Refuge worker jobs
We are recruiting for a Refuge Worker to join our team in Barking & Dagenham; the scope on this job involves….
Job Title: Refuge Worker
Location: Barking & Dagenham
Salary: £25,971.41 per annum
Contract type: Part-time, Permanent
Hours: 33.75
We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.
As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.
This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing date: 9.00am on 20 October 2025
Interview date: 29 October 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.
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse?
The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.
Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.
We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls.
Key Responsibilities
To assist the refuge manager in the day-to-day running of the refuge, developing and delivering a front line service offering support, advice and guidance to women and their children living in the refuge.
*BSWA provides safe secure accommodation to some of the most vulnerable women and children therefore in order to ensure we provide maximum support and safety it is essential that our service is available to them 24/7. We do this through operating an on-site rota that covers weekends, evenings and bank holidays as well as a 24 hour call out system.
Experience Required
Experience of providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence
Experience of offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc.
Experience of developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies
Experience of working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults
Benefits
-
31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
-
Up to 6% matched pension contribution
-
Free access to Employee Assistance Programme
-
Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary)
-
Cycle to Work scheme
-
Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one
-
Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy
BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact our recruitment team.
These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on 6th November 2025. Interviews will take place in the weeks commencing 17th November 2025
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse?
The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.
Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.
We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls.
Key Responsibilities
To assist the refuge manager in the day-to-day running of the refuge, developing and delivering a front line service offering support, advice and guidance to women and their children living in the refuge.
*BSWA provides safe secure accommodation to some of the most vulnerable women and children therefore in order to ensure we provide maximum support and safety it is essential that our service is available to them 24/7. We do this through operating an on-site rota that covers weekends, evenings and bank holidays as well as a 24 hour call out system
EXPERIENCE:
Experience of providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence
Experience of offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc.
Experience of developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies
Experience of working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults
Benefits
-
31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
-
Up to 6% matched pension contribution
-
Free access to Employee Assistance Programme
-
Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary)
-
Cycle to Work scheme
-
Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one
-
Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy
BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact our recruitment team.
These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on 6th November 2025. Interviews will take place in the weeks commencing 17th November 2025
Job Title: Children's Support Worker
Location: Lambeth, London
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Children Support Worker to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.
The job involves working closely children and their mothers who are living in our refuges escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse. A key requirement is to provide personal one to one and group support to children and young people to ensure they are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.
The post holder will support children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence and plan and provide stimulating, safe, and appropriate activities.
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. An enhanced DBS will also be required.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates that have an understanding of African and Caribbean heritage and/or culture, as we strive to better support the communities we serve and enrich our team with a wide range of perspectives.
Closing Date: 09:00 am 3 November 2025
Interview Date: 19 and 20 November 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Service Manager
Location: Derby City (office based)
Salary: £40,627.32 per annum
Contract type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 37.5 hours per week. As part of this role, you will be required to work from site and participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Service Manager to lead on the delivery of high-quality services to the women and their children living in our refuges and survivors of domestic abuse supported by our community outreach service.
We are recruiting for Service Manager who is passionate about supporting survivors who are impacted by domestic abuse and other gender-based crimes. This is a multifaceted, fast paced, and exciting role where you will join our team in Derby to lead on the delivery and development of high-quality refuge and outreach services for survivors of domestic abuse and other gender-based crimes.
Our service provision in Derby includes culturally specific service for South Asian women as well as a specialist multiple disadvantage support worker who support survivors facing enhanced needs.
The post holder will provide line management and support to the accommodation based and the outreach service staff. This will include providing supervision on complex and high-risk cases, overseeing operational emergencies, and ensuring high standards of casework. You will also ensure that all service users in refuges and the outreach service always receive a high-quality support service in line with Refuge’s policies and procedures.
The Service Manager will lead on the delivery of the multiagency aspect of work, working jointly with the Refuge teams and wider stakeholders to deliver best services to the survivors.
Candidates must have proven experience of providing direct emotional and practical support to vulnerable people, managing, and motivating staff, managing casework as well as working within multiagency setting. In addition, you must have an excellent knowledge of domestic abuse and other gender-based violence and its impact on survivors.
You will have knowledge of relevant criminal and civil law legislation, as well as Housing and Health and Safety legislation.
As member of the management team, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call management service.
The service manager will be responsible for ensuring that contractual and other funding requirements are met fully, this includes ensuring that the services operate within the allocated budget and that Refuge’s high-quality standards are maintained. The role may involve visiting potential sites and contributing to the establishment of new services in conjunction with the development team.
The job involves working closely with staff that support survivors and their children who are experiencing domestic abuse and other gender-based violence.
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 6 November 2025
Interview Date: 18 and 19 November 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Service Manager
Location: Hounslow and Hillingdon
Salary: £43,627.32 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)
Contract type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 37.5 hours per week. As part of this role, you will be required to work from site and participate in an out-of-hours on call rota
We are recruiting for Service Manager who is passionate about supporting survivors who are impacted by domestic abuse and other gender-based crimes. This is a multifaceted, fast paced, and exciting role where you will join our team in Hounslow & Hillingdon to lead on the delivery and development of high-quality refuge services for survivors of domestic abuse and other gender-based crimes. Our service provision in Hounslow & Hillingdon includes number of refuges supporting survivors and their children.
The post holder will provide line management and support to the accommodation based services staff. This will include providing supervision on complex and high-risk cases, overseeing operational emergencies, and ensuring high standards of casework. You will also ensure that all service users in refuges always receive a high-quality support service in line with Refuge’s policies and procedures.
The Service Manager will lead on the delivery of the multiagency aspect of work, working jointly with the Refuge teams and wider stakeholders to deliver best services to the survivors.
Candidates must have proven experience of providing direct emotional and practical support to vulnerable people, managing, and motivating staff, managing casework as well as working within multiagency setting. In addition, you must have an excellent knowledge of domestic abuse and other gender-based violence and its impact on survivors.
You will have knowledge of relevant Criminal and Civil law legislation, as well as Housing and Health and Safety legislation.
As member of the management team, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call management service.
The service manager will be responsible for ensuring that contractual and other funding requirements are met fully, this includes ensuring that the services operate within the allocated budget and that Refuge’s high-quality standards are maintained. The role may involve visiting potential sites and contributing to the establishment of new services in conjunction with the development team.
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 3 November 2025
Interview Date: 14 November 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are recruiting for a People Business Partner to join our team in People and Culture
Job Title: People Business Partner
Location: Homeworking with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London)
Salary: £40,080 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement including London weighting allowance)
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
We’re looking for a dynamic People Business Partner to join our People & Culture team. This is a pivotal role in delivering responsive, inclusive and customer focused people services that empower our colleagues and support Refuge’s strategic objectives.
As a People Business Partner, you’ll work closely with designated teams across Refuge, providing expert HR advice and support on employee relations, recruitment, and organisational change. You’ll lead and develop the HR Coordinator, ensuring high-quality service delivery and compliance with policies and legislation. You will analyse and interpret data and information to inform decision making. Your work will help shape a positive employee experience and contribute to making Refuge a great place to work.
You’ll be an experienced HR professional with a strong track record in employee relations and recruitment. You’ll bring a proactive, solutions focused approach and be confident in coaching managers and making change. You’ll be passionate about creating inclusive workplaces and have a good understanding of employment law and HR best practice.
Closing Date: 09:00 am 23 October 2025
Interview Date: 30 and 31 October 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Domestic Abuse Helpline IDVA (Domestic Abuse Helpline Independant domestic violence advocate)
Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term (Until 30 September 2026)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Domestic Abuse Helpline IDVA, supporting survivors of domestic abuse and their children, from the point of crisis, providing high quality independent advocacy and support.
Referrals to the Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (DVSW) will come via a single-point-of-access Freephone telephone number, or email, from professionals on behalf of victim survivors and victim-survivors who want to self-refer. Referrals can come through any agency, or self-referral, and pathways are well established with all local statutory and support services including the police, social care, housing, health, education, mental health, drug and alcohol services and the voluntary sector. The DVSW service will accept referrals for any survivor living in Warwickshire, at any level of risk, on a needs-led basis.
The Helpline IDVA will work closely with Refuge’s community outreach service support workers, the MARAC team, deputy managers, and the refuge accommodation team. Refuge’s deputy manager for the community outreach will manage the helpline worker alongside the outreach workers, taking overall responsibility for monitoring, reporting, and meeting outcomes across the community outreach support service.
The Helpline IDVA’s post is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative way across all referring agencies and therefore it is an important aspect of this job that the post holder has experience of working collaboratively with a range of other agencies.
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 23 October 2025
Interview Date: 31 October 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse?
The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.
Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.
We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls.
Key Responsibilities-
- To deliver tailored, holistic support to women affected by violence and abuse and living in the community, including practical and emotional support to increase women’s and children’s safety and meet identified needs.
Specific community language posts are also available for this role. Please indicate in the supporting evidence if you would be interested in the language post
Experience Required
Experience of providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence
Experience of offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc
Experience of developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies
Experience of working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults
Benefits
-
31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
-
Up to 6% matched pension contribution
-
Free access to Employee Assistance Programme
-
Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary)
-
Cycle to Work scheme
-
Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one
-
Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy
BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact our recruitment team.
These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on 6th November 2025. Interviews will take place in the weeks commencing 17th November 2025
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse?
The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.
Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.
We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls.
Key Responsibilities
To develop and deliver family support and play sessions to children, young people and their mothers in refuge and the community. To provide this service in Urdu where required so that the service is more accessible to them and we are better able to meet the needs of the family. To lead on domestic violence awareness raising sessions with children/young people and professionals
BSWA provides safe secure accommodation to some of the most vulnerable women and children therefore in order to ensure we provide maximum support and safety it is essential that our service is available to them 24/7. We do this through operating an on-site rota that covers weekends, evenings and bank holidays as well as a 24 hour call out system.
Experience Required
Experience of working within a children and family setting with women and children affected by domestic violence
Experience ofassessing and working to meet children’s needs in a holistic way
Experience ofdeveloping and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies
Experience ofdelivering play activities for children
Experience ofdelivering training and awareness sessions
Experience ofworking within safeguarding guidelines and legislation to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults
Benefits
-
31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
-
Up to 6% matched pension contribution
-
Free access to Employee Assistance Programme
-
Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary)
-
Cycle to Work scheme
-
Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one
-
Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy
BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact our recruitment team
These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on 6th November 2025. Interviews will take place in the weeks commencing 17th November 2025
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse?
The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.
Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.
We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls.
Key Responsibilities
To work as part of a team to provide emotional and practical support to women and children affected by violence and abuse through our Early Intervention hub and helpline service
Specific community language posts are also available for this role. Please indicate in the supporting evidence if you would be interested in the language post
Experience Required
Experience of providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence
Experience of offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc.
Experience of developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies
Experience of working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults
Benefits
-
31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
-
Up to 6% matched pension contribution
-
Free access to Employee Assistance Programme
-
Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary)
-
Cycle to Work scheme
-
Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one
-
Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy
BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact our recruitment team.
These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on 6th November 2025. Interviews will take place in the weeks commencing 17th November 2025
At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Specialist Intervention Worker to play a pivotal role in our DA Intervention Service in London
Sounds great, what will I be doing?
You will support women with multiple and complex needs across Hestia's pan-London refuges, ensuring they have access to therapeutic support that facilitates their recovery. You will provide immediate crisis intervention and create a safe, welcoming environment for women fleeing domestic abuse. You will ensure access to emergency supplies such as clothing and toiletries, apply for relevant grants, and help women maximise their income.
You will work closely with refuge staff, offering additional support and upskilling teams to manage challenging behaviours with resilience and confidence. You will build strong partnerships with external agencies including mental health services, drug and alcohol teams, the DWP, police, housing authorities, social services, and voluntary organisations to safeguard and promote the welfare of service users.
You will maintain relationships with GPs and health professionals to explore treatment options, including social prescribing, and support women in attending appointments. You will coordinate cases across multiple refuge sites, delivering bespoke interventions and high-quality assessments aligned with ‘The Hestia Approach', a trauma-informed framework that prioritises recovery and individual strengths.
You will co-produce Safety Plans and Strengths and Aspirations Plans with women, focusing on their goals and capabilities. You will provide domestic abuse support and risk management through tools such as DASH and MARAC, while ensuring compliance with safeguarding legislation for both children and adults. You will promote a trauma-informed, anti-racist, and intersectional feminist culture, placing women with multiple support needs at the centre of service delivery, and you will work in line with Hestia's values: Respectful, Genuine, Dedicated, Collaborative, and Courageous.
What do I need to bring with me?
You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.
Here's what the team will be looking for
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled professional with strong communication abilities. You will have experience delivering high-quality support to individuals with varied needs and risks, including survivors of domestic abuse, and be confident in identifying and managing risk appropriately.
You should be proficient in using computer-based systems to record work accurately and possess sound knowledge of welfare benefits, housing legislation, and the rights of survivors under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. A solid understanding of health and safety within a refuge setting and safeguarding practices is essential.
You will be able to carry out person-centred key working, support planning, and risk assessments to promote independence. An understanding of the needs of women from diverse communities and the barriers they face in accessing support is vital, alongside a commitment to equal opportunities and promoting dignity, choice, and control.
The role requires the ability to liaise effectively with external professionals to shape support packages and a willingness to travel across London and beyond when necessary.
This post is restricted to female applicants only under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.
When will I be working?
You will be working full time, 39 hours per week between the hours of 9am - 5.18pm. Please note this roles requires travel across London.
Interview Steps
We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
- Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.
Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.
We are a disability confident employer
Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.
Safeguarding Statement
Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
Important Information for Candidates
If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.
We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




Birmingham and Solihull Women’s aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse?
The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.
Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.
We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls.
Key Responsibilities-To support BSWA’s MASH IDVA project by providing administrative support, carrying out record checks in order to provide relevant information to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
Experience Required
Expercienc of providing administrative support in busy office environments
Experience of data inputting and setting up and maintaining office systems
Experience of taking primary responsibility for specific areas of work
Experience of managing telephone enquiries sensitively and professionally
Experience of using Microsoft Office packages or equivalent, in providing administrative support
Benefits
-
31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
-
Up to 6% matched pension contribution
-
Free access to Employee Assistance Programme
-
Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary)
-
Cycle to Work scheme
-
Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one
-
Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy
BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact our recruitment team.
These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on 6th November 2025. Interviews will take place in the weeks commencing 17th November 2025
We have an exciting opportunity for a Team Leader - Dedicated services to join the New Era team in Staffordshire, working 37.5 hours a week. This role involved travel between Stoke-on Trent and Staffordshire
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…
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:
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.
This role is based across both our Stoke and Stafford offices - Travel Pan Staffordshire and between the two offices will be required for the role. Hybrid working can be applied for following completion of your 6 months' Probation period.
As a Dedicated Services Manager you will be:
- Managing dedicated caseworkers including Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA), Domestic Abuse Practitioners (DAP's) and Children and Young Persons case workers who are part of the New Era Safe Accommodation Team. The Safe Accommodation team offer a dedicated and priority service to anyone affected by domestic abuse and under the safe accommodation remit.
- Supporting your team with allocation of cases, risk assessments and completing regular case reviews.
- Leading on partnership development with referral sources including regular contact with local refuges and other safe accommodation partners
- Assisting with performance management and insights into the service
You will need:
- Good understanding of domestic abuse
- Good organisational skills
- Managerial experience
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: Safeguarding Officer
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Professional Supervision: The Regional Safeguarding Lead
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £22,500 per annum (FTE £39,375)
Hours per week: 20 hours
Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (Pro Rota)
Role Description
The Safeguarding Officer will lead and oversee all aspects of safeguarding within St Edmundsbury Cathedral, ensuring that the Cathedral remains a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
You will be responsible for ensuring that the Cathedral meets all statutory safeguarding obligations and complies fully with the Church of England’s national safeguarding policies, diocesan frameworks, and relevant legislation. This includes proactively identifying potential risks, responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns, and ensuring effective reporting and case management in partnership with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and statutory agencies.
Beyond compliance, this role is about embedding a culture of care, accountability, and transparency across the Cathedral community. You will support clergy, staff, and volunteers to understand their safeguarding responsibilities, ensure safer recruitment and training practices, and provide guidance and reassurance when safeguarding issues arise.
By acting as a source of expert advice, leadership, and advocacy, the Safeguarding Officer will help the Cathedral community uphold the highest standards of safety, dignity, and pastoral care, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, can participate fully and confidently in Cathedral life.
The Cathedral Safeguarding Officer has operational authority within the Cathedral (subject to agreement with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer with respect to responding to concerns and allegations against Church officers) for the following responsibilities, arranged according to the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Standards.
These four National Safeguarding Standards provide the framework for effective safeguarding practice across all Church settings:
- Culture, Leadership, and Capacity – Promoting a culture where safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of Cathedral life, ensuring that leaders, clergy, staff, and volunteers model and champion best practice.
- Prevention – Implementing robust safer recruitment, induction, and training processes, and proactively identifying and mitigating potential safeguarding risks.
- Responding to Concerns – Ensuring that all concerns, disclosures, and allegations are taken seriously, responded to promptly, and managed in partnership with statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
- Learning, Supervision, and Quality Assurance – Fostering continual improvement through regular review, reflection, and evaluation of safeguarding practice, ensuring accountability and transparency at all levels.
Together, these standards guide the Cathedral’s commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and trustworthy environment for all who engage with its worship, ministry, and community life.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic leadership
- Act as the Cathedral’s primary safeguarding lead, providing authoritative advice and operational oversight to the Chapter, leadership team, clergy, staff and volunteers.
- Ensure compliance with national Church of England safeguarding guidance, diocesan requirements and all relevant statutory legislation.
- Develop, maintain and drive a measurable safeguarding action plan and improvement programme, ensuring policies and practice are implemented consistently across Cathedral activities.
- Produce clear, timely safeguarding reports and briefings for Chapter and committees translating case and compliance information into strategic recommendations.
- Actively promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, supporting leaders to embed safeguarding into planning, events, recruitment and everyday practice.
- Engaging in professional supervision and quality assurance provided by the relevant Regional Safeguarding Lead, and in continual professional development, including ensuring that the requirements of the National Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework for Safeguarding Officers are met.
Safer recruitment
- Lead and oversee safer recruitment processes for all paid roles and volunteer positions, ensuring job descriptions, interviews and selection processes assess safeguarding suitability.
- Support managers to make informed recruitment decisions and ensure all new starters receive safeguarding induction and appropriate supervision.
Case management
- Receive, triage and respond to safeguarding concerns and disclosures quickly and sensitively, ensuring the safety and welfare of those involved.
- Undertake initial risk and needs assessments and make appropriate referrals to statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
- Support and co-ordinate multi-agency responses where required, and follow agreed safeguarding pathways.
- Provide pastoral support and signposting to victims/survivors while ensuring appropriate boundaries, confidentiality and access to specialist support services.
- Manage allegations involving staff or volunteers in line with diocesan procedures, ensuring safe working arrangements are put in place while enquiries proceed.
- Maintain accurate, secure and auditable case records, ensuring all documentation complies with data protection (GDPR) and Cathedral record-keeping protocols
Meetings & governance
- Attend safeguarding-related meetings, including the Safeguarding Committee, Guild Committee and Forum, providing briefings, presenting reports and highlighting risks and compliance matters.
- Prepare agendas, papers and minutes as required; maintain an action log and follow up to ensure agreed actions are completed.
- Escalate unresolved risks or urgent safeguarding matters to Chapter and senior leadership in a timely and constructive manner.
- Attend Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) Meetings.
Training & awareness
- Lead on Cathedral safeguarding training, coordinate and deliver induction and refresher training for staff, volunteers, and clergy.
- Maintain up-to-date records of safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers (showing completion and renewal dates).
- Create accessible safeguarding information and communications for the Cathedral community (e.g., weekly bulletin items, posters, webpages and event briefings) to raise awareness and reinforce good practice.
- Provide tailored briefings for high-risk roles and ongoing advice to managers and supervisors on safeguarding responsibilities.
- To evaluate training to ensure that learnings have been embedded.
Policy & risk management
- Review, update and implement the Cathedral’s safeguarding policies and procedures on a regular schedule (and sooner where guidance or case learning requires change).
- Lead safeguarding risk assessments for services, events, volunteer activities and external bookings; provide straightforward, action-focused mitigation plans for event organisers and hirers.
- Conduct audits and spot-checks to ensure practice aligns with policy and report findings with recommended improvements.
- Ensure contractors, partner organisations and hirers meet required safeguarding standards and that any safeguarding responsibilities are set out contractually where appropriate.
Additional duties and professional development
- Provide clear, timely advice within agreed working hours and support any out-of-hours arrangements for urgent safeguarding concerns as agreed with Chapter.
- Maintain your own professional development through training, supervision and membership of relevant safeguarding networks; ensure learning is shared across the Cathedral.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties that support the effective delivery of safeguarding across the Cathedral.
- Attend the East Anglia Regional Safeguarding Network meeting three times a year, with other DSOs and CSO in the region
Key Relationships
- In the Cathedral, the Dean provides leadership concerning safeguarding, supported by Chapter and senior leadership team requiring good working relationships with both clergy and lay colleagues.
- It is essential that the CSO forms excellent working relationships with key people in the Diocese, including: the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO), the safeguarding team and other relevant staff; the chair and membership of diocesan safeguarding governance structures e.g., the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) and relevant sub-groups; and the National Safeguarding Team.
- It is essential to have good connections with colleagues in relevant local third sector agencies, including those working in the fields of homelessness, poverty, domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse, refugee support, language and learning support, etc. Adults and children who are using, have used or may use the services of the cathedral, particularly in relation to safeguarding.
Person Spesification
Essential Qualities
Qualifications
- Relevant safeguarding qualification/training, or willingness to undertake
Experience
- Substantial experience working with safeguarding in roles involving children and/or adults at risk.
- Handling safeguarding referrals, disclosures, and case management.
- Liaising with statutory services such as police, social care, and health agencies.
- Delivering safeguarding training or workshops to diverse audiences.
- Producing reports, maintaining accurate records, and managing confidential data.
Knowledge
- Excellent understanding of current safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practice for children and adults.
- Knowledge of safer recruitment principles and DBS requirements.
- Understanding of GDPR and secure data management in relation to safeguarding.
- Awareness of the Church of England’s safeguarding frameworks and National Safeguarding Standards (or willingness to learn).
Skills and Abilities
- Strong ability to assess risk and make clear, evidence-based decisions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and appropriately at all levels.
- Effective relationship-building skills, including working collaboratively with clergy, volunteers, statutory agencies, and community stakeholders.
- High levels of organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively.
- Confident in designing and delivering safeguarding training and briefings.
Personal Qualities
- Integrity, resilience, and discretion when managing sensitive information.
- Empathy and pastoral sensitivity towards those impacted by abuse or allegations.
- A collaborative, approachable, and supportive leadership style.
- Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in challenging situations.
- Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Respect for the Cathedral’s Christian values and willingness to work within its ethos.
Desired Qualities
Qualifications
- Relevant professional qualification (e.g. social work, education, counselling, youth work, nursing, or safeguarding).
- Membership of a relevant safeguarding or professional network.
Experience
- Experience working in a Church of England context or other faith-based safeguarding setting.
- Experience of developing and implementing safeguarding policies and risk assessments.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches when supporting victims/survivors.
- Familiarity with Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) roles and procedures.
Skills and Abilities
- Experience in facilitating safeguarding learning using innovative or digital approaches.
- Competence in using safeguarding case management systems or CRMs.
Other Requirements
- Willingness to undergo enhanced DBS checks, including barred lists.
- Flexibility to attend occasional evening or weekend meetings and events.
- Commitment to completing all mandatory safeguarding and leadership training as required by the Cathedral and Diocese.
Closing Date: Wednesday 12 November
It is our aim to be a centre for learning, both for the Christian faith and beyond.




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