Independent domestic violence advocate jobs in Bristol, city of bristol
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We are looking for a resilient and dedicated person to join our Avon & Somerset team as an Adolescent and Child to Parent (APV/CPV) Violence Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA), working within the VS team as part of the Avon & Somerset Victim Service partnership.
The service provides support across the whole geography of Avon & Somerset. This role involves making initial contact with victims of adolescent and child to parent violence and providing initial support in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. The role is part-time and is hybrid between our Bristol office and home working. A suitable and confidential workspace at home is therefore required.
Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?
Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?
If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…
What we offer
At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:
- Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
- Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
- Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
- Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
- Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
- Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
- Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
- Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
- Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression
About the Role:
You will provide high quality support to all victims of APV/CPV, leading on completing initial impact and risk assessments that are comprehensive and holistic. You will also provide cover for the local VS Helpline.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify and assess the risks and needs of APV/CPV victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.
- Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service. Deliver individually appropriate tailored support and information, advocacy, and practical support.
- Work with victims of APV/CPV to assist them in accessing services to keep them and their family safe. Develop individual safety plans to meet client's needs as identified in the risks and needs assessment.
- Ensure each victim receives an individually appropriate tailored support and information service that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
- Work within the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults, including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adult and Children's Boards.
- Providing advocacy and information to victims including exploration of legal and civil options, housing, health and finance and support clients through the criminal justice system.
- Support the empowerment of the client.
- Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures, as well as all legislation connected to your work.
About you:
You will need:
- A good command of the English language both verbally and in writing.
- A good understanding of APV/CPV and/or domestic abuse including the impact of these on victims and their children.
- Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
- Understand Safeguarding issues and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues
- Direct service delivery experience to victims of domestic abuse or APV/CPV
- Experience of working within a multi-agency and legislative framework
- Experience of managing a complex caseload, to prioritise work and deal with competing demands
- Strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations
- Excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals
- An IDVA qualification or willingness to work towards this
Please note that duties may differ to those listed in the job description due to the nature of APV/CPV work so this provides an indication of duties.
This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.
About Us:
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.
Registered Charity 
More than 1000
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
The varied and rewarding role involves delivering trauma-informed, one-to-one educational support to adult victims of domestic abuse.
Working collaboratively with our IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors), you will help ensure that support is safe, inclusive and effective for people with a range of experiences and risks. You will play a vital part in championing people to recover from trauma, build safe relationships and move forward with dignity and hope.This role will also involve delivering our empowerment and recovery groups for those who have experienced domestic or sexual abuse.
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 is a 12 month fixed term role and may include evening and weekend work when required.
Key Responsibilities
- To provide 1:1 support for medium risk clients who have previously been supported by our IDVA team.
- Deliver structured, evidence-based and trauma-responsive group programmes for victims/survivors and individuals who have used harm.
- Contribute to joint safety and support planning alongside IDVAs.
- Monitor and respond to safeguarding concerns in with organisational practices.
- Provide direct assessment, casework support, advice, information, and advocacy through telephone contact, and/or meetings at the relevant practice.
- Provide support to increase people’s personal safety, and that of any children, and inform them of their rights and options in terms of housing, legal and welfare rights.
- To provide signposting and onward referrals to patients.
- To provide ongoing specialist advice and support around Domestic Abuse (DA).
- To provide training to multi-agency partners on understanding, recognising and responding to DA.
- Develop good working relationships and liaise with outside agencies where needed.
- Keep accurate records of all referrals received and of work done with or on behalf of service users.
- Work flexibly and manage your own schedule, including evening work on a rotational basis to meet the needs of those unable to access support during working hours.
Application
To apply, please download the full job description/person specification along with the application and equality monitoring forms. Please send the completed application form and optional equality monitoring form direct to FearFree.
There is no specific closing date for this role and this vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged.
For information about the processing of your personal data at FearFree, please visit our website.
FearFree is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive place to work where we can all be ourselves and individual differences are recognised and valued.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the role
This is a senior leadership role and a key early appointment within EQUISS.
As Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding, you will lead the development of our advocacy and safeguarding work, shaping how EQUISS supports individuals navigating abuse, misconduct and safeguarding concerns across the equestrian sector.
You will establish and oversee the organisation’s advocacy service and support line, including recruiting and managing advocacy caseworkers, and ensuring individuals receive safe, informed and survivor-centred guidance. You will also lead the development of safeguarding frameworks, case management systems and organisational safeguarding practice.
As a founding leadership role, you will help shape the safeguarding framework of a new independent organisation, providing strategic oversight of the EQUISS safeguarding training programme and contributing safeguarding expertise to the development of our standards and accreditation frameworks, ensuring learning from advocacy informs sector practice.
Working closely with the leadership team, you will help establish EQUISS as a trusted organisation driving stronger safeguarding, clearer reporting pathways and greater accountability across the equestrian sector.
As a developing organisation operating with a small and collaborative team, this role requires someone who is comfortable balancing strategic leadership with practical delivery. We are looking for a compassionate and inclusive leader who can support and develop others, foster a culture of trust and reflective practice, and contribute positively to building the organisation as it grows.
Key responsibilities
Strategic leadership and safeguarding oversight
- Provide strategic leadership for EQUISS’ advocacy and safeguarding work
- Establish safeguarding frameworks, case management processes and risk management structures across the organisation
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, providing oversight of complex safeguarding cases and ensuring appropriate referrals and partnership working
- Ensure EQUISS maintains robust safeguarding governance, confidentiality and data protection standards
Advocacy and support services
- Lead the development and delivery of EQUISS’s advocacy service and support line.
- Recruit, manage and support advocacy caseworkers, ensuring high-quality, survivor-centred support and safe case management practice
- Shape how EQUISS supports individuals navigating reporting processes, organisational complaints and statutory systems
- Oversee case management systems and triage processes to ensure safe, consistent and effective responses to safeguarding concerns
Safeguarding training and sector learning
- Provide strategic oversight of the EQUISS safeguarding training programme, ensuring training reflects the realities of safeguarding within equestrian environments and aligns with best practice across sport and safeguarding sectors
- Lead the recruitment, management and quality assurance of safeguarding trainers, including freelance trainers, consultants and subject-matter experts delivering EQUISS training programmes
- Work with trainers and external partners to develop and refine training content, ensuring consistency, accuracy and high standards of delivery
- Establish processes for trainer induction, guidance and quality assurance to ensure training is delivered in line with EQUISS safeguarding principles and standards
- Ensure learning from advocacy work informs training content, sector guidance and safeguarding practice
Contribution to standards and sector improvement
- Contribute safeguarding expertise to the development of EQUISS standards and accreditation frameworks, ensuring safeguarding expectations reflect best practice
- Use insight from advocacy and safeguarding work to inform sector learning, standards development and organisational guidance
- Support the development of sector resources that help organisations strengthen safeguarding practice
Sector engagement and partnerships
- Build relationships with safeguarding professionals, statutory agencies and specialist support organisations
- Represent EQUISS in sector conversations relating to safeguarding, welfare and organisational accountability
- Contribute to knowledge-sharing, policy discussions and initiatives aimed at improving safeguarding standards across the equestrian sector
Culture, learning and survivor-centred practice
- Ensure EQUISS’s work remains grounded in survivor-centred principles, independence and transparency
- Embed learning from lived experience into service design, safeguarding practice and training development
- Foster a culture of reflective practice, safeguarding vigilance and professional integrity within the organisation
Person specification
Qualifications
- A relevant professional qualification or degree in safeguarding, social work, psychology, law, education, criminology or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- ISVA, IDVA or CHISVA qualification, or willingness to work towards one
- Advanced safeguarding training, including Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training and Safeguarding Level 4 or Level 5 training, or equivalent senior safeguarding training
- Evidence of continued professional development in safeguarding practice
Essential experience and knowledge
- Significant professional experience in safeguarding, advocacy or victim-survivor support, ideally within violence against women and girls (VAWG), sport, welfare or related sectors
- Strong understanding of independent advocacy models, including ISVA and CHISVA frameworks, and how these operate alongside statutory services
- Experience overseeing complex safeguarding cases, including risk assessment, referrals and partnership working within multi-agency safeguarding environments such as police, social care and safeguarding hubs
- Experience leading and managing teams, including providing supervision or reflective practice support to staff working with complex safeguarding or advocacy cases
- Experience recruiting, supporting or overseeing trainers, facilitators or external practitioners, ensuring quality and consistency of delivery
- Experience supporting or working with individuals affected by sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, modern slavery or related forms of abuse
- Demonstrable understanding of trauma-informed and survivor-centred practice
- Strong knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including responsibilities relating to children and adults at risk, and experience contributing to organisational safeguarding policies, procedures or governance frameworks
- Ability to exercise sound professional judgement in complex safeguarding situations, maintaining confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries
Leadership and personal qualities
- A compassionate and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to support staff working with complex and sensitive safeguarding issues.
- Ability to work effectively in a small and collaborative team, contributing to the development of systems, processes and culture as the organisation grows.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trust with colleagues, partners and those seeking support.
- A collaborative mindset and willingness to work flexibly in a developing organisation, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on delivery where required.
Desirable
- Experience working within sport, equestrian environments or athlete welfare contexts.
- Experience contributing to sector standards, accreditation frameworks or safeguarding policy development.
- Membership of, or engagement with, a relevant professional safeguarding body or network.
About EQUISS
EQUISS is an independent organisation working across the equestrian sector to improve safeguarding, welfare and accountability. We support individuals affected by abuse and misconduct, work with organisations to strengthen safeguarding practice, and drive systemic change through training, standards and advocacy.
Our work brings together three key areas: supporting individuals navigating concerns, strengthening safeguarding practice across the sector, and campaigning for meaningful reform where systems are failing.
As a developing organisation, EQUISS is building the structures, services and standards needed to ensure safeguarding and welfare are prioritised across the equestrian world.
Please note: There will be a requirement to travel for this role.
Employment package:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- A personal pension plan provided through NEST after 3 months
- Private Healthcare insurance after successful completion of probationary period
- Reporting to CEO
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
EQUISS Caseworker
Reports to: Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding
Purpose of the Role
EQUISS is an independent organisation working to strengthen safeguarding, welfare and accountability across the equestrian sector.
Across the equestrian world - from riding schools and training yards to competitions and affiliated clubs - concerns about abuse, misconduct and unsafe practices have too often been difficult to raise, navigate or resolve. EQUISS has been established to help change that: ensuring individuals affected by harm are heard, supported and able to access clear and safe pathways for raising concerns.
This role represents the first advocacy caseworker position within EQUISS, playing a central part in establishing a new, independent support service for the equestrian sector.
The Caseworker will provide trauma-informed advocacy, guidance and practical support to individuals experiencing abuse, harm or misconduct within equestrian environments. The role will help individuals understand their options, access appropriate support and navigate reporting processes within sport and, where appropriate, statutory systems.
Working closely with the Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding, the Caseworker will help deliver EQUISS’s advocacy service and support line, ensuring individuals receive safe, informed and survivor-centred support.
As one of the early roles within a developing organisation, the Caseworker will also contribute insight from frontline casework to help EQUISS identify patterns, risks and systemic safeguarding challenges within the equestrian world, supporting the organisation’s wider mission to drive meaningful reform.
Key Responsibilities
Advocacy and Support
- Provide empathetic, trauma-informed support to individuals seeking guidance relating to abuse, misconduct or safeguarding concerns within equestrian environments
- Act as a single point of contact (SPOC) for individuals engaging with the criminal justice system, helping them understand processes, maintain communication with relevant agencies and access appropriate support throughout the process
- Listen to and respond to disclosures in a sensitive, survivor-centred manner while always maintaining professional boundaries, and ensuring clients understand the remit of the service
- Help individuals understand their rights, options and available pathways for raising concerns
- Support individuals to make informed decisions about next steps, while respecting their autonomy and choices
- Where appropriate, accompany and support individuals at face-to-face meetings, including meetings with organisations, safeguarding professionals or governing bodies, and provide advocacy support during interactions with police or court processes
- Maintain appropriate and supportive contact with individuals seeking assistance, ensuring clear communication and follow-up where appropriate
Case Management
- Manage a caseload of advocacy enquiries and support requests under the supervision of the Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding
- Conduct structured needs and risk assessments to understand the circumstances and support needs of individuals contacting EQUISS
- Maintain clear, accurate and confidential case records in line with organisational policies and data protection requirements
- Ensure individuals are appropriately signposted or referred to specialist services such as counselling, legal advice, advocacy organisations or statutory services where required
Safeguarding
- Identify safeguarding concerns involving children, young people or adults at risk and respond in line with EQUISS safeguarding procedures.
- Escalate safeguarding concerns to the Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding where appropriate, seeking guidance on complex or high-risk situations while maintaining confidence in managing routine casework independently
- Support the safe handling and documentation of safeguarding concerns, including gathering relevant information and assisting with referrals where appropriate.
- Maintain clear and confidential records of safeguarding decisions and actions taken
Partnership and Liaison
- Work collaboratively with relevant organisations and professionals where appropriate, including safeguarding leads within equestrian sport, statutory agencies and specialist support services
- Support individuals in navigating organisational processes where concerns relate to equestrian environments
- Help build constructive relationships with relevant safeguarding and welfare partners
Learning and Insight
- Contribute insight from casework to help EQUISS identify patterns, risks and systemic safeguarding issues within the equestrian world
- Contribute insight from casework and engagement with individuals to help inform EQUISS communications, campaigns and sector awareness work, supporting the organisation in highlighting safeguarding issues within the equestrian sector
- Support the development of organisational learning by sharing themes and insights emerging from advocacy work
- Assist the Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding in identifying areas where sector guidance or safeguarding training may be beneficial
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Safeguarding training at Level 3, or willingness to undertake Level 3 safeguarding training within the first six months of appointment
Desirable
- ISVA, IDVA or CHISVA qualification, or equivalent advocacy training.
- Additional training in trauma-informed practice, safeguarding or victim-survivor support
Where candidates do not yet hold an ISVA, IDVA or CHISVA qualification, EQUISS will support the successful candidate to undertake relevant advocacy or safeguarding training as part of their professional development.
Essential Experience
- Experience supporting individuals affected by abuse, safeguarding concerns or trauma within a professional setting
- Experience providing advocacy, casework or support within safeguarding, welfare, social care sport or related sectors
- Experience working with sensitive and confidential information
- Understanding of trauma-informed and survivor-centred practice
Knowledge
- Understanding of safeguarding principles relating to children, young people and adults at risk
- Awareness of barriers individuals may face when reporting abuse or misconduct
- Understanding of professional boundaries and safe information sharing
Skills
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- Ability to engage sensitively with individuals discussing difficult experiences
- Ability to assess needs, prioritise actions and manage casework effectively
- Strong organisational and record-keeping skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
Additional Information
- The role may involve occasional travel to provide in-person advocacy support, including attending meetings with organisations or statutory agencies, and accompanying individuals to police stations, court hearings or other relevant appointments where appropriate
- Some evening or weekend availability may occasionally be required
- The role requires an enhanced DBS check
- The postholder will participate in regular supervision and reflective practice
- The postholder must demonstrate a commitment to EQUISS’ values of safety, respect, integrity and inclusion
About EQUISS
EQUISS is an independent organisation working across the equestrian sector to improve safeguarding, welfare and accountability. We support individuals affected by abuse and misconduct, work with organisations to strengthen safeguarding practice, and drive systemic change through training, standards and advocacy.
Our work brings together three key areas: supporting individuals navigating concerns, strengthening safeguarding practice across the sector, and campaigning for meaningful reform where systems are failing.
As a developing organisation, EQUISS is building the structures, services and standards needed to ensure safeguarding and welfare are prioritised across the equestrian world.
Please note: There will be a requirement to travel for this role.
Employment package:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- A personal pension plan provided through NEST after 3 months
- Private Healthcare insurance after successful completion of probationary period
- Reporting to Head of Advocacy & Safeguarding
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.