Domestic abuse jobs

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

Main Purpose of the Role:

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

ISVA Main Duties

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

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

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

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

· Assess the risk and support needs of clients.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Assist clients accessing special measures.

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

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

· Help clients to develop their own support network.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ISVA Person Specification

Essential:

· Educated to A-level standard.

· Experience of working with vulnerable clients.

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

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

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

· Pro-active.

· Empathic, with a non-judgmental approach.

· A good listener.

· Strong crisis management skills.

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

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work on own without close supervision.

· Ability to manage caseload and work priorities.

· Ability to share sensitive information, adhering to protocols.

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

· Willingness to undertake regular training.

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

· Commitment to continued professional development.

· Knowledge of and commitment to diversity issues.

· Ability to work safely and within boundaries.

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

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

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

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

Desirable:

· Professional qualification in social work or related field.

· Current full driving license and own vehicle.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Children and Families Worker to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse Service in Hackney.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The role focuses on building positive and supportive relationships with women and their children, empowering them to work towards their goals through a strengths-based approach. This includes creating, implementing, and reviewing personalised support plans in collaboration with service users and external agencies, while also advocating on their behalf when needed. Key responsibilities involve assisting mothers with parenting skills, signposting them to appropriate services, and offering targeted support to families facing issues such as domestic abuse. Ensuring the safeguarding of children and maintaining confidentiality at all times are central to the role, alongside working within relevant policies and procedures.

Additionally, the position emphasises the importance of children's development and wellbeing by providing educational, recreational, and interactive play opportunities both during term time and holidays. Service users and children are encouraged to actively participate in shaping projects through consultations, feedback, and creative engagement. The role also involves promoting community involvement by networking, fundraising, and collaborating with statutory and voluntary organisations. Ultimately, the work contributes towards the five key outcome areas: being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and achieving economic wellbeing.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

This role is restricted to female applicants under Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the work.

It requires someone who can bring optimism, resilience, and a non-judgemental, anti-discriminatory approach when supporting women and children. A calm manner, empathy, and compassion are essential, particularly when working with service users who have experienced trauma or domestic abuse. The role demands the ability to engage directly with families in a supportive, constructive way, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

In addition, the post holder must be skilled in partnership working with statutory, voluntary, and community agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes for families. Strong problem-solving abilities, accuracy in processing and sharing sensitive information, and a clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities are vital. The role also requires flexibility to travel between service premises and to accompany clients when necessary. Success in this position relies on being able to manage responsibilities effectively within a structured and often pressured environment, while always keeping the wellbeing and empowerment of families at the centre of practice.

When will I be working

This is a part time role of 19.5 hours per week, you will be working between Monday and Friday and between the hours of 9am and 5.20pm

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Children and Families Worker to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse Service in Hackney.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The role focuses on building positive and supportive relationships with women and their children, empowering them to work towards their goals through a strengths-based approach. This includes creating, implementing, and reviewing personalised support plans in collaboration with service users and external agencies, while also advocating on their behalf when needed. Key responsibilities involve assisting mothers with parenting skills, signposting them to appropriate services, and offering targeted support to families facing issues such as domestic abuse. Ensuring the safeguarding of children and maintaining confidentiality at all times are central to the role, alongside working within relevant policies and procedures.

Additionally, the position emphasises the importance of children's development and wellbeing by providing educational, recreational, and interactive play opportunities both during term time and holidays. Service users and children are encouraged to actively participate in shaping projects through consultations, feedback, and creative engagement. The role also involves promoting community involvement by networking, fundraising, and collaborating with statutory and voluntary organisations. Ultimately, the work contributes towards the five key outcome areas: being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and achieving economic wellbeing.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

This role is restricted to female applicants under Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the work.

It requires someone who can bring optimism, resilience, and a non-judgemental, anti-discriminatory approach when supporting women and children. A calm manner, empathy, and compassion are essential, particularly when working with service users who have experienced trauma or domestic abuse. The role demands the ability to engage directly with families in a supportive, constructive way, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

In addition, the post holder must be skilled in partnership working with statutory, voluntary, and community agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes for families. Strong problem-solving abilities, accuracy in processing and sharing sensitive information, and a clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities are vital. The role also requires flexibility to travel between service premises and to accompany clients when necessary. Success in this position relies on being able to manage responsibilities effectively within a structured and often pressured environment, while always keeping the wellbeing and empowerment of families at the centre of practice.

When will I be working

This is a part time role of 19.5 hours per week, you will be working between Monday and Friday and between the hours of 9am and 5.20pm

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

We're looking for a kind, empathetic and resilient female Refuge Children's Worker to join our Homelessness and Complex needs Service in Tower Hamlets.

£14,000.00 per annum, working 20 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Are you looking for a rewarding role working with families who have fled domestic abuse? We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our refuge team.

This is a fixed term contract until May 2026 with possibility of extension

What you'll do:
* To ensure that the needs of children and young people in the refuge are assessed as part of admission and the duration of their stay
* To plan and implement a programme of therapeutic and recreational activities for children and young people living both at the refuge and in the community, as well as play-work and activity trips
* To provide individual, age-appropriate key working sessions for children of all ages. With a focus on safeguarding, including risk and safety planning, emotional & physical health & wellbeing, education and social & family networks
* To encourage and support mothers to build loving and consistent relationships with their children

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Flexible
* Open to feedback and self-development
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments Mission & Values 'Working with people to make choices, achieve goals and take control of their live through high quality care, support and housing'

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* A recognised qualification in childcare such as NVQ level 3, NNEB/DCE,
* Experience of working with children of all ages
* Experience of working with children who've experienced domestic abuse
* Ability to communicate effectively with children of different ages and backgrounds, and help them communicate their experiences
* Experience of planning, facilitating, evaluating and recording group play
* Experience of writing Reports
* Ability to work flexibly around working hours

Desirable:
* Experience of working with children in a residential setting
* Experience of delivering domestic abuse recovery programmes
* Experience of coproducing delivery outcomes and gathering evidence in accordance with them

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description

We are recruiting for a Children's Support Worker to join our team in Hammersmith & Fulham; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: Children's Support Worker

Location: Hammersmith & Fulham
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality,
diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a
positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

We are recruiting for a Children’s Support Worker who will be working closely with children and their mothers who are living in our refuges escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse, to provide personal welfare support and ensure that our clients are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.

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

Closing date: 9.00am on 17 February 2025

Interview date: 26/27 February 2025

Benefits

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

Womankind is an establishedmental health charity run by women for women. We help hundreds of women every year to improve their mental health and wellbeing so they can experience a better quality of life.

The Clinical Lead will join Womankind’s staff team based in central Bristol. With support from the Senior Psychotherapist, the postholder will be responsible for

• The day-to-day management and delivery of Womankind’s clinical services, including one-to-one counselling and group psychotherapy. They will ensure services are efficient, high-quality, and in line with best practice.
• They will lead on clinical governance, uphold the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ethical framework, and oversee monitoring and evaluation processes.
• As part of the senior leadership team, the Clinical lead will contribute to service development and strategic planning, supervise clinical and non-clinical staff, and act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• The Clinical Lead will also maintain a small caseload, providing trauma-focused counselling to women experiencing mental health issues, including survivors of sexual and domestic violence and abuse.
• Benefits include- employer pension scheme, flexible working, Cycle to Work scheme.

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Community Key Worker

Salary: £23,000 - £27,000

Location: Hertfordshire

Contract: Fixed Term until 31st March 2027

Hours p/w: 35 Hours per week

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

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

Are you an excellent relationship builder who can work with women and a diverse range of delivery partners to ensure that she meets her potential and successfully progresses through and beyond her probation supervision? Can you meet a women wherever she is at in her journey and work with her to create an individualised support package that gives her the best chance of breaking the cycle of offending?

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for a feminist organisation who understand that supporting women in the criminal justice system requires a specialist and gendered approach? Do you believe in our values; to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaborate, innovate, and take accountability?

In your role as a Community Keyworker, you will be working with women involved in the Criminal Justice System; those on Probation in the Community and those women being released from Prison as part of their Post Sentence Supervision; providing some in-reach and ‘Through the Gate’ support. You will be working in a team of Community Keyworkers in your region. Each Keyworker will provide holistic one to one community support to women with a variety of needs.

About You:

To be successful as the Community Key Worker you will need the below experience and skills.

You will need to hold a UK driving licence with access to car that can be used for work purposes. A creative self-starter who will support the service and look for innovative solutions to support clients with complex needs. You are confident professional relationship builder with have good awareness of Safeguarding procedures. Strong Administration skills and understanding of compliant behaviours also, experience of supporting. With good knowledge of the criminal justice system and awareness of other support provisions within the Hampshire area.

How to apply:

Please apply with a copy of your CV and a cover letter through our careers site.

• Closing date: 8th February 2026
• Interviews will take place on a rolling basis.

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

• A 35-hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• Thorough induction and training
• Career development pathways

**************************************************************

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have any additional needs please email our talent team and we will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. 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.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for Senior Operations Contracts Lead

Salary: £38,000 - £48,000

Location: Based across multiple locations with the flexibility to work from home up to two days each week. The three key locations for this role are Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. The expectation is that a minimum of three days per week are spent in face-to-face, in-person contact (e.g. in Women’s Centres, Estates or external visits), and one of these days being a monthly visit to Head Office (the purpose being for interaction with colleagues and Central functions). Visits also required to HMP Peterborough and HMP Bronzefield.

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

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

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

As an experienced senior manager with a proven track record of leadership in providing services to women in contact with the criminal justice system and working with partners and funders, you will manage criminal justice projects, work to develop and expand our services and partnerships and manage criminal justice managers and other staff as required.

You will work with the management team to ensure, manage and oversee that the services work within the budget, are complaint with financial regulations, policies and procedures, and meet funding and Advance requirements.

About You:

To be successful as the Senior Operations Contracts Lead you will need the below experience and skills:

A thorough understanding of and knowledge of the issues relating to women in the criminal justice system

• A sound knowledge of safeguarding adult and children principles, child abuse, child protection issues and safeguarding

• A good knowledge and understanding of organisational systems and frameworks, line management and project management

• Significant experience, likely to have been gained over several years, of strategic planning and operational management at a service manager level, and developing and delivering services at senior service management level

• Significant experience of working with women and/or service users with a complex range of needs, particularly within the criminal justice system, in custody and/or community.

• Experience of developing relationships with funders/commissioners and achieving required outcomes

• Experience of implementing quality assurance frameworks, monitoring, evaluating and measuring impact

• Strong influencing skills, enthusiasm, self-confidence, excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills , and a can do proactive solution focussed approach

• Strong negotiating skills and the ability to build strong and effective relationships and partnerships, dealing with ambiguity and resolving conflict effectively, achieving the right outcomes for the organisation, collaborating and networking

• Able to think, act and plan strategically to develop practical and creative solutions to the management of existing and new services and complex problems that may arise while maintaining high levels of diplomacy and professionalism

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.

• Closing Date for Applications: Wednesday 4th February 2026

• Interviews are taking place on a rolling basis

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

• A 35-hour working week

• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)

• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home

• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more

• Pension scheme

• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

• Employee eye-care scheme

• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles

• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation

• Organisation wide away days

• One-week paid carers’ s leave

• Career development pathways

**************************************************************

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. 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.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

Job description

Stella Maris is the official maritime charity of the Catholic Church.  We are looking for a Regional Port Chaplain for the East Englia 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 East Anglia, 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.

Job Title: People Development Manager (Job Share)

Location: Homeworking with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London)
Salary: £23,036 per annum, pro rata based on an FTE salary of £57,590 per annum. (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Part Time, Fixed Term (1 year)

Hours: 15 hours per week (Wednesday's and Friday's as part of a job share)

We are now seeking a People Development Manager (Job Share) to join our People & Culture team and help us strengthen learning, development, and organisational capability across Refuge.

As People Development Manager, you will play a key role in delivering effective, compliant, and customer-focused People services that help colleagues perform at their best and support Refuge’s strategic objectives.

Working collaboratively with managers and your job-share partner, you will shape and deliver an organisation-wide training and learning offer that meets diverse needs, supports professional growth, and enhances our inclusive culture.

You will lead on the development of our newly implemented learning system, our evaluation framework and monitoring and developing our apprenticeship scheme. Alongside your job share partner and the Deputy Director of People & Culture, you will help develop our new learning strategy.

You will be part of a supportive People & Culture team committed to positive change and continuous improvement. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to shape meaningful development initiatives that help colleagues grow and ensure Refuge remains a great place to work.

Closing Date: 09:00 am 12 February 2026

Interview Date: 19 February 2026 

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for Senior Operations Contracts Lead - Criminal Justice Services (Caversham, Portsmouth and Kent)

Salary: £38,000 - £48,000

Location: Based across multiple locations with the flexibility to work from home up to two days each week. The key locations for this role are Caversham, Portsmouth and Kent. The expectation is that a minimum of three days per week are spent in face-to-face, in-person contact (e.g. in Women’s Centres, Estates or external visits), and one of these days being a monthly visit to Head Office (the purpose being for interaction with colleagues and Central functions). Visits also required to HMP Peterborough and HMP Bronzefield.

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

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

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

As an experienced senior manager with a proven track record of leadership in providing services to women in contact with the criminal justice system and working with partners and funders, you will manage criminal justice projects, work to develop and expand our services and partnerships and manage criminal justice managers and other staff as required.

You will work with the management team to ensure, manage and oversee that the services work within the budget, are complaint with financial regulations, policies and procedures, and meet funding and Advance requirements.

About You:

To be successful as the Senior Operations Contracts Lead you will need the below experience and skills:

A thorough understanding of and knowledge of the issues relating to women in the criminal justice system

• A sound knowledge of safeguarding adult and children principles, child abuse, child protection issues and safeguarding

• A good knowledge and understanding of organisational systems and frameworks, line management and project management

• Significant experience, likely to have been gained over several years, of strategic planning and operational management at a service manager level, and developing and delivering services at senior service management level

• Significant experience of working with women and/or service users with a complex range of needs, particularly within the criminal justice system, in custody and/or community.

• Experience of developing relationships with funders/commissioners and achieving required outcomes

• Experience of implementing quality assurance frameworks, monitoring, evaluating and measuring impact

• Strong influencing skills, enthusiasm, self-confidence, excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills , and a can do proactive solution focussed approach

• Strong negotiating skills and the ability to build strong and effective relationships and partnerships, dealing with ambiguity and resolving conflict effectively, achieving the right outcomes for the organisation, collaborating and networking

• Able to think, act and plan strategically to develop practical and creative solutions to the management of existing and new services and complex problems that may arise while maintaining high levels of diplomacy and professionalism

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.

• Closing Date for Applications: Wednesday 4th February 2026

• Interviews are taking place on a rolling basis

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

• A 35-hour working week

• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)

• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home

• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more

• Pension scheme

• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

• Employee eye-care scheme

• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles

• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation

• Organisation wide away days

• One-week paid carers’ s leave

• Career development pathways

**************************************************************

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. 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.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

nia has been delivering services to women, girls and children who have been subjected to sexual and domestic violence and abuse, including prostitution, since 1975. The organisation has three main aims: to provide services for women, girls and children who have experienced men’s violence; contributing to ending male violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

nia is a professionally approved member of Rape Crisis England and Wales; an umbrella organisation supporting Rape Crisis Centres across the country. Rape Crisis is completely independent of the government and the criminal justice system.

East London Rape Crisis provides free, confidential specialist support for women and girls aged 11 years old+ who have been raped or experienced any other form of sexual violence or abuse at any time in their lives, regardless of whether or not they have reported to the police. We offer confidential and independent support. Services include advocacy, emotional and practical support, one-to-one counselling and group work. The service is provided across Barking & Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Redbridge, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

We form part of the London Sexual Violence Alliance. The Alliance brings together 225 years of expertise and experience and represents a bold, visionary and survivor-centred resource. The Alliance consists of eight members. Seven are organisations that have historically, and or currently, provide support for victims/survivors. MOPAC is the eighth member, primarily sitting at the oversight and leadership governance level. 

Note: each organisation continues to be an independent charity, so the Alliance is not a legal entity.

Hours: 28hours per week including 1 evening per week

Salary: £25,200 -£28,000 (FTE £31,500 - £35,000 depending on experience

Location: East London (Current office locations include Islington, Dagenham Heathway and Waltham Forest. We have further satellite counselling hubs across East London. We offer a hybrid working approach combined of office, outreach and home working)

In the role of ELRC Women and Girls Counsellor, you will provide one to one counselling and group therapy to female survivors of sexual violence. You will work as part of a growing feminist Rape Crisis service that is developing to meet the needs of women and girls. Counselling is delivered face to face, online and via the phone.

We are looking for a counsellor who can provide a commitment of 28 hours a week of counselling services, including one evening per week.

We are looking for highly organised and self-motivated women who are passionate about ending violence against women, girls and children. You will have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to nia’s feminist approach to supporting women and their children to be safer and well.

Closing date: 10am, 11 February 2026

Interview period: 23 – 24 February 2026

CV’s will not be accepted. 

This post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.

About the role

This senior leadership role provides strategic and operational oversight of WGN’s Clinical Services, ensuring the delivery of innovative, safe, high-quality, survivor-centred, trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapeutic support for survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

As Head of Clinical Services, you will lead a multidisciplinary team delivering individual therapy, group work, body-based therapies and web-based counselling within WGN’s intersectional Black feminist framework and Holistic Empowerment Recovery (HER) Model. You will shape the strategic direction of clinical services, strengthen partnerships, embed strong clinical governance and safeguarding practice, and foster a culture of collective care, reflective practice and anti-oppressive leadership.

This role combines strategic leadership, service development, clinical oversight and people management to ensure WGN’s therapeutic services remain sector-leading, accessible and survivor-led.

About you

As Head of Clinical Services, you will:

• Provide strategic and clinical leadership across all therapeutic services, ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed, strengths-based and non-pathologising support within an intersectional feminist framework.

• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, line managing senior clinical staff and embedding reflective practice, wellbeing and anti-oppressive leadership.

• Hold responsibility for safeguarding and risk management as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust case oversight and partnership working to keep survivors safe.

• Drive service development and innovation, using data, survivor feedback and best practice to shape responsive therapeutic pathways and specialist trauma interventions.

• Ensure equitable and inclusive access, strengthening referral pathways, managing demand with service managers and reducing barriers for marginalised survivors.

• Oversee monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance, ensuring compliance with professional standards and funder requirements and using learning to improve services.

• Build partnerships and sector influence, representing WGN externally and contributing to training, knowledge-sharing and policy discussions.

• Embed survivor voice and co-production across service design, delivery and development.

Closing date and Interviews

This vacancy is open to applications on a rolling basis with interviews taking place on a rolling basis.

We encourage early applications, as the role may close before the advertised date if a suitable candidate is appointed.

About us

Women and Girls Network (WGN) is a pan-London organisation that supports women and girls affected by all forms of gendered-based violence. Our overall aim is to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, gendered-based violence, whilst working towards a society free of gendered-based violence.

We do this by:

• Providing women-only holistic and seamless therapeutic services, which meet women and girls’ needs and contribute to total and sustainable recovery from the experiences of violence.
• Evidencing the impact of gendered-based violence and presenting this information in appropriate forums to affect social change in attitudes towards, and responses to, gendered-based violence.
• Developing good practice in the sector by providing training and guidance on specialist service provision and the development of culturally appropriate service delivery.

WGN is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer and a member of The London VAWG Consortium, Halo Code, and Helplines Partnership.

Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being, growth, and contribution.

We are deeply committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity and strength of the women and girls we serve, and we strongly encourage candidates from Black and Global Majority backgrounds with Lived Experience who may not meet all criteria to apply.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer. 

The above post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

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.

We are seeking a passionate and driven individual to come and join our team. This role is a Full time  (37 hour post) working directly in the heart of Torbay, Devon. Working across the area to change the response of Child Sexual Exploitation and support young people who have experienced harm. 

Please only apply if you live within the area or looking to relocate and you have to have a current driving licence and have access to a car.

Are you ready to change the  response that is offered to young people? You will be fully supported by a team manager and a network of experienced practitioners within the EXCEED team, however this role is a standalone service and you will be responsible for the direct 1-2-1 delivery of this service.

This role will be working In Torbay Devon, building on existing relationships that are already established to support a number of young people whom have been identified as experiencing harm via sexual exploitation and will work alongside the young person and professional team to respond to concerns and promote increased protective strategies, recovery and support. 

We would be open to discussing Secondment opportunities within this role (you would need manager approval) 

We are looking for an Individual who

• Works well individually and can be self motivated
• Inspires to create change and build confidence to young people around Exploitation
• Experienced working with Children, young people and Families
• Is happy and experienced in managing a caseload of young people.
• Confident to speak in public spaces, Multiagency meetings. 
• Is happy to work Online and in groups
• Has wide understanding of Child Sexual Abuse via Exploitation and the pulls around this.

If this role is of interest to you, then please apply and we look forward to hearing from you.

Please read the Exceed additional Job Description for the  in-depth responsibility's of this role, and when completing your application link please refer to you Skills, Knowledge and Experience in these areas and with a understanding of the context of this role. 

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.