Year fixed term independent domestic violence advocate jobs

Job Title:  Senior IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate)

Hours:  Full-time (35 hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract to 31st March 2027 with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funding 

Salary:  £34,250 - £35,000 depending on experience 

Location:  Hybrid, with access to hot-desking in our London SE20 office when needed. Some co-location at venues across Bromley or Croydon borough may be needed, so flexibility is required 

Deadline:  2nd April 2026 April 2026 at 11.00pm

Interviews:  In person in London SE20, week commencing 13th April 2026 

About the role: We are seeking to recruit a Senior IDVA.  The ideal candidate will have both extensive experience in an IDVA role, as well as experience of supervising a team within a domestic abuse or related safeguarding setting.You will provide high-quality, trauma-informed advocacy to survivors assessed as high risk of serious harm due to domestic abuse. In addition to holding a complex caseload, you will provide day-to-day practice leadership and, where allocated, line management and supervision within the IDVA team. You will support robust safeguarding practice, monitor risk management standards, and deputise for the Service Manager when required to ensure safe and effective service delivery. 

Employee benefits we offer: 

- A friendly, flexible and values-led organisation 

- Competitive salary 

- 25 days of annual holiday, plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time) 

- Contributory pension scheme (5%) 

- Training to help you perform your role and support your professional development 

- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support 

- Two Wellbeing Days and day off on birthday 

Who we are: Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid is a well-established, innovative and forward-thinking local domestic abuse service. We are seeking a self-motivated, flexible and experienced individual to join our dynamic team to help us deliver excellent services to vulnerable women who have experienced domestic abuse and be committed to working in a non-discriminatory manner.  

Location: All staff have access to hot-desking at our office as needed.Flexible working is welcomed at BCWA, with a mix of home and location-based working across our friendly and supportive team. We are all women with busy lives and families, and we understand that flexibility can be crucial in supporting women in the workplace. However this role may require some co-location across venues in Bromley & Croydon boroughs and so flexibility is required. A driving licence and access to a vehicle would be preferable however the role can still be done using public transport, but you will need to take more care when scheduling meetings and planning your travel routes. You will occasionally be required to attend our London SE20 office for meetings or staff training.

Wellbeing: As a trauma-informed charity we take mental health and wellbeing seriously. We offer clinical supervision to our frontline team, regular staff wellbeing sessions, use of our Employee Assistance Programme and an additional wellbeing platform which offers a range of advice and support. 

Notifying candidates: We apologise in advance that we will not be able to notify candidates who are not shortlisted.If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks from application deadline, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.We reserve the right to terminate the recruitment process early once the right applicant has been found or if we receive a large number of applications. 

Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve. 

BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Reg. Charity No.1068007. 

Job Title:  IDVA 

Hours:  Full-time (35 hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract to 31st March 2027 with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funding 

Salary:  £32,604 per annum

Location:  Hybrid, with access to hot-desking in our London SE20 office when needed. Some co-location at venues across Bromley or Croydon borough may be needed, so flexibility is required

Deadline:  4th April 2026 at 11.00pm

Interviews:  In person in London SE20

About the role: We are seeking to recruit an experienced IDVA. You will provide high-quality, proactive support to victims of domestic violence and abuse, delivering services to those at high risk, as well as low or medium risk clients when required. This role operates within Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid (BCWA) but contributes to the Safe Horizons London Partnership, ensuring survivor-focused, culturally competent, and intersectional support.The IDVA will work collaboratively with the Safe Horizons network, supporting victims/survivors through both in-person advocacy and the partnership’s bespoke digital platform, which provides access to specialist modules, resources, and 24/7 support where appropriate. 

Employee benefits we offer: 

- A friendly, flexible and values-led organisation 

- Competitive salary 

- 25 days of annual holiday, plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time) 

- Contributory pension scheme (5%) 

- Training to help you perform your role and support your professional development 

- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support 

- Two Wellbeing Days and day off on birthday 

Who we are: Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid is a well-established, innovative and forward-thinking local domestic abuse service. We are seeking a self-motivated, flexible and experienced individual to join our dynamic team to help us deliver excellent services to vulnerable women who have experienced domestic abuse and be committed to working in a non-discriminatory manner.  

Location: All staff have access to hot-desking at our office as needed.Flexible working is welcomed at BCWA, with a mix of home and location-based working across our friendly and supportive team. We are all women with busy lives and families, and we understand that flexibility can be crucial in supporting women in the workplace. However this role may require some co-location across venues in Bromley & Croydon boroughs and so flexibility is required.A driving licence and access to a vehicle would be preferable however the role can still be done using public transport, but you will need to take more care when scheduling meetings and planning your travel routes. You will occasionally be required to attend our London SE20 office for meetings or staff training.

Wellbeing: As a trauma-informed charity we take mental health and wellbeing seriously. We offer clinical supervision to our frontline team, regular staff wellbeing sessions, use of our Employee Assistance Programme and an additional wellbeing platform which offers a range of advice and support. 

Notifying candidates: We apologise in advance that we will not be able to notify candidates who are not shortlisted.If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks from application deadline, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.We reserve the right to terminate the recruitment process early once the right applicant has been found or if we receive a large number of applications. 

Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve. 

BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Reg. Charity No.1068007. 

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 an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence.

We are looking for a skilled, values driven IDVA who is committed to challenging inequality, reducing harm, and improving safety for adults and children affected by domestic abuse. You will bring relevant professional experience, strong skills in assessment, engagement, safety planning and communication, and the ability to work safely in complex and high risk situations. We are seeking people who can hold clear boundaries and accountability while offering empathy, curiosity and respect. You will work in a trauma informed, survivor centred and strengths based way, recognising each survivor as the expert in their own life. You will understand how gendered power, oppression and structural barriers shape survivors’ experiences, and you will be confident applying these principles in your practice.

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 March 2026

Interview Date: 31 March 2026

Interim Chief Executive Officer – North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS)

Location: Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell and Spelthorne (hybrid; 2 days per week on-site presence

Salary: circa £60,000 FTE (PAYE)

Contract: Fixed term 18-24 months, 4 days per week

Are you a seasoned, compassionate leader ready to stabilise and strengthen a trauma-informed frontline charity supporting survivors across North Surrey?

About North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS)

NSDAS is a specialist, survivor-centred charity formed as an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2024 following a period hosted by Citizens Advice. We provide confidential practical and emotional support to adults and children affected by domestic abuse across Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell and Spelthorne, delivering helpline and email advice, advocacy, safety planning, refuge and housing pathways, recovery programmes and targeted work for children and young people. Our practice is trauma-informed and feminist in outlook, foregrounding safety, confidentiality and the lived experience of survivors.

We are a small, specialist organisation with an average headcount of around 18 (approximately 15 frontline staff and three support roles), supported by a committed cohort of volunteers. Since independence our trustees have prioritised governance, compliance and capacity building; in our first independently reported year total income was c.£932k and trustees view the near-term financial position as stable while planning prudently for the medium term. This interim appointment offers the chance to lead NSDAS through consolidation and prepare the charity for its next strategic phase.

As our next Interim Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Develop and deliver a clear 12-month operational plan, with pragmatic milestones and measurable outcomes that align with trustee priorities and service needs.

• Governance & Finance: Strengthen governance and risk reporting to the Board, maintain oversight of day-to-day financial control and cashflow, and support the Treasurer in preparing budgets and regular management reports.

• Operational Leadership: Provide stable, visible leadership and day-to-day operational management, ensuring continuity and quality of frontline services.

• Income Generation: Lead practical income-generation activity alongside trustees and fundraising staff, identify suitable funding opportunities and support bid development to diversify income and build unrestricted reserves.

• Service Quality & Safeguarding: Ensure survivor-centred practice, robust case recording, up-to-date safeguarding and lone-working protocols, and quality assurance across services.

• People & Wellbeing: Prioritise staff and volunteer wellbeing by embedding clinical supervision, promoting psychological safety and improving supervision and development arrangements.

• Community & Partnerships: Maintain and build constructive relationships with statutory partners (local authorities, police), Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership members and other key stakeholders; represent NSDAS at multi-agency forums.

• Brand & Profile: Advocate for local service needs, raise NSDAS’s profile within the local ecosystem and support trustee work to communicate impact and local value.

Who you are

• A seasoned senior leader with proven executive experience in a small to medium-sized charity or comparable organisation (c.8–20 staff; turnover circa £0.5m+).

• Demonstrable experience of leading organisations through change or transition while maintaining service continuity.

• Strong people leadership skills with experience managing sensitive HR matters, staff wellbeing and clinical/therapeutic supervision arrangements.

• A track record of successful income generation and relationship management with funders, commissioners and statutory partners.

• Financially competent with experience of budgetary control, reading management accounts and reporting to trustees.

• Excellent communicator, credible at both operational detail and strategic discussion, with highly developed stakeholder engagement skills.

• Knowledge of domestic abuse and trauma-informed approaches is essential (practical experience in the VAWG sector strongly preferred).

• Commitment to equality, diversity and survivor-centred practice and the ability to travel across the boroughs and work flexibly.

• Essential occupational requirement: This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

• Desirable: experience of working within statutory commissioning environments and experience of accreditation/standards (for example Women’s Aid) or practical organisational transition/partnership development.

Why NSDAS?

• Lead a values-driven, trauma-informed charity delivering critical local services and making a tangible difference to survivors’ lives.

• Join a small, committed team with a clear focus on staff wellbeing, clinical supervision and psychologically safe practice.

• A visible leadership role during an important phase of consolidation and strategic development, with clear 12-month priorities and trustee support.

• Hybrid and flexible working (3–4 days per week), regional travel as required and a meaningful, high-impact interim appointment.

• Opportunity to strengthen governance, diversify income and build unrestricted reserves for longer-term resilience.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 30th March 2026

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button  with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications for this role from women from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Survivors in Transition has supported survivors of sexual violence and abuse for over a decade. We provide specialist recovery services across the East of England, working alongside statutory and voluntary partners to ensure survivors receive safe, compassionate and effective support.

We are looking for a Sexual Violence Caseworker / Practitioner to join our Navigation and Engagement Service.

This role sits at the front door of our service, supporting adult survivors of sexual violence and historic child sexual abuse as they take their first steps towards recovery.

You will carry out trauma-informed assessments, provide short-term advocacy and case coordination, and support survivors to access counselling and therapeutic services safely.

Salary: £28,000 – £30,000 depending on experience
Pension: Workplace pension scheme
Annual leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Location: Office based Ipswich, Suffolk, with hybrid working
Wellbeing support: Access to clinical supervision and reflective practice
Learning and development: Training and professional development opportunities

About the role

In this role you will:

• Provide a compassionate first response to individuals accessing our service
• Carry out screening, risk assessment and triage
• Support survivors to access appropriate services including counselling and therapy
• Provide short-term advocacy and case coordination while survivors await specialist support
• Liaise with partners, including mental health services, police and social care
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service monitoring and improvement
• Participate in clinical supervision and reflective practice

This role plays a key part in ensuring survivors receive joined up, survivor-centred care.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, organised and confident supporting people affected by trauma or abuse.

You may have experience in roles such as:

• Sexual violence practitioner
• ISVA / IDVA
• Domestic abuse support worker
• Caseworker or support worker
• Safeguarding practitioner
• Mental health support worker
• Criminal justice or social care practitioner

We particularly welcome applicants with transferable experience from health, social care, safeguarding, domestic abuse services or criminal justice roles.

Experience within sexual violence services or the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector is desirable but not essential.

Support and development

Working in trauma-informed services can be demanding, and we prioritise staff wellbeing and professional support.

You will receive:

• Regular clinical supervision
• Supportive line management
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Hybrid working arrangements
• A collaborative and supportive team environment

Why join Survivors in Transition?

• Be part of a specialist service supporting survivors of sexual violence
• Work within a trauma-informed organisation that values staff wellbeing
• Help survivors access life-changing recovery services
• Contribute to a growing service making a real difference across the region

Safeguarding

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Survivors in Transition is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of survivors.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from individuals whose experiences reflect the communities we serve.

FearFree delivers services across the Southwest for victims, children and perpetrators of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking, with the aim to break the cycle of abuse and support all to live free from fear. We provide trauma responsive support, and this post will be fundamental to ensuring service users, stakeholders and partners experience this in our daily delivery.

The varied and rewarding role involves delivering trauma-informed, one-to-one educational support to adult victims of domestic abuse.

Working collaboratively with our IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors), you will help ensure that support is safe, inclusive and effective for people with a range of experiences and risks. You will play a vital part in championing people to recover from trauma, build safe relationships and move forward with dignity and hope.This role will also involve delivering our empowerment and recovery groups for those who have experienced domestic or sexual abuse. 

FearFree is committed to flexible and hybrid working and this role will be a mix of home based and office based, alongside requiring travel for multi-agency meetings and other deliverables. 

This is a 12 month fixed term role and may include evening and weekend work when required. 

Key Responsibilities

• To provide 1:1 support for medium risk clients who have previously been supported by our IDVA team.
• Deliver structured, evidence-based and trauma-responsive group programmes for victims/survivors and individuals who have used harm. 
• Contribute to joint safety and support planning alongside IDVAs. 
• Monitor and respond to safeguarding concerns in with organisational practices. 
• Provide direct assessment, casework support, advice, information, and advocacy through telephone contact, and/or meetings at the relevant practice.  
• Provide support to increase people’s personal safety, and that of any children, and inform them of their rights and options in terms of housing, legal and welfare rights. 
• To provide signposting and onward referrals to patients. 
• To provide ongoing specialist advice and support around Domestic Abuse (DA). 
• To provide training to multi-agency partners on understanding, recognising and responding to DA. 
• Develop good working relationships and liaise with outside agencies where needed.   
• Keep accurate records of all referrals received and of work done with or on behalf of service users.  
• Work flexibly and manage your own schedule, including evening work on a rotational basis to meet the needs of those unable to access support during working hours.

Application

To apply, please download the full job description/person specification along with the application and equality monitoring forms. Please send the completed application form and optional equality monitoring form direct to FearFree. 

There is no specific closing date for this role and this vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged. 

For information about the processing of your personal data at FearFree, please visit our website. 

FearFree is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace.  We strive to be a diverse and inclusive place to work where we can all be ourselves and individual differences are recognised and valued.