Advice Programme Manager (IAA Level 3)

About RSG:

The Refugee Support Group was established in 1994 to address the pressing needs of refugees and asylum seekers in Reading. Over the years, RSG has evolved into a key player in the community, dedicated to upholding the rights and well-being of those seeking sanctuary. With a vision of creating a welcoming and inclusive Berkshire, RSG aims to ensure that every sanctuary seeker is embraced and valued within the community. Our mission focuses on providing comprehensive support and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers, promoting their well-being, integration, and active participation in society. 

About the Role:

• The successful candidate will lead and oversee the organisation’s advice service, ensuring compliance with Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) standards and deliver high-quality casework support across asylum, protection, and immigration matters.
• The postholder will supervise advisers and volunteers, manage complex immigration and asylum cases, maintain regulatory compliance, and contribute to the strategic development of the organisation’s services.
• We are only considering applicants with relevant legal experience. Qualifications needed are either

o   IAA Level 3

o   IAAS Level 2 Supervising Senior Caseworker

Key Responsibilities:

Advice:

• Provide Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Level 1 & 2 advice in asylum, protection, and immigration.
• Manage a personal caseload of asylum and immigration cases.
• Ensure clients receive accurate, timely, and trauma-informed advice.
• Adhere to and further develop casework procedures as outlined in the casework manual and the IAA code of standards.
• Advocate on behalf of clients and refer to other agencies as appropriate.
• Maintain comprehensive records on the case management system.
• Work with colleagues across the organisation to ensure a high-quality service.
• Consider and develop sustainable funding options such as a fee-charging service or a legal aid contract.

Service Management:

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of the advice service.
• Ensure compliance with IAA standards, policies, and audit requirements.
• Develop and maintain effective case management systems and file reviews.
• Monitor service quality, outcomes, and performance targets.
• Support organisational reporting and funder requirements.

Supervision & Leadership:

• Supervise and support advisers, caseworkers, interns, and volunteers.
• Provide mentoring, training, and quality assurance for casework staff and volunteers.
• Identify and implement staff development and training needs.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

Partnerships & Advocacy:

• Build positive relationships with external partners, legal aid firms, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Advocate for clients’ rights and access to services with statutory agencies and other organisations.
• Attend and be part of relevant networks, meetings, and forums.

General:

• Promote the aims and abide by RSG policies and procedures.
• Always have due regard in the planning and execution of duties to RSG.
• Carry out any other related tasks as required by the RSG management team and Trustees.
• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for your own safety and that of colleagues.
• Undertake such duties as may be identified as generally compatible with the functions of the post.

Essential Criteria:

• Current Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Level 3 accreditation or IAAS Level 2 Supervising Senior Caseworker accreditation with significant years of experience in asylum and immigration legal casework.
• 4-years’ experience managing an advice team.
• Expert knowledge of UK immigration and asylum law.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers, and advisers.
• Ability to manage sensitive cases independently without supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and case management skills.
• Commitment to the rights and wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Ability to work effectively in a small charity.
• Ability to work from the office.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working within the voluntary sector.
• Experience working within the refugee sector.
• Experience of legal aid or funded immigration services.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to speak more than one relevant language.

Values & Behaviours:

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Compassion and empathy
• Professional integrity
• Cultural sensitivity
• Accountability
• Collaborative working
• Commitment to social justice and equality

Additional Information:

• Enhanced DBS check will be required.
• The role may involve occasional evening or community outreach work.
• Ongoing training and CPD will be supported.

Benefits:

• Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays.  Additional day of leave added per year of employment (max 5days)
• Pension: 6% employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 24-hour confidential support line and access to counselling.
• Cycle to work scheme
• Annual Welfare Days
• Probation period: 6-months

Interview Type: In-person

Starting Date:  Immediate start possible

Opening date: 24th Aug 2026

Closing date:  28th Sep 2026

Our commitment to equity and safeguarding:

Refugee Support Group is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience relevant to our work.