Legal advocate jobs
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!
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 Domestic Abuse Housing Advocates to join our team
Salary: £26,000 - £32,000
Location: Hammersmith with travel to other service locations Finsbury Park and Stratford
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 a Housing Domestic Abuse Advocate, you will provide intervention, advocacy, and support to survivors of domestic abuse. Working within a fast-paced team, you will help empower women and ensure that the voice of survivors informs every stage of their journey towards improved safety. You will have your own caseload of survivors who hold social tenancies with local authorities or housing associations, and you will encourage them to engage with our service and ensure they have access to support. You will also co-ordinate the provision of multi-agency support which focuses on working with domestic abuse survivors to maintain their tenancies and prevent homelessness.
About You:
To be successful as the Domestic Abuse Housing Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:
You will bring solid experience of supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse in all its forms; coming from a sector with transferrable skills or possess a feminist/VAWG degree and be keen to learn and to train on the job. You will have a good understanding of violence against women and girls with a particular focus on the dynamics of domestic abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, so-called ‘honour-based violence’, forced marriage, stalking and harassment) and its impact on women, children, families, and communities. You will have proven skills and experience in conducting comprehensive assessments of needs and risk for survivors experiencing domestic abuse, including carrying out short risk management and safety planning. We will expect that you have experience in assessing the needs and safety of any children that women using the service may have and an understanding of the criminal justice system and relevant legislation with regard to legal and civil options, housing, benefits, matrimonial and children. Lastly you will bring your knowledge of safeguarding practice, procedures, and legislation.
With many skills and qualities to add to this role, if you have good IT literacy, data collection and monitoring these skills are maximised in your role. If you have experience or have been trained or are qualified in the fields related to substance misuse, criminal jusice, law, social work or domestic abuse we would love to hear from you.
We recognise that women often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the criteria. We encourage you to demonstrate how your skills and experience would make you an asset to the role, and if you don’t have the exact skills/experience, tell us in your cover letter how you think you might grow and develop in the role.
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: 6th July 2025 @23:59 *Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate
· 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
- 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 special needs, please email contact the Talent Acquisition Team via our 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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Please note: This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
The Hospital IDVA (HIDVA) will be part of our dynamic, responsive and highly regarded HIDVA team, providing crisis intervention, advocacy and support to survivors in hospitals, both patients and staff.
Survivors are often in the immediate aftermath of a crisis, such as physical assault, drug/alcohol medical need, attempted suicide or self-harm and the HIDVA will work with hospital staff to provide high quality support focussing on a strengths based, needs led approach. The HIDVA will offer initial advice and crisis safety planning to the survivor, carry out assessments of needs and risks. They will also advise on criminal justice, civil remedies, housing and any other relevant matters.
We provide a visible and proactive presence in the hospitals and work in partnership with hospital staff to identify, contact and support survivors. The HIDVA team attend safeguarding meetings, ward/nurse handover meetings, deliver training and provide advice and support to staff around domestic abuse.
We offer an out of hours service (Friday evenings and weekend days) at William Harvey Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital on an alternating basis. The post holder will be expected to participate in an out of hours rota, working on average one weekend in four.
The Hospital IDVA will be based part-time in the William Harvey Hospital and part-time in Darent Valley hospital. There is also flexibility to work from the Rising Sun main office from time to time to attend team meetings, supervision and training.
We are looking for someone with an excellent understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women and children, who has supported survivors with varying experiences and needs. You will be supported by our Head of Adult Services and HIDVA Manager and receive training and an induction into both the hospital work and Rising Sun’s wider services. If unqualified, we will support you to complete a formal domestic abuse qualification on passing your probation.
Equal Opportunities
Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team. Flexible working is available in most roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Support to Survivors
- Be present in the hospitals daily to respond to referrals or requests for domestic abuse advice and to meet with survivors.
- Ensure that survivors are aware of their rights and options and explain the effectiveness of criminal and civil sanctions available to them.
- Produce safety plans with the client, enabling them to assess and manage their own safety.
- Carry out needs assessments, including DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence) risk assessment, to effectively deliver holistic, survivor centred support.
- Work in partnership with hospital staff, safeguarding departments and other services e.g. the police, housing, social services, mental health (amongst others) to advocate for survivors and complete referrals to ongoing support services where appropriate.
- Attend Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) meetings and refer service users to MARAC when appropriate.
- Assist clients in gaining access to solicitors, benefits agencies, housing departments, education, medical treatment, counselling, support networks, community groups, employment support etc.
- Recognise, respect and address the needs of survivors who face particular barriers when seeking access to services, including those from minority groups or with protected characteristics
- Safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; working within safeguarding policies, Child Protection Procedures and local procedures for safeguarding adults at risk.
- Maintain accurate client records, outcome and monitoring data. Prepare information or reports for the monitoring and evaluation of the service.
- Complete daily ward rounds to raise awareness and identify any potential DA support needs for staff or patients.
- Participate in an out of hours rota, providing an on-call phone support service to hospital staff on Friday evenings and weekend days as timetabled.
Partnership Working and Training
- Promote the HIDVA service in the hospitals and build positive relationships with hospital staff, in particular safeguarding teams and clinicians.
- Attend safeguarding, mental health and frequent attenders meetings to screen patients for potential domestic abuse and provide advice to staff. Together with any other helpful meetings that may arise.
- Deliver training to staff in various health settings across Kent to raise awareness of domestic abuse, safe enquiry and appropriate responding.
General
- Uphold the values and good name of Rising Sun at all times, represent the organisation in a way that is consistent with its philosophy and ethos and in line with all Rising Sun’s policies.
- Actively participate in clinical supervision, training and development opportunities.
- Develop your understanding of trauma informed work and embed in your day-to-day practice.
- Maintain an up to date working knowledge to be able to advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, such as housing options, legislation and welfare.
- Comply with organisational policies and procedures, including Safeguarding and Health and Safety.
- Undertake other duties and responsibilities in keeping with the nature of this post, as may be required from time to time.
This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Qualifications
- Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) qualification (desirable)
- Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) qualification (desirable)
- Health qualification (desirable)
Knowledge and Experience
- At least 3 years’ experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse, including high risk clients, and assessing client risks and needs
- Experience of co-producing short- and longer-term risk management, safety and support plans with survivors and their children
- Experience of delivering training (desirable)
- Experience working with the police, social services and MARAC
- Experience of lone working and able to work on own initiative
- Experience working with people with mental health needs, substance misuse, other complex needs
- Experience of working in a hospital / health setting (desirable)
- Knowledge of criminal and civil legal remedies and housing law relating to domestic abuse
- Knowledge of domestic abuse risk assessment tools including DASH and extensive understanding of the MARAC process
- A thorough understanding of safeguarding relating to adults with care and support needs and children
- Up to date knowledge of the welfare benefits system and the ability to ensure service users maximise their benefit entitlement (desirable)
- Knowledge of local services and DA Specialists across Kent & Medway (desirable)
Skills and attributes
- Ability to netork face to face and virtually, to develop new contacts and partnerships
- Ability to train professionals on recognising domestic abuse and responding appropriately (desirable)
- Ability to motivate yourself and work independently on your own initiative
- Solution focused and creative in approaching new challenges
- Competent using Microsoft office programmes, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Passionate about the aim and principles of Rising Sun
- Committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality
- Able to drive and have access to a reliable car (post holder will be required to attend meetings and across our areas of work)
- Able to work some evenings and weekends
- Eligible to live and work in the UK
Safeguarding Statement
Rising Sun is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, a ‘right to work check’ in accordance with UK government Home Office guidelines, and to provide two references.
Benefits
We offer a number of benefits to team members including:
- 25 days annual leave per year
- A bonus day of leave for your birthday
- 3% matched pension contribution
- Access to Rising Sun’s counselling service
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health care cash plan for you and your children for a number of health treatments (e.g. dental, optical, physiotherapy etc.) and also discounts in shops and attractions
- Up to four weeks sick pay in any 12 month period (eligible after probation period)
How to apply
For further information about both Rising Sun and this role, please visit our website. Please fill out an application form if you feel this role would be a good fit for your skills and experience, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.
We request no contact from agencies or media sales please.
Our vision is a world in which all women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Job Title: Domestic Abuse Practitioner
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week, flexibility required.
Salary: £27,921
Annual leave: 25 days plus back holidays and birthday leave
Benefits: - Monthly car user allowance
- Pension following 3-month probationary period of 5%
Contract: Permanent
Responsible to: Team Manager
Location: Hexham base, outreach working across Northumberland.
Relevant Background in working with adult victim/survivors and experience: children and young people.
Qualifications: Level 4 NVQ or CAADA IDVA training desirable. Successful applicant will be required to undertake additional training.
Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service
NDAS provides support to all victims who have been the subject of domestic abuse/violence, supports them through the criminal justice system and offers relevant advice and assistance, both practical and emotional.
NDAS empowers victims to make decisions, increase their options, their confidence and safety. Prevention and awareness raising activities are also delivered across Northumberland and counselling to the children of our service users.
Established in 2003, NDAS has a track record of providing excellent services and is a key member of domestic abuse provision in Northumberland. We have a secure financial foundation and are looking forward to developing our team to continue to provide essential services in tackling domestic abuse.
This is a key role within NDAS managing our operational delivery team working across the county. We are looking for a motivated professional who is passionate about delivering the best possible prevention and support services.
OUR VALUES
Welcoming: We welcome you, whoever you are
Believing and accepting: We believe you, accept you and will not judge you. We do not discriminate
Understanding: We understand what you are experiencing. Our staff are here to listen
Protecting: We make sure you stay safe and will help you to make plans to ensure your safety
Empowering: We help you to find your voice and gain confidence and independence
United: Working with you, and with other local partner organisations, to find the right support
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
To provide practical and emotional support to victims of domestic abuse/violence; including supporting them through the criminal justice system and providing guidance and assistance. The role also involves empowering victims to make decisions, increase their options, their confidence and safety.
DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Managing service delivery and performance
Provide an efficient, effective outreach service to all victims of domestic abuse/violence across Northumberland.
Establish the risks and the needs of the individual and deliver a service appropriate to that level of risk.
Develop and deliver individual support and risk management plans to address the risk of harm to victims.
Work with multi-agency partnerships with local agencies whose services victims may require, ensuring a coordinated community response.
Work in partnership with other agencies and to advocate for victims to ensure their needs are met.
Explain the intricacies of the criminal justice and family court systems to victims and give advice on how to proceed at different stages of the process.
Ensure that victims are aware of their rights to legal protection and to arrange for the provision of legal advice as required and accompany victims to appointments if appropriate.
Ensure the safety of the victim is paramount.
Attend MARAC meetings when needed, Case Conference, Core Groups and CAF meetings when required.
Liaise with other agencies as appropriate. Deliver training to colleagues and other professionals.
Work within Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services management system following all policies and procedures.
Provide statistical monitoring or reports as required to the planning officer.
Note and feedback to other agencies any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing their service.
Provide a service, which is sensitive to all cultural and other differences and needs.
Ensure that the views and experiences of the victims and agencies are sought actively and inform the development of the service.
Report any problems/difficulties/complaints to the Team Manager or CEO and participate in follow up investigations as required.
Managing Security
Maintain the security and well-being of victims of domestic abuse and to communicate immediately with the Team Manager/CEO any concerns regarding security.
Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and security, when working with service users, staff and external bodies.
General Duties
Contribute to the overall development of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, by attending team meetings and participate in training and development working groups as agreed by the post-holder and CEO. This will include training specific to working with victims of domestic abuse.
Contribute to the overall development of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, by the implementation of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services. Develop effective and supporting working relationships with all Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services staff.
Contribute to the overall development of Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, by adhering to Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services policies and procedures including equal opportunities and health and safety when meeting the needs of service users. Assist in and maintain effective communication, which promotes free flow of non-confidential information and issues within Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, other agencies and members of the public.
Ensure that security of sensitive information is maintained and complies with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Whilst this job description attempts to cover the main duties of the post, it is not exhaustive. The Post-holder is, therefore, expected to undertake any other reasonable duties within their capabilities and the scope of the post as specified by the Service manager.
Applicants must complete an application form.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The North Wales Victim Help Centre is looking for an Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (ISAC) to join our team in North Wales, working 22.5 hours a week over 3 days. This role involves both face to face and virtual support in a hybrid model of working, you will work from home and our St Asaph office.
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 believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
- Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
About the role:
This role is based St Asaph working 22.5 hours a week over 3 days. This role involves both face to face and virtual support in a hybrid model of working, you will work from home and the office.
Ensuring the provision of individual structured, tailored support plans, based on a holistic assessment of impact and risk, within the framework of VS's Service Model. You may make initial contact with victims of crime, explaining our services and assessing the impact of crime, or receive referrals from colleagues, in order to provide on-going support and case management
As an Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker you will be:
- Providing a high quality pro-active service to victims of intimate and/or non-intimate stalking.
- Contribute to increasing awareness of the impact of stalking on clients, including collaborative working with external agencies and developing safety and support plans tailored to the client's needs.
- To develop, deliver, and monitor safety and support plans for those affected by crime, who accept ongoing support. Support will include providing resources, interventions, and information to all service users
- Support those affected by crime in understanding and asserting their rights and entitlement.
- Understanding their journey through the criminal justice and legal systems including the Victims Code of Practice
- Facilitating access additional services
- Establish healthy coping mechanisms
- Provide practical support and information
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.
About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
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.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
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 look forward to hearing from you.
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.
Job Title: Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA)
Location: Lambeth, London
Salary: £23,085.69 per annum, inclusive of London weighting allowance
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent
Hours: 30 hours per week (Tuesday-Friday). Please note that the the operating hours of the service are 8AM- 6PM Monday- Friday with the expectation to work on some days 8- 4pm or 10- 6pm to cover.
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Duty Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to be the first point of contact for women who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis and other gender-based abuse to provide high quality independent support to survivors all risk levels and their children..
In this role you will be part of a busy team. You will be the first point of contact for survivors who have been referred to the Gaia Centre. The duty IGVA will be responding to daily enquiries (specify from whom- public, agencies, individuals? over the phone and email as well as contacting survivors, assessing their risks and needs.
The duty IGVA will be responsible for carrying out and implementing safety plans and needs and will ensure an effective handover to the over to the relevant GAIA team for ongoing support. The post holder will also empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. You will ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors.
As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.
Please note that 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: 09:00am 7 July 2025
Interview Date: 16 and 17 July 2025
Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?
Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?
Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?
Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.
We are looking for Advocates to join our team in the Inverclyde area. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.
About us
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity for Advocates to join and shape this service covering Inverclyde. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.
About you
Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing support.
You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.
How will you make a difference?
You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.
You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.
You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support. You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them. You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.
Benefits
28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service
5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution
Salary sacrifices pension scheme
Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)
Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc
24/7 Employee Assistance programme
Access to remote counselling service
Paid Disability Leave
Paid compassionate Leave
Home Working Allowance
Support with continuous professional development
Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development
Personal Development Plans
How are staff supported to work remotely?
VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.
When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).
VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.
Equality and Diversity
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.
How to apply
To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by visiting our webpage. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.
Important Dates:
Closing date for applications; Midnight on 22 June 2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.
Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.
Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.
Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?
Please visit our website.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
The Work Rights Centre is looking for a motivated colleague to support our frontline advice team by acting as the first point of contact for clients, providing efficient triage of cases, and to support the delivery of key projects.
This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate with a strong sense of justice, who values impact, and enjoys client-facing work in a diverse and agile team. We can accommodate hybrid work, and offer 28 days of annual leave in addition to a winter holiday break.
The role
You will have the opportunity to make a true impact on people’s lives by acting as the first point of contact for clients, and leading the triage of varied enquiries. You will collect and record information about people’s cases, before they are allocated to one of our legal advisers in the Employment or Immigration team, and contribute to client-facing materials. You will also support the smooth running of the organisation by providing administrative and office support.
About you
We seek an enthusiastic frontline worker, who shares our mission to end in-work poverty by helping vulnerable workers find justice, and who has:
-
Two years of experience working in a client-facing capacity
-
Experience collecting information, and setting clear client expectations
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
-
Excellent time management, demonstrating an ability to juggle multiple tasks
-
Knowledge of, and empathy with, experiences of migrants and other vulnerable workers.
-
Experience in triaging client enquiries or providing advice in a legal setting would be highly advantageous
Please download the job description for full responsibilities and complete person specifications.
How to apply
We are actively interviewing for this role as applications come in, so please apply as soon as you can.
Please send your CV and Cover Letter by 29th June 2025 and don’t hesitate to reach out with any queries about this opportunity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Young People’s Advocate. Suitable candidates must be experienced in advocating in a multi-agency setting to secure positive life outcomes for your clients and to making the service a success. A Safe Lives qualification is desirable.
You will be self-sufficient, assertive and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills combined with empathy and sensitivity to build and develop supportive relationships with young people. You will maintain professional boundaries and adhere fully to Refuge’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
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: 09:00am 2 July 2025
Interview Date: 10 and 11 July 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Summary
The Advocacy and Campaigns Manager will play a crucial role in shaping and delivering Put Children First, the advocacy and campaigning initiative of Alder Hey Children’s Charity. The post holder will be responsible for influencing decision-makers, engaging stakeholders, and leading impactful campaigns to ensure children’s health and wellbeing are prioritised in public policy.
This role requires a strategic thinker with strong public affairs expertise, policy understanding, and excellent communication skills. The campaign is child led and will involve working with children to raise their voice. The post holder will also work with politicians, policymakers, clinicians and internal stakeholders, partner organisations, and the public to advocate for change, ensuring that Alder Hey Children’s Charity is a leading voice in children’s health policy and advocacy. This role is one of the first with a charity aligned to an NHS Trust and will appeal to someone with a strong desire to pioneer advocacy and campaigning in a unique setting.
Main Duties/Tasks
Advocacy & Campaigning Strategy
-
Work with the Head of Marketing & Communications to develop and deliver a proactive and inclusive advocacy and campaigning strategy to drive meaningful policy change that benefits children’s health.
-
Identify and respond to policy developments, advising on how Alder Hey Children’s Charity can influence key decision-makers and stakeholders.
-
Lead campaign planning and execution, ensuring activities engage supporters, stakeholders, and policymakers effectively.
-
Develop and manage partnerships with other charities, organisations, and networks to amplify the impact of the charity’s advocacy work.
-
Work with external agencies where necessary to develop and deliver plans, being the key point of contact.
Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement
-
Build strong relationships with MPs, government departments, local authorities, and policymakers at national and regional levels.
-
Represent Alder Hey Children’s Charity and Put Children First in parliamentary briefings, policy roundtables, and stakeholder meetings.
-
Monitor political and policy developments relevant to children's health, providing insightful briefings and recommendations to senior leadership.
-
Support senior leaders and Trustees in their engagement with political and policy stakeholders, ensuring they are well-briefed and strategically positioned.
-
Engage with children and families to ensure their voices are central to the advocacy work, developing plans to engage under represented communities.
Policy Development & Thought Leadership
-
Translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling narratives that drive awareness and action.
-
Work with colleagues to develop policy briefings, reports, and consultation responses, ensuring Alder Hey Children’s Charity is a credible and informed voice in the sector.
-
Work with the Head of Marketing & Communications to position the charity as a thought leader on children’s health policy, ensuring its voice is heard in key debates and discussions.
-
Identify opportunities to influence policy discussions through submissions, evidence-gathering, and research collaborations.
Media & Communications
-
Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to develop compelling messaging that supports advocacy goals.
-
Work with the charity’s Communications Advisory agency to secure media coverage on key issues, providing expert commentary and ensuring children’s health remains a priority in public debate.
-
Develop engaging and inclusive content for Put Children First, including press releases, blogs, social media, film and supporter communications.
-
Work with campaigners and families to amplify lived experiences in advocacy efforts, ensuring their voices are central to campaigns.
Internal Collaboration & Leadership
-
Work closely with the fundraising teams, grants team, marketing and communications and the Trust’s Communications team to ensure advocacy work aligns with broader charity and Trust objectives.
-
Provide advice and guidance to colleagues on policy and public affairs matters, in consultation with the Head of Marketing and Communications where required.
-
Support the development of staff and volunteers as advocates for the charity’s policy positions.
-
Ensure all campaign activities align with Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s values and meet ethical and legal standards.
-
Any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
The Work Rights Centre is looking for a motivated solicitor or barrister to contribute to our growing employment rights programme by providing expert legal advice and casework, and supporting the wider development of the charity and our strategic goals.
This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate with a strong sense of justice, who values impact, teamwork, and the autonomy of working in a diverse and agile team. We can accommodate part-time, flexible and remote work, and offer 28 days of annual leave in addition to a winter holiday break.
The role
You’ll provide excellent employment legal advice, and support the Head of Employment in supervising our two senior legal advisers. You’ll also use your expertise to create accessible public-facing legal information, deliver training to other advisers, and collaborate with colleagues in the policy team. This is a real opportunity to support vulnerable workers' individual and group claims, while contributing to systemic change.
About you
We seek a qualified solicitor or barrister who shares our mission to end in-work poverty by helping vulnerable workers find justice, and who has:
-
Two years of practising experience in the UK, with some experience in employment law;
-
Experience of working in a legal team
-
Excellent analytical skills with ability to conduct legal research
-
Excellent case management skills
-
Excellent client management skills
-
Knowledge of, and empathy with, the backgrounds and experiences of migrants and other vulnerable workers.
Please download the job description for full responsibilities and complete person specifications.
How to apply
We are actively interviewing for this role as applications come in, so please apply as soon as you can.
Please send your CV and Cover Letter by 21st June 2025 and don’t hesitate to reach out with any queries about this opportunity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Background
Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) is a well-established charity dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers from anywhere in the world who find themselves in the Royal Borough of Kingston and neighbouring boroughs. Since its foundation in 1991, RAK has been the main provider of direct services to refugees and asylum seekers as well as promoting refugee rights.
RAK aims to support refugees through the process from their initial reception in the borough through to final integration into the local community in order to enable them to live a fulfilling life and become accepted and active participants in our local communities. We achieve this by accomplishing a variety of outcomes for refugee and asylum-seeking families through delivering a holistic service including advice, information, counselling, education, training, and assistance in access mainstream services and employment opportunities to help them rebuild their lives.
We are looking for a registered solicitor or someone qualified up to level 3, although we will also be happy to hear from people who are qualified up to IAA Level 2 Asylum. We are currently not in a position to support people to qualify for IAA Level 2, so please do not apply if you do not already have it.
Purpose of the Post
Refugee Action Kingston provides free and independent information and advice on a one-to-one basis to refugees and asylum seekers on immigration (Level 3), welfare benefits, education, training, employment, housing, access to health and social care. Where we cannot help we refer clients to solicitors and other specialist help.
The purpose of this job is to provide an effective and efficient face-to-face Immigration Advice to IAA leve l2 or 3, within the aims, policies and principles of Refugee Action Kingston. And to provide consultancy and advice to colleagues on Immigration and Asylum issues.
Duties and responsibilities:
Casework
- Provide face to face Immigration and Asylum advice and casework to IAA Level 2 or 3
- Act for the client where necessary by liaising with the Home Office, external agencies and other Immigration Advice providers in progression of a case.
- Negotiate and advocate on behalf of clients with third parties as appropriate, both verbally and in writing.
- Assist clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case and refer to other advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate
- Know and understand the limits of Level 3 IAA Advice and be prepared to refer or signpost onwards when work reaches these boundaries.
- Ensure that all casework conforms to RAK Advice Service office standards and policies.
- Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring, and report preparation
- Write and maintain notes on individual client cases, manually and electronically. To ensure files and appropriate records are kept in accordance with good practice and standards.
- Follow all policies and procedures relating to the advice service and work within the limitations expected of the service
Professional Development
- Attend internal and external training courses as appropriate. Staff are expected to keep themselves informed on current issues relating to their work.
- Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures and attend appropriate training as agreed with the manager.
- Read relevant publications
- Prepare for and attend supervision sessions, actively participate in staff meetings
- Contribute to the development of the advice service
- Administration
- Be self-administrating and comply with existing procedures for statistical recording, record keeping and document production using IT based case management systems
- Ensure that all work conforms to service administrative policies and procedures.
- Assist the CEO with monitoring and evaluating the project.
- Prepare and present reports on the Project to funders and the Trustees as requested.
- Maintain confidential and secure personnel records on beneficiaries, as required.
General responsibilities
- Represent Refugee Action Kingston at external meetings as agreed with the CEO.
- To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
- Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service
- Actively support and promote the principles of equal opportunities
- Uphold the aims and principles of RAK Advice Service and ensure that funder’s requirements are met and observe agreed policies on child safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality etc.
- Maintain close liaison with relevant external agencies, and represent the service as appropriate
Annual leave
26 days holiday (pro rata) + bank holidays + Xmas shut down.
Refugee Action Kingston exists to enable refugees and people who seek asylum to succeed as integrated members of the local community




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts 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 Brake
Brake is the UK’s leading road safety charity, dedicated to supporting people affected by road crashes and advocating for safer streets. Since 1995, we have been helping victims and their families to navigate the devastating impact of road collisions through the National Road Victim Service—providing immediate, compassionate, and tailored support for those who have been bereaved or seriously injured. Our mission goes beyond recovery; we campaign tirelessly for legislative and societal changes to prevent future tragedies and make roads safer for everyone.
Join us as a Caseworker – East Midlands Region - To apply for this role, you MUST be a resident in the East Midlands area.
This year, Brake celebrates 30 years of life-changing work, and we’re looking for a committed and compassionate Caseworker to help us continue making an impact. If you are based in the East Midlands region and want to help people at their most vulnerable moments, this could be the role for you.
Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads. For families affected, the emotional and practical challenges are immense. As a Caseworker, you will provide direct, trauma-informed care to individuals and families suffering from the sudden bereavement or life-altering injury of a loved one. Working mostly remotely, with home visits to service users, you’ll offer vital emotional and practical support—including helping them access therapeutic resources, financial assistance, and guidance through the complexities of medical and legal processes.
This role is flexible, allowing you to structure your own working pattern within weekdays from 8AM to 6PM. While travel is required, you’ll have control over your diary. The work is challenging but immensely rewarding, requiring resilience, empathy, and a dedication to making a real difference in people’s lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing direct support to road victims and their families in the East Midlands region, following Brake’s trauma-informed model of care.
- Managing a caseload of service users, ensuring their emotional, practical, and advocacy needs are met.
- Undertaking comprehensive needs assessments and creating individualised support plans
- Offering emotional and practical support—this can include helping families access therapeutic resources, financial aid, or even facilitating keepsakes to honour the memory of their loved ones
- Liaising with professionals, including police officers, Family Liaison Officers, mental health services, coroners, GPs, and other support organisations.
- Advocating for victims within medical, legal, and social services to ensure their voices are heard.
- Providing support through multiple channels, including in-person, remote calls, video chats, and messaging, depending on service user preferences.
- Completing safeguarding assessments and escalating concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead when needed.
- Maintaining accurate case records in compliance with data protection policies.
- Engaging in external clinical supervision to manage personal resilience and well-being.
- Participating in team meetings, training, and professional development to ensure the highest standard of service delivery.
What We Offer
- £20,800 per year (fixed term contract, maternity cover until August 2026).
- Flexible working hours—working pattern can be shaped around your needs.
- Mostly remote work, with travel to service users’ homes or safe meeting places (mileage expenses reimbursed).
- Death in service benefit, to the value of 2 x salary.
- 36 days annual leave, including bank holidays and compulsory end of year shutdown (pro rata for part time working patterns).
- Employee assistance program, including counselling, legal and financial advice.
- External trauma consultant support to aid in caseworker resilience.
- Structured induction, training, and ongoing development including in trauma-informed support and risk management.
Who We’re Looking For
Essential Requirements:
- A full, clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
- Resident in the East Midlands area.
- Experience in frontline support services, preferably involving sudden bereavement or heightened vulnerabilities.
- Strong advocacy and research skills to liaise with multiple organisations on behalf of service users.
- Competency in I.T skills to work remotely.
Desirable Experience:
· Comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in the criminal justice system and coronial process
Personal Qualities:
- Self-motivated and resilient—able to navigate emotionally challenging situations.
- Empathetic and compassionate, with a commitment to helping others.
- Adaptable and creative, able to tailor support methods to individual needs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to collaborate with professionals and service users alike.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you.
We want to get to know you and we welcome cover letters in alternative formats, for example you could send a short video cover letter instead of a traditional written one.
We work to stop road deaths and injuries, support people affected by road crashes and campaign for safe and healthy mobility for all.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts 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 Brake
Brake is the UK’s leading road safety charity, dedicated to supporting people affected by road crashes and advocating for safer streets. Since 1995, we have been helping victims and their families to navigate the devastating impact of road collisions through the National Road Victim Service—providing immediate, compassionate, and tailored support for those who have been bereaved or seriously injured. Our mission goes beyond recovery; we campaign tirelessly for legislative and societal changes to prevent future tragedies and make roads safer for everyone.
Join us as a Caseworker – North Yorkshire Region - To apply for this role, you MUST be a resident in the North Yorkshire area.
This year, Brake celebrates 30 years of life-changing work, and we’re looking for a committed and compassionate Caseworker to help us continue making an impact. If you are based in the North Yorkshire region and want to help people at their most vulnerable moments, this could be the role for you.
Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads. For families affected, the emotional and practical challenges are immense. As a Caseworker, you will provide direct, trauma-informed care to individuals and families suffering from the sudden bereavement or life-altering injury of a loved one. Working mostly remotely, with home visits to service users, you’ll offer vital emotional and practical support—including helping them access therapeutic resources, financial assistance, and guidance through the complexities of medical and legal processes.
This role is flexible, allowing you to structure your own working pattern within weekdays from 8AM to 6PM. While travel is required, you’ll have control over your diary. The work is challenging but immensely rewarding, requiring resilience, empathy, and a dedication to making a real difference in people’s lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing direct support to road victims and their families in the North Yorkshire region, following Brake’s trauma-informed model of care.
- Managing a caseload of service users, ensuring their emotional, practical, and advocacy needs are met.
- Undertaking comprehensive needs assessments and creating individualised support plans
- Offering emotional and practical support—this can include helping families access therapeutic resources, financial aid, or even facilitating keepsakes to honour the memory of their loved ones
- Liaising with professionals, including police officers, Family Liaison Officers, mental health services, coroners, GPs, and other support organisations.
- Advocating for victims within medical, legal, and social services to ensure their voices are heard.
- Providing support through multiple channels, including in-person, remote calls, video chats, and messaging, depending on service user preferences.
- Completing safeguarding assessments and escalating concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead when needed.
- Maintaining accurate case records in compliance with data protection policies.
- Engaging in external clinical supervision to manage personal resilience and well-being.
- Participating in team meetings, training, and professional development to ensure the highest standard of service delivery.
What We Offer
- £26,000 per year (initial one-year contract, with funding in place and potential to extend).
- Flexible working hours—working pattern can be shaped around your needs.
- Mostly remote work, with travel to service users’ homes or safe meeting places (mileage expenses reimbursed).
- Death in service benefit, to the value of 2 x salary
- 36 days annual leave, including bank holidays and compulsory end of year shutdown
- Employee assistance program, including counselling, legal and financial advice.
- External trauma consultant support to aid in caseworker resilience.
- Structured induction, training, and ongoing development including in trauma-informed support and risk management.
Who We’re Looking For
Essential Requirements:
- A full, clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
- Resident in the North Yorkshire area.
- Experience in frontline support services, preferably involving sudden bereavement or heightened vulnerabilities.
- Experience supporting 16-18 year olds.
- Strong advocacy and research skills to liaise with multiple organisations on behalf of service users.
- Competency in I.T skills to work remotely.
Desirable Experience:
· Comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in the criminal justice system and coronial process
Personal Qualities:
- Self-motivated and resilient—able to navigate emotionally challenging situations.
- Empathetic and compassionate, with a commitment to helping others.
- Adaptable and creative, able to tailor support methods to individual needs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to collaborate with professionals and service users alike.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you
We want to get to know you and we welcome cover letters in alternative formats, for example you could send a short video cover letter instead of a traditional written one.
We work to stop road deaths and injuries, support people affected by road crashes and campaign for safe and healthy mobility for all.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are recruiting for a Refuge Worker to join our team in Westminster; the scope on this job involves….
Job Title: Refuge Worker
Location: Westminster
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5
We are looking for a Refuge Worker to work within our service in Westminster offering high-quality support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Based in Westminster, London, this role involves delivering practical and emotional support to survivors, ensuring their safety, and helping them rebuild their lives. As part of your role, you will create a safe and welcoming environment in our Refuge for our resident, in line with Refuge’s values and commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
As a Refuge Worker, you will support women through crisis, providing keywork sessions, safety planning, and advocacy. You will assist with accessing housing, welfare benefits, legal support, and other essential services while maintaining accurate case records. You will also play a vital role in ensuring the effective operation of the refuge, managing referrals, and working collaboratively with partner agencies. You will have the opportunity to work with statutory services as well as other charities. The ideal candidate will be a compassionate and resilient individual with strong communication and organisational skills. While experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector is beneficial, we also welcome applications from those with transferable skills and a commitment to supporting survivors. Above all, we value individuals who are dedicated to making a difference, thrive in an inclusive environment, and are committed to their own personal development while supporting others.
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while developing valuable frontline support and advocacy experience. Refuge offers ongoing training, professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring that our staff are valued and supported in their roles. If you are passionate about empowering survivors and want to be part of a dedicated, compassionate organisation, we encourage you to apply.
As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.
Closing date: 9.00am on 1 July 2025
Interview date: 10 & 11 July 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.
We are seeking an employment law adviser to fill the post of National Officer Employment Law. As a professionally qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with 2 years post-qualified experience you will lead our legal team and provide professional legal advice on employment law matters. The National Officer Employment Law role is pivotal in supporting our Senior Management Team, staff, and members, ensuring that our legal services are effective and aligned with the union's objectives of building union power.
Salary and Location
- Band 5, London Spine points 21-17 or Regional Spine points 23-19
- London Starting salary: £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a. or Regional Starting salary: £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689 in annual increments
- London or Region
Successful candidates for the National Officer Employment Law will be able to demonstrate:
- Proven experience in employment law and legal management.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
- Commitment to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
- Ability to work collaboratively and manage complex legal issues.
The main duties of the National Officer Employment Law role include:
- Delivering expert legal guidance and representation on employment law issues.
- Conducting legal research, drafting claims, and other legal documents.
- Managing a team of legal professionals, overseeing casework management and ensuring alignment with the union's strategic goals.
You will be committed to developing your team, through training, appraisal and the use of technology and you will be able to show how you maintain and share your up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation. An understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions is essential for the National Officer Employment Law role.
Closing date: at 12 midday on Friday 13 June 2025
Interviews will be held by Zoom: Wednesday 2 July 2025
Selected applicants may be invited to a second interview on Friday 4 July 2025
About PCS
PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.
Employer Benefits
You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including
- flexible working (including hybrid working)
- childcare and family support
- generous maternity/paternity leave
- 32 days leave and Christmas closure
- pension scheme
- employee assistance programme
Learning and Development
The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.
PCS Recruiting Process
We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.
Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.
Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.
- CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
- PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
- All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.
Please view our guidance for applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION: NATIONAL OFFICER EMPLOYMENT LAW
Ref: 0325
Grade: Band 5, London or Region
Salary:
London Spine points 21-17
London Starting salary £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a.
Regional Spine points 23 -19
Regional Spine points £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689 p.a.
Location: London/Region
Purpose of the job:
To lead on and deliver professional legal advice, guidance, and representation on employment law matters to the Senior Management Team, Staff, NEC and members.
To undertake a management role with direct responsibility for two Legal & Employment Rights Managers (Senior Paralegals).
Responsible to: Band 6, Head of Legal & Equality
Responsible for: Band 4 Legal & Employment Rights Managers (Senior Paralegals /Junior Lawyers)
Contacts
External:
PCS Members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media.
Internal:
PCS Staff and managers across Regions, Senior Management Team, National Management Team and other PCS Departments.
Main duties and responsibilities
1.Key areas
- Conduct legal research into past cases and documents
- Draft and prepare claims or other legal documents
- Provide legal advice to SMT, NEC, members
- Negotiate settlements on behalf of PCS members
- Keep up to date with new developments in employment legislation
- Provide employment law briefings to PCS staff about changes in employment legislation
- Advise members and Reps on wrongful termination and unfair dismissal claims, including reviewing dismissal procedures and advocating for members' rights
- Assist members and reps in cases of workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on factors such as age, gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics
- Contribute to the development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process
- Provide leadership in delivering the unions Legal and Employment Rights strategy
- Provide support and have direct involvement through the National Management Team (NMT) in the unions bargaining, organising, campaigning, equality, learning and digital agendas
- Manage people and resources in the Legal and Employment Rights Unit
- Provide advice to relevant committees including the preparation and presentation of reports
- Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested
- Provide input into budgetary processes including bid preparation, monitoring and control where relevant
2.People Management
- Manage work allocation and workflow, future planning and support for officer team/line manager
- Motivate and manage individuals and the team as a whole to provide a high standard of service
- Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks
- Seek to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team
- Through induction, the appraisal system and one-to-ones, identify staff training and development needs, train or organise formal/informal training
- Proactively promote diversity in line with the wider PCS approach
- Apply the staff conduct policies as and when required e.g. discipline, grievance, capability, dignity at work and IT security policies
- Provide advice and deal with complex issues related to staff management including disciplinary or grievance in consultation with Line Manager
- Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies
- Work effectively with lay officials
- Deputise for Line Manager when required
3.Communication
- Ensure digitalisation, information & communication methods are effectively implemented and used to generate improvements
- Draft complex communications including briefs and reports
- Communicate with members by producing circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc
- As necessary, represent PCS and liaise with outside bodies
4.Casework Management
- Advise in the handling of personal casework
- Liaise with Solicitors, internal and external bodies on the handling of personal casework
- Represent PCS or PCS members at official bodies such as employment tribunals, Civil Service Appeal Board, etc.
- Maintain and improve own knowledge of the developments in employment law and practice
5.Team Working
- Proactively promote team working
- Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate
- Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
- Provide assistance to team members
6.Equality
- Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination
7.General
- Participate and input information into PCS planning and budgeting processes
- At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy and adhere to the PCS Values
- Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work
- Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
- Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
- In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
- Staff at this grade may be assigned or transferred to posts within grade. A training & development programme will be provided to assist with this, where required such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post
- Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference, where required)
Person Specification: NATIONAL OFFICER EMPLOYMENT LAW
Ref: 0325
Date: May 2025
Location: London/Region
ESSENTIAL FACTORS
QUALIFICATIONS
- Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive with 2 years post-qualified experience
EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience in employment law and legal management, including advocacy and representation
- People management including induction, work allocation, appraisal and conduct
- Leading committees and teams
- Industrial relations and negotiations
- High level project management, problem solving and decision making
TRAINING
(including continuous professional development)
- Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
- Commitment to undertake job-related training
- Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process
- Commitment to staff development
KNOWLEDGE
- Understanding of the political processes in the UK and the role and work of trade unions
- Budget monitoring and control processes
- Employment rights, equality legislation, discrimination law and working practices
- Impact and use of Digital and IT applications in a trade union
SKILLS
- Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences
- Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally
- Ability to work collaboratively and manage complex legal issues
- Ability to identify and set standards and priorities
- Ability to provide strategic and policy implementation advice and guidance
OTHER
- Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work
- Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
- Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions