Safeguarding advisor domestic abuse jobs

Deputy Safeguarding Advisor
Canterbury, Kent
£36,397 pa plus excellent benefits
35 hours per week
Permanent 

The Deputy Safeguarding Advisor is a very important role at the Diocese, as you will provide advice to parishes on safeguarding issues, cases and incidents to help ensure that our parishes, the Cathedral and the Diocesan offices discharge their responsibilities for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect.

Reporting to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and working within the Safeguarding Team, you will support and carry out casework which will also include reviewing safety plans and/or safeguarding agreements, assessing and managing risk of harm and undertaking risk assessments on blemished DBS checks or Confidential Declarations.

As Deputy Safeguarding Advisor, you will provide best practice advice to all stakeholders and partners as well as participating in the Diocese of Canterbury’s Safeguarding Executive Group and Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Advisory Panel, whilst taking responsibility for preparing reports when requested.

Working closely with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, you will also coordinate the Diocese’s response to victims and survivors of church-based abuse which includes ensuring that victims and survivors are assisted in accessing relevant support services.

With a relevant professional qualification or equivalent (for example, social care or criminal justice) you should have significant experience of undertaking safeguarding risk assessments and professional safeguarding expertise and experience in a relevant statutory, voluntary, or judicial agency. 

Practitioner experience of working with victims and survivors of abuse and with offenders and perpetrators of abuse, is also essential.

You should have an understanding of the broader safeguarding field including its social and political context along with an in-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation in relation to safeguarding children and adults, as well as having experience in using appropriate interview models with victims, survivors, and respondents.

Experience of contributing to case review processes and identifying and disseminating lessons to be learnt, e.g. Serious Case Review, Domestic Homicide Reviews, would be desirable. It would also be beneficial but not essential for you to have an understanding and good working knowledge of the Church of England, its organisation and governance structures.

You will be required to travel across the Diocese for meetings, so the ability to travel to remote locations and work flexibly is a necessity. This role will also be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The Diocese of Canterbury Diocesan Safeguarding Team provides professional safeguarding guidance in line with the Church of England’s Safeguarding Code of Practice, House of Bishop’s Guidance, and the Church of England National Safeguarding Standards. A key aspect of the team’s role is to provide compassionate support to survivors of abuse in addition to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences are respected.

Canterbury Diocese is the oldest diocese in England, stretching from Maidstone to Thanet, the Isle of Sheppey to the Romney Marsh. We have 350 miles of coastline with historic ports and seaside resorts, alongside rural communities, market towns and commuter-belt urban developments. Affluent areas often sit alongside pockets of major deprivation, offering an exciting and challenging mission context. 

At the heart of all we do is a vision of transformation for ourselves and our communities: no one can encounter God and remain unchanged. In the Diocese of Canterbury, we want to increasingly become a Christian community transformed through encounter with Christ, growing and overflowing to transform and bless the families, homes and communities we serve: Changed Lives, Changing Lives.

Closing date: 10th August 2025, 11.59pm
Interview date: 20th August 2025 – Canterbury.

Location: Causton Street Office, Pimlico, London/Hybrid

Contract: 12- month fixed term, part-time (28 hours per week)

Salary: £38,240 (£47,800 FTE)

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is seeking a Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor to play a key role within the Safeguarding team, based from Causton Street, Pimlico. 

Job Summary 

Work as a team to support the Diocese of London in safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults in line with both UK legislation and House of Bishops Guidance. Responds well to safeguarding allegations and concerns, management of risk and making the church a safer place in line with the Church of England National Safeguarding Standards. 

Job responsibilities 

Casework  

• Respond to concerns and allegations of harm, working with statutory agencies; and protection of those who work with children and vulnerable adults in line of the House of Bishops Guidance. 
• Acting as a contact point for those in church and statutory agencies, provide advice on all safeguarding matters, ensuring the DST is operating in line with the law, government guidance and national practice guidance from the House of Bishops. Ensure that safeguarding procedures are carried out throughout the process, with appropriate liaison with statutory agencies. 
• Ensure appropriate support for alleged victims and their families and respondents and their families, throughout an investigation and thereafter. 
• Maintain practices standards in all case work, ensuring five key principles underpin all adult safeguarding work, human rights and have due regard to mental capacity and acting in the best interests of those in need of support. Supporting practice and policy development around case management safeguarding processes.
• Work with individuals who come to our attention to ensure appropriate risk assessment and risk management plans to set boundaries within a church setting; for those who are convicted of an offence, or where there are continuing unresolved concerns regarding risks to others. 
• Work with statutory agencies, including attending appropriate strategy meetings, case conferences as arranged by statutory agencies or requested by the Casework Manager or Head of Safeguarding.  
• Ensure that referrals to the DBS for barring from work with children or vulnerable adults and reports to the Charities Commission are submitted in line with statutory guidance.
• Ensure that the Bishop of London, area Bishop, Archdeacon and Head of Safeguarding and Case Work Manager are always informed when an allegation of abuse is made against a church officer. To manage case work within legal parameters and in line with the House of Bishops Guidelines. 

General 

• Provide professional safeguarding advice and undertake pro-active relationship management to ensure parishes and worshipping communities are aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children and adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect; to keep them abreast of policy and practice developments.
• Under the direction of the Safer Churches Programme Manager to undertake strategic safeguarding projects and improvement work including polices and projects in line with identified business needs and operational plans. Developing initiatives to support the effective implementation across your designated area in order to ensure excellent safeguarding practices across the Diocese.
• Understand and implement, where necessary, information sharing protocols.  
• Assess risk and advise on safer recruitment with the use of the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

Training and Professional Development 

• Deliver where required training including bespoke inputs when gaps are identified and the Parish Safeguarding Officer Induction package.  
• Undertake as appropriate continuing training and professional development in the safeguarding field.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on the main responsibilities. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• A social work qualification recognised by the Health and Care Professional Council, or a similar qualification in a related area/profession, or experience.
• Specific training in a variety of aspects of child or adult safeguarding. 
• Experience of working with a range of statutory and non-statutory organisations in managing or contributing to safeguarding, including managing allegations against people in positions of trust and the management of those who may pose a risk.
• Experience of a fast-paced environment with ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and the ability to manage your own time/priorities.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding adults and children policy, procedures and legislation and experience of child and/or adult safeguarding work as a practitioner.
• Practitioner experience of working with victims or survivors of abuse, including adults with mental health issues. 
• Practitioner experience of working with perpetrators of any form of abuse.
• Knowledge and experience of recognition of risk, risk assessment and risk management and the ability to contribute to multi-agency risk meetings. Knowledge of processes such as MAPPA, MARAC and PREVENT.
• Excellent listening and communication skills and strong verbal communications skills and ability to produce clear written records and reports.
• Have exceptional people skills and the ability to build positive partnerships and relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to work sensitively with survivors, those who are subject to allegations and/or those that may pose a risk. 
• In sympathy with the aims of the Church of England.
• Right to work in the UK.
• The person will require an enhanced DBS check.

Desirable 

• Some understanding of Church of England structures and experience of working with the Church or other faith groups in respect of safeguarding children and/or adults who may be vulnerable

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details on Person Specification. 

About the London Diocesan Fund 

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the employment body that serves and supports the Diocese of London and Church of England. The Diocese of London comprises of c400 parishes north of the River Thames and within the M25 motorway. 

The Church of England in London is growing, vibrant and at the heart of communities throughout the capital. At the London Diocesan Fund, we seek to do everything we can to support this mission and growth, using our resources to help our parishes and chaplains to serve over 4 million people. 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion 

The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. 

We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation. 

Safeguarding 

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

Benefits of working with us 

The LDF offers a supportive working environment, opportunity for career development and the following financial benefits: 

• Competitive remuneration package
• 27 annual leave days to rise to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
• 15% employer pension contribution and salary sacrifice available
• Death in service benefit x3 of basic gross salary
• Enhanced maternity leave of six months full pay, after 12 months of employment
• Season ticket loans for public transport
• Access to Benenden Health Insurance
• EAP counselling through Health Assured                            
• Up to £100 for eye test and contribution to spectacles                      
• Two additional paid days for community volunteering

Please note that we will close early if we receive a good response.

The Role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Specialist Trainer: Domestic Abuse, Gender-Based Violence, and Trauma Informed Working to deliver training to a variety of different audiences. You will be delivering training on an ad-hoc basis, in a range of settings including corporate clients, public sector workers, and other charities.

We are seeking trainers with both frontline and training experience, who can deliver this type of content in compassionate, articulate and accessible ways both in person and online. Rise for Change is dedicated to creating learning spaces that are safe for all folks, in content and delivery style. 

Rise for Change is the training arm of Hope After Harm and currently provides domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and trauma-informed working training programmes for non-specialist professionals, however, we are aiming to expand our training offer to cover other areas of gender-based violence. Uniquely created by our subject matter experts, our training directly addresses the need for intersectional, and trauma informed training on gender-based violence for professionals in all sectors. We actively promote self-reflection, critical thinking and survivor voice to affect sustainable, inclusive change for survivors. Our aim is to empower participants, no matter their professional role, to be able to respond safely and appropriately to survivors both within the workplace and in the wider scope of their lives.

Hope After Harm

Hope After Harm is an established, registered charity aimed at empowering adults and young people recover from harm and trauma. We want to see a society where everyone feels safe and can thrive, regardless of who they are and where they come from. Through support, advocacy and education we enable people to rebuild their lives and reclaim their future. And we inspire others to do the same, creating safer, more inclusive communities.  We have a proven track record of service delivery across Thames Valley and beyond, with our digital and training programmes supporting professionals and survivors globally.

This is what a Specialist Trainer will do:

• Deliver specialist training about domestic abuse, gender-based violence and trauma informed working to a range of clients, primarily online with some face-to-face sessions.
• Ensure that the way they work is aligned with the values of our team.
• Respect and value the diversity of the community in which the training will be delivered and recognise the needs and concerns of a diverse range of clients, ensuring the service is accessible to all.
• Respect and uphold the value and necessity of intersectionality within domestic abuse and sexual violence prevention and safeguarding, across all areas of work.
• Treat all participants with respect and care, positively representing Rise for Change and Hope After Harm in every interaction.
• Encourage feedback from participants for each session delivered to support with the continued development of Rise for Change training programmes.
• Undertake any training and continued professional development required for the role.
• Uphold GDPR and confidentiality of any data and content whilst in this role.
• Complete any necessary admin, as required as part of the session delivery.

 

This is what you will bring as a Specialist Trainer:

• A strong knowledge of domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, it’s impacts and working from a trauma-informed perspective.
• Experience as a highly skilled trainer, with the ability to engage people through both in person and remote delivery.
• Preferably, frontline experience of supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
• Understanding of supporting survivors in various settings (e.g. the workforce, as a manager, as a professional with a safeguarding role).
• An empathetic, caring approach to training- to you, learning is not just about providing information but ensuring a holistic approach to the learning environment.
• Skilled user of technology with high literacy of key presenting programmes, video platforms and databases.
• Have a good understanding of the nuances of culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity within domestic abuse and sexual violence, and be committed to intersectional ways of working.
• Knowledge of adult learning techniques and safeguarding procedures.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advisory skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals.
• Places the survivor at the centre of all that you do.

 

For this role you will need:

• To be free from any criminal conviction which would conflict with the responsibilities of the post; you may be required to have a DBS Enhanced disclosure.
• To be able to deal with all information on a confidential basis and understand data protection requirements.
• To have Citizenship of the UK or have entitlement to work in the UK
• Sign a declaration that you are self-employed and responsible for all your tax and other liabilities. 

You will be provided with training in delivery of Rise for Change’s existing and future programmes.

Hope After Harm is committed to equality and diversity. While not a requirement for application, we do strongly encourage those of black and ethnic minority background, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community to apply for this role.

 

Hope After Harm is an equal opportunities employer; the aim of our policy is to ensure no job applicant, employee or worker is discriminated against either directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability.  We do not disbar applicants with criminal convictions and are mindful of the requirements of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join the team in either Westmoreland & Furness or West Cumberland area, working 37.5 hours a week.

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 in Westmoreland & Furness or West Cumberland and will require travel around the County in line with Business need.

As an IDVA you will:

• Provide a high quality, pro-active service to victims of domestic and/or sexual violence and abuse.
• You will work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and the Bridgeway, SARC and other local partnership responses to domestic abuse and sexual violence.
• You will work with survivors and other agencies to monitor the care pathway. This involves risk assessment, helping clients access their rights, along with any other services they require.
• You will be required to attend relevant meetings and will provide regular reports to your line manager.
• You will also undertake talks and presentations to local groups and agencies on the work of Victim Support, developing networks and partnerships and increasing the role of the service in the community.

You will need:

• Experience of working with victims of domestic and sexual violence and other service providers and agencies in a statutory, voluntary, social or community setting.
• Experience of planning and delivering caseloads, with strong crisis management skills and an understanding of the needs of victims experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.
• An approved and accredited IDVA and/or ISVA qualification or willingness to work towards this.
• Good IT skills, knowledge of criminal justice issues and an understanding of the effects a court appearance can have on victims and witnesses of crime.

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join the Bristol IDVA Service supporting male victims, working 37.5 hours a week.

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 home based and therefore requires an appropriately confidential home space in which to work.

As an IDVA you will:

• Identify and assess the risks and needs of domestic abuse victims using an evidence-based risk identification checklist.
• Focus on and prioritise high risk cases and provide a proactive, short to medium term crisis intervention service. Deliver individually appropriate tailored support and information, advocacy, and practical support.
• Work with high risk victims of domestic abuse to assist them in accessing services to keep them and their family safe. Develop individual safety plans to meet client's needs as identified in the risks and needs assessment.
• Ensure each victim receives an individually appropriate tailored support and information service that fully meets their needs, keeping complex needs central to all processes and decisions.
• Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults, including the policy and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adult and Children's Boards.
• Provide advocacy, and information to victims including exploration of legal and civil options, housing, health and finance and support clients through the criminal justice system.
• Support the empowerment of the client and assist them in recognising the features and dynamics of domestic abuse present in their situation.
• Provide information and advocacy to enable service users to navigate and understand the criminal justice process and ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice.
• Participate fully in the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference framework.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case management records and contribute to monitoring the service.

You will need:

• A SafeLives (or equivalent) IDVA qualification or the willingness to work towards.
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team, sharing, coaching and influencing others.
• A good understanding of domestic abuse including its impact on victims and their children.
• An understanding of the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management.
• Experience of working within a multi-agency and legislative framework.
• Experience of managing a complex caseload, and be able to prioritise work and deal with competing demands.
• Strong crisis management skills

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.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join The Royal British Legion as an Advocacy and Complex Needs Advisor. In this role, you'll provide specialist, person-centred support to veterans (and the wider Armed Force and ex-service community) facing challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, addiction, domestic abuse, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Your work will empower veterans and their families to achieve their potential and lead more fulfilling lives.

The Royal British Legion’s Advocacy & Complex Needs Service operates across the UK, offering holistic support to veterans experiencing isolating challenges. We are expanding our team to better meet the needs of those we serve and are excited to welcome a new Advocacy & Complex Needs Advisor for the Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire areas.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

As an Advocacy and Complex Needs Advisor, you will:

- Complete effective and efficient welfare case management of a complex caseload of beneficiaries facing multiple disadvantages, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
- To work in a trauma-informed way, understanding the impact of trauma, recognising its signs, and creating a safe and supportive environment for beneficiaries and colleagues. This includes implementing professional practices that foster safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, and empowerment, while actively avoiding re-traumatisation.
- Complete face-to-face visits at the beneficiaries’ home or out in the community, as appropriate and in line with RBL visit policy, to meet beneficiary needs.
- Collaboratively conduct a thorough exploration of needs and assess priorities to create and adapt an objective-based action plan.
- Provide expert advice, guidance, and advocacy, and make referrals to both statutory and third-sector agencies with a focus on empowering the beneficiary to address and manage their needs effectively.
- Help beneficiaries stay connected and maintain engagement with services that provide professional interventions.
- Offer essential emotional and practical support to beneficiaries awaiting assessments from other services.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of risk management and safeguarding practices and procedures for adults and children.
- Keep your professional practice up to date with current policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with Legion standards.
- Perform other duties related to the role as requested by your line manager or Head of Department/Divisions.

If you’re ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding role and make a significant impact, apply now to become an Advocacy & Complex Needs Advisor at The Royal British Legion. Together, we can support veterans and their families in leading more empowered and fulfilling lives.
*Please note this role is home-based with a requirement to travel across the geographical area of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and any appropriate surrounding areas if there is a need for a beneficiary visit, in line with organisational hybrid working practices.
This job requires a DBS check at Enhanced level.

Employee benefits include:

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 14%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics and aim to operate an inclusive recruitment process.

Location: Hybrid
Department: Advocacy & Support Helpline
Salary: £24,180.51 (not including London Weighting) / £28,309.92 (including London Weighting)
Hours: Full time - 35 hours per week
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
 
About the role
 
As a member of our helpline team, you will provide emotional support and practical guidance to individuals in need, responding to calls, emails, and web chats. You will support individuals who have experienced various forms of violence and abuse, including domestic violence, hate crimes, sexual violence, and so-called conversion therapies. Your role will involve offering a compassionate, non-judgmental, and empathetic ear to those reaching out for help, while carefully assessing each situation to determine the appropriate level of support. You will conduct risk assessments, provide safeguarding assistance, assist with safety planning, signposting, and, when necessary, support with referring individuals on to the right services, always ensuring the highest standards of care and support.
 
About you
 
We are seeking a candidate with experience in providing trauma-informed support to victims and survivors. The ideal candidate will possess strong resilience, a commitment to self-care, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of LGBT victims and survivors. You will be able to demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and a proactive approach in offering emotional and practical support, while ensuring a safe and empowering environment for those in need.
 
There is a genuine occupational requirement under the Sexual Orientation Regulations 2003 for this post. It is considered essential that post holders have experience of LGBT needs, and impact of discrimination as the Helpline is run for LGBT victim/survivors of violence and abuse.
 
For more information on this role please download the attached job description.
 
Location: Hybrid or remote options available (the Galop office is based in central London)
Hours: 35 (1FT - 5 days a week across a rolling rota, including evenings)
Contract: Fixed term to 31st March 2026 with the possibility of extension dependent on funding
Reports to: Head of Helplines
Salary: £24,180.51 pro rata - not including London Weighting (£28,309.92 pro rata including London Weighting)
 
Closing Date: Applications should be submitted by 12 noon 28th July 2025.
Interviews will be held on 4th and 5th August 2025. All interviews will involve a short initial skills-based task and will be held online – interviews can be held in person at our central London based office upon request.
 
Please note* depending on the outcome of the initial interviews, there may be the possibility of a second interview.
 
REF-222481

Location: Head Office/ Pan-London (Hybrid)

Salary: £31,531 - £33,696 per annum 

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Until 31st January 2027)

Closing Date: Monday 4th August 2025

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Housing First Multiple Disadvantage Outreach and Advocacy Worker at Solace Women's Aid.

We exist to end the harm done through gender-based violence. Our aim is to work to prevent violence and abuse, as well as providing services to meet the individual needs of survivors, particularly women and children. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives, free from abuse.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

Housing First supports the most entrenched, excluded and hard to reach service users. It focuses on finding permanent housing as quickly as possible and then addressing the issues that have contributed to an individual’s homelessness. The Ruby Project, is a specialist Housing First programme supporting women who have experienced VAWG and other difficulties such as, substance misuse, experience of the criminal jusice system, having children removed from their care, mental and physical health issues etc.

‘I want someone who I can do nice things with, too, not someone who just talks about what has gone wrong, or drugs and other things……I think about those negatives all the time anyway and I want a worker who I can feel positive with, happy’ (service user supported by another Housing First Project).

About the Role

Accountabilities

• Provide a high-quality case work support and information service to victims/survivors who have experienced domestic and/or sexual violence.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with external agencies where appropriate, including at the MARAC
• Provide Solution-focused casework interventions with women who have experienced VAWG and Multiple Disadvantage
• Provide emotional support using a trauma informed approach.
• Build and maintain supportive relationships with women.
• Contribute to the completion of outcomes reports and funding returns when required.
• Complete all documents when support work commences and keep up to date with any changing risks to or from the woman.
• Empower women to access benefits and services they need.
• Involve service users in the design, development, and delivery of the service.
• Engage with a wide range of professionals (some of whom may have very different approaches to problem solving) through a multi-agency approach, and advocate to agencies on behalf of the Project and its service users.
• Promote coordinated, joined-up service delivery for service users between violence against women services and drug and alcohol agencies, mental health, housing, health and legal agencies.
• Contribute to a service-wide communications plan and ensure that information about the service is widely available locally to other agencies and is also readily accessible to potential service users.
• Educate a wide range of agencies and stakeholders about the challenges faced by women experiencing multiple disadvantage.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the Project
• Be self-motivated to research processes and services in order to fully support and advocate for the women.
• Fully engage with the team and all support and team spaces offered, supporting colleagues with the difficulties they face and celebrating positive outcomes.
• Attend regular supervision sessions with your Line Manager
• Attend case review meetings and contribute to effective team communication.
• Ensure that creative and effective relationships are established with other teams and external organisations, particularly those that offer a service to our service users
• Ensure compliance with all legal and contractual reporting requirements in relation to service delivery
• Keep and maintain accurate and confidential records of all work undertaken.
• Contribute to service user feedback and voice in service delivery and service development.
• To ensure that individuals coming into contact with Solace are safeguarded and that appropriate safeguarding action is taken in respect of any concerns.

About You

Values, Behaviours and Competencies

• Committed to the purpose of Solace Women’s Aid, ensuring that the service user is at the heart of service delivery and development
• An intersectional feminist understanding of ‘Violence against Women and Girls’
• Committed to fostering innovation and continuous improvement in working practice
• Flexible and open to new challenges, ideas and experiences, and able to be self-reflective
• Committed to understanding diversity and ensuring anti-discriminatory practice is applied in all forms of our work
• Non-judgemental with a commitment to self-care within the team
• Collaborative, building relationships with internal and external partners.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Some experience in providing emotional and/or practical support to women who have experienced VAWG, homelessness or multiple disadvantages.
• Knowledge of the particular needs of women from diverse communities and the barriers to accessing support faced by women from a global majority background.
• Experience of working in partnerships with other agencies e.g. signposting, making referrals, supporting with appointments
• An understanding of the impact of trauma on women experiencing abuse
• Awareness of the intersection between severe and multiple disadvantages and VAWG, and an understanding of how the intersection of these issues can make it difficult for people to engage with support.
• A good knowledge of safeguarding practice and procedures
• Ability to provide strengths-based support.
• A resilient and assertive approach to reaching out to and building trust and positive relationships with women who have complex/multiple needs and who may present as reluctant to engage and/or may be presenting in crisis.
• Excellent organisational, ICT, written and verbal communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of current safeguarding legislation, frameworks and procedures and practical application.

We understand that you may not have all the knowledge, experience, and skills mentioned in the Job Profile Document. However, your interpersonal skills, passion to have a positive impact, commitment to our purpose, and ability to learn quickly and collaborate effectively will be equally important.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. 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. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

We currently have an opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join the team in Luton. This role is for 30 hours per week to cover maternity leave with the option of hybrid working from our Luton office and home.

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:

As in Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) you will support victims of domestic abuse who primarily live in Luton. This role will be part of our other wider specialist services covering Bedfordshire.

As an IDVA you will be:

• Providing a high quality support and advocacy service to victims of domestic abuse.
• Managing a caseload; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored crisis intervention service trough individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
• Working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users in order to help them access services to keep them safe.
• Working within a multi-agency framework consisting of partners as well as MARAC and other local partnerships to offer a coordinated response to domestic abuse.
• Promoting the service and raise awareness of domestic abuse through the delivery of training
• Supporting the Daily Domestic Abuse meeting in the IFD (Integrated Front Door), which discusses all

You will need:

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of domestic abuse
• To be able to prioritise work and deal with competing or conflicting demands/needs and interests and promote organisation interests and values.
• To ideally hold a SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with domestic abuse victim's/service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting.

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.