Senior independent victim advocate jobs

As a Domestic Abuse Specialist working for Aurora New Dawn, you will work to strengthen the police response to domestic abuse by providing independent, specialist expertise within police control rooms.

Based in a local police control room you will work alongside call handlers, dispatchers, and officers to:

• assess risk and ensure no opportunities for safeguarding are missed
• quality assure police responses to domestic abuse calls
• review incident logs, DASH/DARA risk assessments, and Body Worn Video (BWV) footage
• provide operational advice to officers deploying to incidents
• identify and facilitate referrals into specialist domestic abuse support services
• improve victim safety from the very first point of contact

Working under the direction of a Senior member of staff you will work independently but collaboratively with Thames Valley police, and in line with our organisational values.

This role involves supporting and developing police staff within police centres. There may also be occasions in the future where you attend callouts alongside officers to observe their engagement with victims, to provide feedback that supports risk assessment and safeguarding processes.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an on-site role which requires you to be co-located within police control rooms and/or call centres during your shifts.

MAIN DUTIES

1. Call Review and Quality Assurance

• Listen to live or recently recorded 101/999 calls to assess victim engagement and identify missed domestic abuse indicators.
• Provide constructive, specialist feedback to call handlers to strengthen practice.
• Review selected calls or conduct sampling to identify domestic abuse calls that may have been missed.
• Review body-worn video (BWV) footage as required.

1. Risk Assessment and Escalation

• Review DASH/DARA risk assessments, police logs, and intelligence systems to identify concerns.
• Escalate cases requiring regrading or altered response times to the Force Control Room (FCR) Inspector, documenting all recommendations.
• Identify risk patterns and ensure timely action to safeguard victims.

1. Operational Advice for Officers and Control Room Staff

• Provide attending officers with relevant operational advice and background information via manual intelligence checks, such as:

Ø  protective order status

Ø  history of prior callouts

Ø  known risk indicators

Ø  relevant vulnerabilities or perpetrator patterns

• Add safeguarding information to dispatch logs as appropriate.

1. Multi‑Agency Work and Referrals

• Work closely with the local Victims First Hub, other specialist services and relevant ‘By and For’ organisations to facilitate appropriate onward referrals.
• Provide guidance on appropriate pathways for victims based on risk, identity, and need.
• Support the development of posters, guidance, and resources for FCR staff relating to out‑of‑hours support.

1. Learning, Development and Culture Change

• Support, inform, and where appropriate deliver training for call handlers and new recruits.
• Contribute to identifying themes, patterns, and learning for organisational improvement.
• Participate in review meetings with TVP, OPCC, and the Aurora Management Team.

1. Independence, Governance and Data

• Maintain strict independence while collaborating constructively with police colleagues.
• Work within data protection legislation and information sharing policies, including in relation to police data.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case and activity records.

1. Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain up‑to‑date specialist knowledge of domestic abuse practice.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision, case/workload reviews and line management supervision.
• Work flexibly to meet demand and support resilience across all FCR locations.
• Uphold Aurora New Dawn’s values, ethos and confidentiality standards at all times
• Complete any other duties. appropriate to the role and level.

Corporate Responsibilities

1. The above range of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive: post holders will be expected to perform work of a similar level and responsibility when requested to do so.
2. Remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures policies and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.
3. Observe duty to all Heath and Safety rules and take all reasonable care to promote the health and safety of yourself and others.
4. Act in a way that supports and promotes Aurora New Dawn’s Equal Opportunities Policy, which aims to ensure everyone has equal treatment and equal access to employment and services.
5. Contribute to Best value by working in an effective, efficient, and economic way, and to suggest and implement improved ways of working wherever possible. 

IT Security

All staff must strictly adhere to current Aurora New Dawn policy on IT security as instructed by Chief Executive. Any breach of this policy could invoke the Aurora New Dawn disciplinary procedures, which could result in dismissal.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This job description is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake.  It may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.  It does not form part of your contract of employment

DOMESTIC ABUSE SPECIALIST

Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrable, direct experience of supporting victims of domestic abuse.
• Strong understanding of:
  • domestic abuse typologies
  • risk assessment and safety planning
  • dynamics of coercive control
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice principles, and their application to policing
• Ability to analyse risk quickly and accurately, including during crisis situations.
• Experience reviewing domestic abuse cases, quality assurance/audit and DIP sampling
• Knowledge of local specialist services, including By and For providers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including providing clear, constructive feedback and written reports
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and act with independence.
• Strong IT skills and ability to use case management or intelligence systems.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a high‑pressure, fast‑moving environment.
• Confidence in representing the organisation at local meetings, training sessions and within multi-agency groups as required.
• Commitment to feminist ethos, equality, and anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Desirable

• IDVA qualification via a recognised provider.
• Experience working with police or within a control room setting.
• Experience delivering training or workshops.
• Experience reviewing Body Worn Video (BWV), police logs, or intelligence systems.
• Experience working in a crisis-response environment (e.g., helplines, emergency services).

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, empathetic, and victim/survivor‑centred.
• Non‑judgemental, empowering approach.
• Ability to challenge constructively and maintain independence.
• Adaptable, resilient, and able to manage competing demands.
• Reliable, professional, and trustworthy.
• Reflective, with commitment to continuous improvement.

Other Requirements

• Enhanced DBS
• Full Police Vetting is an essential requirement of the post and will be required on acceptance of employment. If full Level 3 Police vetting is not obtained your employment can be terminated.
• Ability to travel across Thames Valley locations.
• Access to a vehicle and valid UK driving
• This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

We encourage applications from women of all backgrounds and communities and are committed to having a team that is diverse in terms of skills, experiences, and abilities. We particularly encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic women, as these groups are currently underrepresented in our organisation.

Interim CEO

6 Months Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010

Candidate Pack

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the role of Interim CEO for Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service (KSAAS). This is a 6-month fixed term post to cover maternity leave.

KSAAS (formerly East Kent Rape Crisis Centre) has offered sexual violence services in East Kent since 1993 and we offer ongoing practical support and therapeutic services for survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives of in Kent & Medway .  KSAAS holds UKAS accreditation through The Survivors Trust and is Professionally Approved By Rape Crisis England & Wales, demonstrating the consistent, high-quality services that we offer to our survivors.

KSAAS operates Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) services and joint ISVA and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) services for those experiencing sexual violence alongside domestic abuse.  We also offer trauma focused therapeutic counselling services for children, adolescents and adults and these services are accessible through various hubs across Kent & Medway. Peer support groups and family advocacy services are available to support families when there has been an occurrence of sexual abuse experienced by one or more family members and our services are supported and informed by the ‘Kick Back’ group,  who are survivors of sexual violence who offer help, support and advice to other survivors and inform our service development.  We also have a range of volunteers who support us with various aspects of the service provision. 

In addition to providing support and therapeutic services, a key function of the organisation is to robustly challenge the societal values, beliefs and behaviour which contribute to sexual violence, through proactive projects that aim to raise awareness, delivery of information sessions in educational institutions, delivery of NOCN accredited Rape and Sexual Abuse training, ongoing activism, challenging attitudes we encounter as part of our work with survivors, focused campaigns and participation in research focused on sexual violence.

In the last year, we worked with > 6000 survivors in our face-to-face services and specialist sexual violence Helpline service and in April 2026 we extended our provision and scope and have been commissioned to be the main provider of ISVA and Therapeutic Support services across Kent & Medway, funded by the Police & Crime Commissioner.

We are looking for an inspiring, motivated and innovative woman who is driven by feminist values to be the figurehead of our organisation, providing empowering leadership to the team, strategic oversight of the organisation and to ensure an outstanding service for all survivors of sexual violence. Note that this post is restricted to women under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010.

Shauna McCusker

Chair of Trustees

Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service

Role Details

Salary:

£50,000 (Pro Rata), 0.8 FTE Contract

Base:

Canterbury (Travel to Other Sites Will Be Required)

Contract:

0.8 FTE (30 Hours Per Week): 6 Months Fixed Term Contract On Occasion This Will Include Out Of Hours Meetings

Benefits:

3% Pension Contribution

Employee Discounts Scheme

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Working Negotiable

Requirements:

Right to work in the UK

An enhanced DBS Check (Carried out through KSAAS) Full UK Driving Licence & Use of Own Car

Responsible To: Chair of Trustees

Main Purpose of The Role

The CEO is the figurehead of KSAAS and has overall responsibility for the management and performance of the service and strategic development and growth of KSAAS in collaboration with the core team, key stakeholders, Board of Trustees and survivors.  The overarching duties and responsibilities of the CEO is responsible for the following:

• Strategic feminist leadership of the organisation & staff

• Management of human resources and physical estate

• Direct and manage fundraising & finances

• Act as the primary public representative locally, regionally and nationally.

• Advocate for survivors of sexual assault or abuse and challenge societal attitudes that perpetuate sexual violence

• Line management of management team

• Working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees

At KSAAS, the CEO is supported by the ISVA Service Lead, the Therapeutic Service Lead, the Operations Manager, the Finance Manager and Board of Trustees.

About KSAAS

Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service is a feminist organisation that firmly believes that sexual violence against women and girls arises from the patriarchal social structure in our society.  We believe this social structure causes and propagates gender inequality and that sexual violence is one tool that is used to control women and girls as part of this social dynamic.  We recognise the sexual violence affects people of all genders and provides a safe space for all survivors of sexual violence across Kent & Medway, where they can access the high-quality trauma-informed specialist practical and therapeutic support they need to recover from the impact of sexual violence and rebuild their lives.

Our Vision

KSAAS’s vision is to create a community where everyone is free from all forms of sexual violence and to achieve this within a feminist, equalities and human rights framework. We aim to provide help, hope and healing to all those impacted by sexual violence and cultivate a safe, non-violent community. 

Our Mission

It is our mission to:

• Respond to and promote the needs of those who have suffered sexual violence through the empowerment feminist model of work

• Reduce the impact of sexual violence by supporting, educating, informing and advocating for all survivors

• Challenge oppression in all forms

• Challenge societal attitudes that condone and collude with sexual violence

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer Responsible To: Board of Trustees

Main Responsibilities of Post:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the issues faced by women and girls who are subjected violence and the staff who support them within the service

• Develop an in-depth understanding of local, regional and national agendas regarding sexual violence against women and girls within the service

• Review the aims, vision and mission of the organisation in collaboration with our survivors, staff, board of trustees, business partners & umbrella organisations

• Work collaboratively with the board of trustees, business partners, staff and service users to develop evidence based strategic priorities for the service and a rigorous business plan that addresses key priorities

• Lead, motivate and encourage the KSAAS staff team to provide excellent services in support of the strategic plan

• Be the leading voice of KSAAS locally, regionally and nationally, ensuring that KSAAS and its mission, campaigns, and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image for the benefit of survivors of sexual assault and abuse.

• Consult widely and draw on expertise within the organisation and externally to KSAAS for the visioning of evidence based and innovative sexual violence services for children, young people and adults across Kent & Medway

Finance and Funding

• Manage the KSAAS fundraising strategy in collaboration with the management team and board of trustees

• Oversee fundraisers to identify, diversify and secure fundraising opportunities to ensure the financial health of the organisation

• Sit on the finance committee to ensure effective financial management and reporting

• Manage relationships with key funders and ensure that all contractual obligations to funders are met

• Provide effective oversight and reporting of the finances and budgets to the board of trustees and funders and ensure the financial sustainability of theorganisation

Partnership and Communication

• Represent the voices of survivors of sexual violence at key strategic meetings

• Ensure effective communication of information from KSAAS to all key internal and external partners

• Develop and broker regional and local partnerships to ensure KSAAS pushes boundaries, maintains excellent working partnerships and ultimately improves services for victims of sexual violence and abuse in Kent

• Promote public awareness about sexual violence through social media and deliver talks and presentations and broadcasts as necessary.

• Keep up to date and informed about local, regional and national agendas, ensuring that KSAAS can respond to trends effectively as they emerge.

• Maintain a high quality collaborative working partnership with Rape Crisis England and Wales and work with other rape crisis centres as necessary.

• To be an effective public speaker with the ability to influence.

Management, Resources and Policy

• Empower staff within the organisation through proactive and inspiring line management processes, catering for diversity through a range of different approaches.

• Develop the leadership team within KSAAS and work collaboratively with them to meet the vision and mission of the service.

• Have overall responsibility for the fair recruitment, management and development of employees and volunteers and the effective management of external contractors and service providers.

• Be the key point of contact for our Human Resources Provider and ensure that all policies and procedures are up to date and appropriately communicated and implemented throughout KSAAS.

• Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation systems are in place that reflect best practice across all aspects of the organisation’s operation enabling review and development ofservices.

Legality and Governance

• Accountable for organisational compliance with general legal obligations, Charity Commission regulations,  membership obligations & safeguarding responsibilities.

• Responsible for keeping the Board of Trustees up to date with accurate information to enable them to fulfil their roles.

• Provision of appropriate and timely reports to the Board ofTrustees.

• Responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all staff, volunteers and service users within KSAAS.

• Engage with own line management, supervision, training, personal development & wellbeing, using opportunities provided by KSAAS to do so.

• To carry out any further work that is reasonably in line with thisposition.

To be eligible for this role, you need to evidence the following knowledge, skills and experience, at least in part:

• A successful track record of leadership within an organisation of comparable complexity or across a significant area of work, including strategic, financial and operational planning.

• Experience of successful financial management of a complex budget and oversight of income generation from a variety of sources.

• A track record of successfully managing and leading people who work across a range of sites and an understanding of the challenges faced by staff working with sexual violence survivors

• Ability to think innovatively, take measured risks and manage an organisation and staff through period of significant change

• Experience of developing & maintaining effective networks with local government, statutory and other voluntary organisations.

• Experience of successful partnership working, such as developing and maintaining relationships with a range of organisations and funders.

• Experience at senior level of successful financial management, including responsibility for significant complex budgets.

• Experience of working with a variety of media to successfully promote an organisation or issue.

• An understanding of the gendered nature of sexual violence and abuse, its causes and consequences and commitment to challenging injustice, violence and abuse, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and bias in a non-confrontational way, aligned to the values of the organisation.

• Experience of managing support services and a clear understanding of trauma and vicarious trauma and appropriate wellbeing strategies.

• Sound knowledge of the charitable sector and working collaboratively with a Board of Trustees

• An understanding of trauma informed care / service provision and the challenges associated with such services

• Excellent communication skills and experience of communicating complex information in a range of ways to a range of audiences

• Excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise and manage competing demands

• Commitment to self-development, self-reflection and personal wellbeing

• Able to travel & work between sites across Kent when needed

• Formal qualifications, such as university level qualifications, professional qualifications, therapeutic qualifications and / or leadership / management / coaching qualifications would be an advantage.

• Able to work independently, in close teams and across services

• Demonstrates resilience, courage and bravery when facing challenges • Demonstrates excellent communication skills and public presentation skills

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

How To Apply

KSAAS values diversity and welcomes applications from people from all sections of the community, especially from minoritised groups. To apply for this role, please email a detailed CV along with a supporting statement to the Chair of Trustees Shauna McCusker. The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 3rd May 2026. The supporting statement should demonstrate how you meet the candidate profile and should be no more the 4 A4 pages. All applications will be acknowledged and responded to by 2pm on Mon 4th May 2026 and interviews will take place on Wednesday 6th May 2026 in person in Canterbury (reasonable adjustments can be made on request). If you have any questions or require support with any part of the process, please contact Shauna McCusker. We value every application, thank you for your time, effort and interest. Good luck.

Our amazing team at Alana House are looking for a Women’s Centre Team Leader to join the team. 

Would you like to make a lasting difference to women facing multiple disadvantages? Our award winning trauma recovery service empowers and enables women to access the support they need.  

Position: Women’s Community Project – Alana House Team Leader

Location: The role is based in our Reading office with hybrid flexible working arrangements to provide for working at home and in the office

Contract: Permanent full time – 37 hours per week Monday to Friday.  Working pattern to be agreed within the hours of: Monday to Tuesday 8.30am-5pm | Wednesday 8.30am-7pm | Thursday 8.30am-5pm | Friday 8.30am-4pm

Salary: Starting salary in the range of £35,502  to £43,389 per annum 

Alana House is PACT’s flagship community project that uses a holistic approach to support and empower women. We offer a confidential, women-only, non-judgemental space and our services are delivered for women by women to ensure a safe, comfortable and trauma informed environment for those accessing support.

About the role:

As the Women’s Centre Team Leader, you will be responsible for leading a team of Key Workers to achieve the positive engagement of service users which leads to positive outcomes.  Your responsibilities will include:

· manage a team of Key Workers: monitoring performance and progress to ensure KPIs and goals are met

· contribute to identifying, training and supporting service user representatives and peer mentors

· act as the first point of contact for women referred to our service and conduct structured assessments to understand needs

· regularly meet with women to provide dedicated emotional and practical support

About you:

As the Key Worker Team Leader, you’ll bring highly demonstrable people management skills to encourage, motivate, support and develop a team and monitor and manage performance, along with an in-depth knowledge of issues facing justice involved women and those at risk of entering the justice system.

If this sounds like you please visit our website and apply today to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful.

For an informal discussion about the role please visit the advert on our website for contact details for Sabina, Alana House Manager.

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 11 May 2026

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK, and you must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Senior Family Support Worker, Family Key Work Leader, Senior Key Worker, Women’s Support Worker Leader, Women’s Key Worker Manger, Domestic Abuse Support Worker Manager, Domestic Abuse Key Worker Leader, IDVA, ISVA, Probation Services Manager, etc.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

Chief Executive Officer – Resolve West

Resolve West is recruiting a Chief Executive Officer to lead our respected charity supporting people and communities to resolve conflict and repair harm.

This part‑time role offers strategic leadership at a pivotal moment, following the retirement of our long‑standing CEO. Working with a committed Board, staff team and volunteers, the CEO will strengthen financial sustainability, partnerships and organisational culture.

Key details

• Part‑time: 24–28 hours
• Location: Bristol / Hybrid
• Salary: from £45,000 FTE (pro rata)
• Closing date: 15 May 2026