, healthcare plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and cycle-to-work scheme

• Supportive, feminist working culture

This post is open to female applicants only, as being female is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010

About the role

As practice manager, you will have a key role in maintaining ACF’s understanding of current foundation practice and the contexts in which foundations are working. You will gather and share insights from your regular engagement with ACF members and other stakeholders, identifying examples of excellent practice by foundations as well as areas where they need additional guidance and support.  

Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, you will use these insights to:

• Develop evidence-based positions on what constitutes excellent foundation practice (building on our existing Stronger Foundations framework)

• Communicate ACF’s views on stronger foundation practice to a range of audiences

• Develop accessible and engaging guidance and resources to help ACF members reflect on and develop their practice

• Contribute to the development of practice content for events and learning opportunities

• Respond to practice-related queries from individual members and other stakeholders

• Embed knowledge about foundation practice across the organisation.

About the Association of Charitable Foundations

The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) is the leading membership association for foundations and independent grant-makers in the UK.

We strengthen trusts and foundations so they can rise to the challenges of our time. Our vision is diverse, vibrant and effective foundations working together for social good. 

Our 430 members include trusts and foundations of all sizes, working across a wide range of charitable causes. Collectively, they give more than £4.4bn annually and hold assets of around £75bn..

You can read our five-year strategy here.

Our values are: We care · We are open · We are evidence-based · We are ambitious

Our commitment

We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

We welcome all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the members we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic, disabled, LGBTQ+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.  If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know — we’re happy to support you.

Benefits

ACF has developed a range of benefits to enable staff to perform and be supported in times where personal situations change.  Annual leave is 25 days per year, plus all the bank holidays, as well as additional time off between Christmas and New Year.  We will also make a pension contribution of 10% of base salary on your behalf without any expectation of colleagues matching the organisation contribution.

ACF supports flexible working arrangements, offers hybrid working and has a family friendly policies. We also support employee wellbeing by offering occupational sick pay and an Employee Assistance Programme to all staff.

Overview

Involve Community Services is a local infrastructure charity that supports the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sectors of Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough. We offer development and governance support, funding advice, grant writing, volunteer and trustee recruitment, and a comprehensive training programme. We also run several well-being projects that include Community Navigation, Cancer Support and Social Prescribing within Wokingham Borough.

Role summary

The Community Development Worker will work across Wokingham Borough to assist small charities, community groups and social enterprises who have a health and well-being focus, as well as those organisations who aid residents with protected characteristics. They will assist organisations to find solutions to existing challenges and overcome barriers to optimise their delivery, e.g., through sourcing volunteers, committee members, funding opportunities, forming simple governance structures, and seeking premises.

The post holder will advocate for members of the community with protected characteristics as well as those whose voices are seldom heard, and act as a voice for marginalised groups, to aid inclusive decision making and delivery of services across the borough. The postholder will develop a broad, informed view of the local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector and will communicate this to colleagues within Involve, the wider Friendship Alliance (a collective of charities who have a shared interest in addressing loneliness and social isolation), and to statutory partners. The postholder will also identify gaps in provision and help to develop or enhance existing partnerships so to optimise their impact to residents. 

Key Responsibilities

• Regularly attend community events throughout Wokingham Borough
• Create quarterly reports to articulate the work of the postholder.
• Act as the face of Involve and the first point of contact for organisations and community groups in Wokingham Borough
• Signpost organisations to Involve’s Core Services
• Signpost residents to Involve’s Wellbeing Services
• Support Community Navigation attending outreach events
• Report key barriers and gaps in services to the CEO and Admin & Partnerships Manager on a regular basis
• Keep the Wellbeing Services up to date with new or changing community groups & services
• Support the Hub Coordinator and fellow site users when onsite

Key responsibilities for the community and VCS organisation

• Network and maintain relationships with residents, communities, charitable organisations and other stakeholders
• Host Involve’s Charity & Community Networking Events for Wokingham Borough
• Match organisations and community groups with share objectives so to bring greater capacity and insight to a community undertaking
• Attend forums & meetings relevant to communities, addressing issues such as equality & diversity, social isolation or community safety
• Support organisations and community groups with basic governance enquiries
• Ensure organisations receive up to date and accessible information & signposting to assist them with their operations, e.g. governance, funding, volunteer recruitment

Essential experience, skills and attributes

• Knowledge of the local area and services
• Experience in engaging and advocating for vulnerable people and those with protected characteristics, and those seldom heard
• Good interpersonal skills - friendly, curious, respectful, empathetic and courteous
• Reliable with a mature disposition and a caring nature
• Capable of maintaining appropriate written records
• Awareness of confidentiality and data protection
• Ability to work proactively on your own initiative as well as part of a team
• Awareness of health and safety and lone working issues for self and others
• A commitment to equal opportunities
• Effective problem solving and negotiation skills
• Good written and verbal literacy with ability to engage confidently, employing actively listen skills
• Sound IT skills, particularly office 365 applications
• Personal commitment to improving own knowledge and skills
• Requirement to undertake training, including safeguarding and any other appropriate learning
• Requirement to work to all Involve policies
• Access to a car (with business insurance) is essential as travel will be required across Wokingham Borough

NB: Some flexibility will be required when delivering your role and occasional evening or weekend work may be needed.

Pathway Project is an inspiring Domestic Abuse Charity that makes a difference, it's a great place to work, we are a charity with big ambitions and huge energy and we need a Finance Manager who can match our energy.

We are currently evolving a bold new strategy and a passion  for excellence in service delivery. Supported by a driven and energetic board of trustees the new Chief Executive is leading Pathway Project through their ambitious plans.

It’s a really fantastic time to join our amazing charity as we move into the next phase of our exciting journey.

We are looking for a new Finance Manager to be responsible for the effective day-to-day financial management of the charity supporting the CEO with the Finance Strategy.

She will be driven, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements including the Charity Commission and Charity SORP (FRS 102).

She will work closely with the CEO, SMT and Trustees and she will provide clear, timely financial information to support sound operational and strategic decision-making and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

Job description

Stella Maris is the official maritime charity of the Catholic Church.  We are looking for a Regional Port Chaplain for Immingham and the South Humber Ports to support seafarers, fishers and their families.

In this unique and rewarding role, you'll be the welcoming face of Stella Maris in your region, visiting ships, listening to crew members, and offering practical, pastoral and spiritual support to anyone in need, regardless of faith or background.

About the role

No two days are the same.  You might spend the morning visiting ships and listening to crew members' stories, help someone contact their family back home, support a seafarer in crisis, or offer a quiet moment of prayer on deck.

You'll also recruit and support a team of volunteers, work closely with other maritime charities and local partners, and build strong relationships with parishes, dioceses, and port authorities.  You'll be part of a nationwide network of Stella Maris chaplains, supported through regular meetings, retreats and professional development opportunities.

Key responsibilities

• Visit ships regularly to meet seafarers and fishers, responding to their pastoral, practical and spiritual needs.
• Provide practical help such as transport, communication access, and emergency or crisis support.
• Offer spiritual care to Catholic seafarers and facilitate the religious needs of those from other faiths.
• Recruit, train and support Stella Maris volunteers.
• Work collaboratively with other maritime charities.
• Maintain strong relationships with local parishes, the Diocese of Nottingham, and port stakeholders such as the Harbour Master, shipping agents and welfare committees.
• Support local fundraising and awareness initiatives alongside the charity's national team.

About you

You'll be someone who takes joy in helping others.  You don't need maritime experiences, what matters most is your empathy and ability to offer pastoral support in practical ways.

You may come from a background in chaplaincy, parish ministry, community work or social care.  You'll share our commitment to upholding the dignity of every seafarer and fisher.

The Methodist Church is committed to ensuring its churches are safe spaces for all. We work hard to ensure compliance with legal requirements, develop good practice, provide effective training and give professional advice on individual cases. We have an exciting opportunity to join our new safeguarding regional team operating in the northwest region and take this forward supporting Methodist churches and work.

Hours of work: 21 per week

About you

The post holder will join a team of safeguarding officers who will carry specific responsibility for individual cases, undertake risk assessments, lead training and advise churches. The post will be aligned to the Cumbria Methodist District requiring regular travel within this District area, and to provide support to colleagues across the regional area of the North West, which may involve occasional travel. The successful candidate will hold a relevant professional qualification and relevant experience and expertise in child and/or adult protection.

Our Culture, Values and Benefits:

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing.

We value and support all those who join our team through a positive work-life balance augmented by generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), TOIL, flexi-leave and an on-site Wellbeing Adviser service. We offer a generous occupational pension scheme with pensions matched up to 8%.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer, and welcome applications from disabled people. 

If you have questions about the vacancy or require reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact HR Team.

Closing date: 6th February 2026

Shortlisting date: W/C 11th February 2026

Interview (in person): 23rd February 2026

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

The Intensive Support Refuge Manager (ISM) is responsible for the effective leadership and management of Pathway Project’s two Women’s Refuges in South Staffordshire, delivering high-quality, trauma-informed accommodation-based support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse. 

She will provide driven operational and strategic leadership across both sites, ensuring safety, consistency of practice, regulatory compliance, financial sustainability and excellent outcomes for residents. She will be supported by a Head of Operations, Deputy Refuge Managers, Senior Support, Refuge staff and volunteers. 

She will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to support Pathway Project’s evolving strategy and commitment to excellence in service delivery. 

Why work for us? 

Pathway Project is an inspiring  place to be, we are a charity with big ambitions and huge energy. 

We have a bold new strategy and a passion  for excellence in service delivery with an eye on growth. 

Supported by a driven and energetic board of trustees the new Chief Executive is leading Pathway Project through their ambitious plans. 

It’s a really fantastic time to join our amazing charity as we move into the next phase of our exciting journey. 

We are a flexible and supportive employer, committed to the personal and professional development and wellbeing of our employees. We welcome applications from women with lived experience of domestic abuse and from minority  or under-represented groups. 

We offer the following benefits: 

• 25 days paid leave plus statutory holidays (pro rata) 

• A competitive pension scheme

• Employee Assistance Programme delivered by Health Assured which offers incredible support to staff and their families

We value our colleagues and are constantly reviewing our policies and practice, looking for ways in which we can better demonstrate this. We also recognise the potential impact of working in this field and provide clinical supervision to all of our employees, whatever their role.

About Pathway Project 

We are a domestic and sexual abuse service based in Lichfield & Tamworth, Staffordshire. 

We offer a range of support services and run two refuges in confidential locations. 

We have been operating for over 30 years helping adults and children overcome domestic abuse, and to build a future where they live in safety and are free from fear.

Since our founder, Kathy Coe MBE, created Pathway Project, we have helped over 25,000 people, with 5,814 hours of support provided in the last year. 

We offer a wide range of services, including adult and children outreach and community support, mental health, wellbeing and financial advice.

We support the relatives of those who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and offer specialist counselling, advocacy and care to all who need us. 

Pathway Project believes in working as a cohesive team and are service user led. 

Our helpline is access to all and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

** Please ntoe we may close this application early if we receive sufficient applications**

About Us

We Are Survivors, are a survivor focused voluntary sector organisation that aims to create and facilitate safe spaces for male (including trans and non-binary individuals) survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester providing access to quality assured support. Our work is focused on developing ways for individuals to empower themselves to work through personal and sometimes painful issues, guided and supported by our trauma-informed team, following the trauma and recovery model.

Our vision is to have “A society where NO male survivor is left behind”

About the Role

We Are Survivors are currently looking for individuals that have the passion, drive and determination to help us deliver our OUT Spoken Talking Therapy Services in HMP Garth and HMP Wymott.

We Are Survivors provide survivor-focused therapeutic and advocacy support to male (including Trans and Non-binary) victims/survivors, and their loved ones, of sexual harms. We have developed a three-tiered approach to services and underpin everything we do with a ‘trauma and recovery’ framework pioneered by Dr Judith Herman.

We are currently commissioned to deliver trauma-informed therapy services in 15 prisons across the Northwest of England and we require postings in our prisons across Merseyside, Lancaster and Cheshire. Please note we have no vacancies in our Greater Manchester prisons.

About You

You will be a qualified counsellor / psychotherapist who holds at least a Diploma in Counselling / Psychotherapy or equivalent and be registered with BACP or equivalent (preferably an accredited member). You will understand issues relating to trauma, be able to work as part of a team and feel confident working in a prison setting. You will hold a full driving licence, have access to a vehicle and be within a reasonable commute to estates.

Why Join Us?

· a competitive salary.

· annual leave package with incremental rises plus bank holidays.

· company sick pay.

· Birthday annual leave.

· monthly clinical supervision.

· pension contribution.

· and a range of discount and benefit programmes.

How to Apply

Apply by sending your CV and a short supporting statement .

Interviews are expected to take place on 30 January 2026.

By applying for the any of the above roles, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Privacy Notice (see supporting documents)

Equal Opportunities

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We actively encourage applications from people with lived experience, people from underrepresented backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQ+, disabled, or from Black, Asian or minoritised communities.

** Please Note, all Job Descriptions are currently pending review **

Reception Administrator

St Pauls Advice Centre is recruiting a Reception Administrator to provide a professional, welcoming front-of-house service for clients, partners, and visitors.

This is a key operational role. You will be the first point of contact and play a central part in making sure people can access the right help, at the right time, in the right way.

About St Pauls Advice Centre

We work to reduce poverty and inequality by providing free, independent advice on social welfare law.
Our services include debt, benefits, housing, immigration, and related issues.
Demand is high and growing, particularly in communities facing multiple disadvantages.

The role

You will:

• Welcome clients and visitors in person and by phone.
• Triage enquiries and identify what support is needed.
• Provide clear information and manage expectations about waiting times and processes.
• Handle incoming calls, messages, and post.
• Carry out general administrative tasks to support the wider team.

This role requires calm judgement, good communication, and the ability to manage competing demands in a busy environment.

What we are looking for

You will have:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Fluent spoken and written English.

Desirable:

• A community language such as Somali, Hindi, or Urdu.
• Experience in a reception, customer service, or advice setting.

Pay and conditions

• Salary: £9,344.23 to £11,680.29 actual salary
  (£27,254 full-time equivalent, NJC point 9)
• Hours: 12 to 15 hours per week
  Working days: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
• Annual leave: 30 days full-time equivalent, pro rata
  Plus 3 additional days between Christmas and New Year
• Pension: 5% employer contribution
• Employer: Living Wage Employer
• Flexible working supported where possible

How to apply

For the full job description, person specification, and application form, visit the St Pauls Advice Centre website.

Closing date: Monday 2 February 2026 at 10:00 am
Interviews: Tuesday 9 February 2026

Open Rights Group (ORG) is recruiting for a Pre-Crime Programme Manager

The Pre-Crime Programme Manager leads our work on predictive policing and surveillance within the criminal legal system and counter-terrorism policy, with a particular focus on raising awareness of, and challenging, the impact on over-policed and over-surveilled communities.

They are responsible for the development and implementation of the Pre-Crime programme, working with the Senior Management Team (SMT) and other staff to expand the programme’s profile, network and funding opportunities.

As a Programme Lead, they will also be responsible for working with the SMT and other Area or Programme leads to further develop and uphold ORG’s values and collaborative working culture. They will be recognised as an issue-expert and senior leader within the organisation.

Activities

This is a permanent position at Open Rights Group, and we have secured a number of project grants to deliver the following activities:

• Lead and manage the Safety Not Surveillance (SNS) Coalition, the UK’s only coalition fighting to prohibit AI- and data-driven predictive policing. SNS brings together grassroots partners with national organisations to build power in communities, secure media coverage, engage decision-makers and mobilise those with lived experience.

• Develop detailed policy positions on the deployment of AI and data-driven technologies by private and public actors in criminal justice, immigration and national security.

• Advocacy to encourage decision makers, including MPs, Lords, Government departments and the Information Commissioner’s Office, to adopt ORG’s and the coalition’s recommendations.

• Conduct campaigns that raise awareness of the threats posed to people’s digital rights by the data-driven technologies in policing and counter-terrorism, as well as more broadly.

• Through research and FOIs, help build a legal case with our partners against covert Police-led pathways under Prevent, the UK’s counter-terrorism programme.

• Opportunities to campaign against digital ID, the Online Safety Act and to protect freedom of expression.

What we’re looking for

Above all else, we need a passionate and effective advocate. And as regards the rest, we’re more interested in your skills, rather than your knowledge.

You might be knowledgeable on the current and emerging technologies impacting policing and the criminal justice system.

You will likely have experiencing managing multiple projects addressing harms impacting communities that are marginalised and made vulnerable by society.

You might have a strong policy background with an interest in human rights, policing, surveillance or draconian technology.

You will have the capacity to perform simultaneous roles such as research, project planning and creating communication outputs and have the creativity and lateral thinking skills to ideate interventions and disrupt harms.

You may be bringing a wide range of contacts to the role or have the skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders with sensitivity to their aims and values.

What the job will involve

• Research: for example on the impact of current data processing practices under the Prevent Duty on individuals and targeted communities.

• Drafting policy documents: including public-facing documents such as consultation responses and reports.

• Outreach to policy-makers: including engagement with UK MPs, Lords and councillors.

• Feeding into our campaigning work: through collaboration with our Campaigns Manager, to ensure that your policy research is fed into our campaigning and grassroots activism.

• Coalition building: through collaborating with other team-members to expand our coalition of cross-sectoral allies.

• Creating comms outputs: such as blog and video posts summarising policy submissions and campaign materials.

• Some public speaking: such as giving press quotes and interviews, as well as representing ORG at external events.

• Programme management: for example, setting goals, objectives and key performance indicators for the programme to deliver.

• Project planning: including identifying further opportunities and partnerships for programme growth.

What we’re like

ORG is a vibrant digital rights campaigning organisation. Founded in 2005, we have over 20,000 members and supporters and 10 local groups across the UK.

We uphold our human rights to free expression and privacy. We condemn and work against repressive laws or systems that deny people these rights.

We campaign, lobby, go to court – whatever it takes to build and support a movement for freedom in the digital age.

Our remote team is spread across the UK. We’re a supportive, flexible group with high standards. We’re innovative and agile. You’ll work hard but be rewarded by the impact you collaboratively achieve.

We take staff well-being seriously and meet up regularly for in-person work and social events.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a CV and a completed application form (downloadable when you click 'how to apply') by 9am on Monday 2 February 2026.

Please ensure that your email has the subject heading ‘Pre-Crime Programme Manager Application’ and that all attachments are sent in PDF or ODT format.

Interviews for short-listed candidates will be held online in the week commencing 9 February 2026, with the second and final interview taking place in-person the following week, starting from the 16 February 2026.

If you require any of these documents in an alternate format please contact us.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

ORG is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team working in a supportive environment is vital to the success of our work. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from marginalised and racialised backgrounds, as well as applications from disabled and LGBTQIA+ candidates.

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 exciting post will be working with children who have experienced or been affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Focusing on standard and medium risk cases, this role will provide practical and emotional support to children and young people, whilst working proactively with other professionals, with an emphasis on early intervention and awareness raising.  

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. It is fixed term until October 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of low to high risk children and young people, predominantly through face to face appointments but also utilising virtual technologies and group work.
• Plan, recruit and deliver group work interventions for children and young people alongside colleagues.
• Complete an initial assessment of the child’s needs so that you can identify and plan the support needed to address issues and prevent any problems from escalating.
• Assess the needs of the child and devise appropriate support and safety plans with due regard to the dynamic nature of risk.
• Proactively engage with children and young people affected by DA/SV by providing therapeutic sessions tailed to their needs in where they are in their recovery journey.
• Risk assess and follow FearFree safety procedures to ensure personal safety and that of service users and other staff at all times.
• Actively support carers and parents in how to support their CYP affected by trauma. This may include working together to ensure the child is support at every stage in their recovery journey.
• Respond to emergencies and crises with a focus on the child’s wellbeing and safeguarding.
• Provide child-centred, trauma responsive support to all your cases taking in considering different learning needs, to empower the young person to make informed choices.
• Enable service users to participate in the design, delivery and evaluation of services.
• Keeping the child’s voice central to all support and decision making wherever possible: taking the time to talk through and work with the individual child’s understanding around safeguarding and why we need to share certain things.
• Act as duty officer, responding to incoming calls, logging referrals and making assigned outgoing calls, according to the duty rota.
• Work effectively within a multi-agency framework, consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse and sexual violence, in order to reduce the risk for service users and their families.
• Be proactive with your line manager to carry out periodic case reviews.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the services work in, and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of survivors ensuring the service is accessible to all.

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. 

The closing date for this role is 6th February 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if sufficient applications are received before then, 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. 

Do you want to improve the lives of people with disabilities and vulnerable people?

Humanity & Inclusion UK is looking for a Head of Institutional Relations (maternity cover) to lead our engagement with institutional donors, programme partners and allies in the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a dynamic team in the delivery and implementation of an ambitious institutional relations strategy. With a particular focus on the FCDO and Start Network alongside  growing our Australian and Irish portfolios, you will build partnerships and maximise income and influence to achieve our strategic aims. As a member of the HI UK Leadership Team, you will also play an important role in shaping the culture and direction of the organisation as a whole.

Background Information and Purpose of Post

The Head of Institutional Relations leads HI’s engagement with institutional donors, programme partners and allies in the UK, working closely with colleagues from across the global HI Federation, including our country programmes and our technical departments.

You will lead a dynamic team in the delivery and implementation of an ambitious institutional relations strategy. With a particular focus on the FCDO and Start Network alongside growing our Australian and Irish portfolios, you will build partnerships and maximise income and influence to achieve our strategic aims. This will involve managing relations with a wide range of actors, building our profile and responding quickly and effectively to opportunities. You will oversee and strengthen our compliance with donor requirements, ensure our programmes are effectively supported to implement grants and consolidate our capacity to bid for and manage commercial contracts.

As a member of the HI UK Leadership Team, you will also play an important role in shaping the culture and direction of the organisation as a whole.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Implement our ambitious plan for institutional relations, staying aligned with the organisation’s objectives and responding appropriately to the external environment.
• Contribute to the implementation of the network-wide institutional funding strategy.
• Lead, empower and motivate your team to achieve their goals, providing support as needed.
• Manage the team budget, including planning, phasing and forecasting in line with the organisation’s financial procedures.
• Participate as an active and constructive member of the Leadership Team, promoting a positive culture, modelling excellent behaviour and supporting cross-organisational initiatives.
• Provide timely and accurate reporting to the Chief Executive, trustees and Federation as required.

Institutional Relations

• Lead the team in ambitious engagement strategies for all donors in the portfolio, particularly the FCDO, Start Network, Australian DFAT and Irish Aid, strengthening existing relationships and, where appropriate, developing new ones.
• Ensure the team develops and maintains expertise on UK donor priorities, expectations and compliance requirements and is proactively analysing, interpreting and sharing this knowledge internally with relevant colleagues across the Federation.
• With your team, build the ability of our country programmes to engage with our donors locally and to comply with donor requirements, including through training.
• Oversee the process of identifying, analysing and sharing new funding opportunities with relevant colleagues, taking a lead when needed on coordinating large multi-country/framework bids to our donors.
• Maintain a network of contacts at other organisations and, working closely with operational and technical colleagues, build relationships with potential partners, including supporting the development of consortia for new bids when required.
• Contribute to building HI’s capacity to bid for and manage commercial contracts, including frameworks.
• Support the team with risk-based contract analysis and negotiation, due diligence and donor compliance.
• Ensure your team is delivering timely and high-quality reporting and grant/contract management, including follow-up of payment requests and tracking.
• Oversee the team’s information management tools and champion HI-wide internal processes and tools such as the CRM.
• Participate in the Bond Disability and Development Group, including supporting its influencing to promote greater emphasis on disability inclusion by the UK Government.
• Monitor and respond to threats and opportunities relating to the UK aid budget and aid policy, as well as for other donors in our portfolio where capacity allows.
• Support your team, the Chief Executive and technical colleagues to engage appropriately with other relevant networks in the UK to influence the UK government and raise HI’s profile (e.g. on specific crisis contexts, the impact of counter-terrorism legislation, health, education, humanitarian mine action, climate change etc.).
• Contribute to engaging with the Start Network and implementing our Start Network strategy.

Other duties

• Maintain a positive and collaborative working relationship with HI UK colleagues and the Federation’s institutional funding, operations and advocacy teams.
• Represent the organisation at relevant external events and meetings.

· Keep abreast of developments within the sector by liaising with counterparts in other NGOs and relevant networks.

• Keep up to date with any relevant changes in legislation, regulatory procedures, innovation, best practice and industry standards.
• Any other activities commensurate with the level of the post, as may be required.

Person Specification

We genuinely value diversity and are looking to build a team of people with a wide of range of personal and professional experience. If you don’t meet all of the criteria listed below but feel you would be a good candidate for this role, please apply. If you would like an informal conversation about this, please do send us an email or call us – we would love to hear from you.

Essential criteria

· Substantial relevant experience with INGOs, including at least five years’ experience managing strategic relationships with donors, partners and/or networks.

· A track record of securing and managing institutional income.

· Good knowledge of the FCDO as a donor and influencing target.

· Excellent management skills, including the ability to provide appropriate support and to develop colleagues’ capabilities.

· Excellent relationship-building, networking and negotiation skills, both internal and external, and at a variety of levels.

· Demonstrated capacity to design and deliver high-quality proposals, reports and briefs.

· An entrepreneurial thinker with a strong ability to identify opportunities, cultivate prospects and achieve strategic aims.

· Ability to carry out sound strategic analysis, identifying key trends and producing clear summaries from complex information.

· Good understanding of project design, programme quality and effective delivery.

· Excellent planning skills and an ability to work under pressure, to prioritise and to meet standards and deadlines.

· A collaborative and team-oriented approach with strong self-motivation.

· Ability to work effectively in an international and multicultural organisation.

· Willingness to travel and to work outside of office hours when necessary.

· Good IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

· Commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive and protective environment for everyone that comes in contact with the organisation.

Desirable criteria

· A track record of securing and managing funding from, building relationships with and influencing DFAT and/or Irish Aid

· Good knowledge of the Start Network

· Experience of bidding for and managing commercial contracts for humanitarian and development programmes.

· Experience of cross-organisational leadership.

· Understanding of key humanitarian and development issues.

· Understanding of and experience of advocacy or campaigns, including working with the UK political system.

· Experience of developing NGO or academic partnerships.

· Lived experience of disability or from one of our countries of operation.

· French-language proficiency.

Equal Opportunities Policy

HI UK is committed to diversity and inclusion. We recognise that discrimination shapes the opportunities that many people have in society and that people have different needs in order to realise their full potential.

Addressing this requires organisations to be proactive in creating environments that encourage the inclusion and development of all. Though we still have a long way to go, inclusion is central to our identity at HI UK and we are strongly committed to the continuous work that it requires.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with disabilities and/or from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, to help make us more representative. If you declare a disability and you meet the minimum requirements for the role, we will offer you an interview to demonstrate your skills. In the event that we receive a high level of applications for a role, we will invite those applicants who best meet the person specification.

About Woman’s Trust

The charity was established in 1996 to meet the gap in specialist mental health services. Woman’s Trust is led by and for women and aims to ensure that women affected by domestic abuse can live a life free from further harm and abuse. Our approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, empowering survivors on their journey to recovery from the trauma. We are committed to a positive, inclusive and equitable environment for our staff, service users and volunteers.

Alongside delivering our existing 1-1 counselling, self-development workshops and therapeutic support groups for women who have experienced domestic abuse, we are focused on developing our innovative mental health services for young women and girls, delivering new peer-led support groups and providing therapeutic groups to children and their mothers. We are also committed to developing further awareness-raising workshops and training for professionals, building on our research and policy to improve systems nationally.

Background

The lack of recognition of domestic abuse as a mental health issue within the NHS leads to delayed and inadequate support for survivors. This gap in understanding and response often result in survivors only being able to access and receive appropriate care when their mental health deteriorates to the point of requiring secondary mental health services (Women’s Aid 2021).  Meta analysis suggests that CBT, one of the NHS’s most prescribed approaches for mental ill-health, is not the best approach for domestic abuse survivors as it does not recognise and take into account the external factors and dynamics of abuse, specifically power and control, the role of the perpetrator and the resulting trauma for the survivor.

In March 2025, WT published its first major report, ‘Living Without Hope’ which consolidates existing and increasing academic, government and sector research demonstrating the significant impact of domestic abuse on women’s mental health. Outlining the current agency responses at national, regional and local levels and the gaps in provision; the report also makes recommendations for change and improvement across the VAWG and health sectors.

Building on the research highlighted in our ‘Living Without Hope’ report, WT has secured funding to work with key stakeholders in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to examine the links between domestic abuse and mental health, the specific experiences of Arab and Moroccan women and their access to safe, appropriate services that meet their needs.

Purpose

This is an exciting new role and will be focused on developing Woman’s Trust’s (WT) response to addressing the systemic issues female survivors of domestic abuse face when trying to access support.

Working with key stakeholders in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (LBKC) and specifically Al-Hasniya to ensure that professionals have a clearer understanding of the link between domestic abuse and mental health and its impact on survivors.

Contract & hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week (0.6 FTE). Fixed term as dependant on funding.

Location: Woman’s Trust premises including co-location with statutory partners and community partnership locations.

Closing date: 10 February 2026.

Interviews: 18 February 2026.

Please note, this post is open to female applicants only – Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1 applies.

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.