Independent domestic violence advocate jobs in Watford, hertfordshire

This is an exciting opportunity to lead CPAG’s strategic legal work at an important time in the organisation’s fight to end child poverty. As Head of Strategic Litigation, you will oversee and carry out CPAG’s work using legal cases for positive impact, to benefit families and children in poverty. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of CPAG’s legal work, in addition to managing CPAG’s legal practice and playing an active role in conducting high-profile litigation on a day-to-day basis.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about using the law to advocate for the rights of, and directly improve the lives of, families in poverty. The ideal candidate will be a solicitor (E&W qualified) with substantial post-qualification experience. You will have experience of conducting public law litigation and legal aid (publicly funded) work. You will be able to supervise the casework of colleagues, such as CPAG’s junior or trainee solicitor(s) and welfare benefit advisers, and support the professional development and wellbeing of your team. You may have experience of working with clients in vulnerable situations or with additional needs, for example, survivors of domestic abuse, refugees, disabled people or children and young people.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack. 

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Strategic Litigation job pack and application form. 

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process please contact us.

To apply, please return to us the application form, taking particular care to provide full details of how you meet the person specification. 

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Interviews will be held at our London office: w/c 27 April 2026

Our Service

Trauma Recovery CIC is a female founded not-for-profit Community Interest Company dedicated to providing vital support services for victims and survivors of trauma. Founded in 2020, our mission is to build a safe, supportive, accessible, and sustainable service for the community.

Butterflies Lived Experience Community is an integral part of Trauma Recovery CIC, bringing together people with lived experience of sexual, domestic and/or relational trauma to form a community that supports each members ongoing recovery journey.

Every member of the Butterflies team has direct personal lived experience of sexual, domestic and/or relational trauma and use their own courage to support others to connect with theirs and use this to fuel their recovery.

The team consists of level 1,2 and 3 Lived Experience Facilitators, Volunteer Ambassadors who come together to support community members and develop the service on a co-production model. 

The Level 3 LEF Role

Our Level 3 LEF role requires a Social Work qualification and registration.

As well as facilitating groups and key working, Level 3 LEF’s take responsibility for:

• Completing initial appointments with new community members to ensure that the team has a good
  understanding of their support needs and that they can be safely supported through Butterflies LEC.

• Mentoring and supporting the Level 1 and 2 LEF’s and Ambassadors

• Working with community members, team members, Trauma Recovery leadership team and partner
  organisations to develop the service.

• Facilitating the understanding trauma programmes

• Providing reporting data to Trauma Recovery CIC Business Operations Lead and working with them to complete
  reports for funders and funding/grant applications.

• Co-chairing the Lived Experience Forum

• Contribute to the newsletters, social media, attend events to promote the service (at times this may require
  attending events outside of usual working hours).

• Ensure that all team members complete required admin accurately and in a timely manner and processes are
  followed.

• Highlight concerns about team members to the leadership team, identify ways to support the team or team
  member and offer the support.

Our ideal candidate

• Is someone who has walked their own recovery journey, experienced therapeutic support as part of this and understands the benefits on both a personal and professional level of therapy and group support.
• They will be a qualified, registered Social Worker with relevant social work experience of co-ordinating a service, mentoring team members and working from a systemic perspective.
• They will have experience of completing risk assessments, keeping records and using software and systems to do this effectively.
• They will be able to communicate and connect with people from a variety of backgrounds, understand their individual needs and work creatively to meet them in way that supports recovery.

How to apply

As well as facilitating groups and key working, Level 3 LEF’s take responsibility for:

• Completing initial appointments with new community members to ensure that the team has a good
  understanding of their support needs and that they can be safely supported through Butterflies LEC.

• Mentoring and supporting the Level 1 and 2 LEF’s and Ambassadors

• Working with community members, team members, Trauma Recovery leadership team and partner
  organisations to develop the service.

• Facilitating the understanding trauma programmes

• Providing reporting data to Trauma Recovery CIC Business Operations Lead and working with them to complete
  reports for funders and funding/grant applications.

• Co-chairing the Lived Experience Forum

• Contribute to the newsletters, social media, attend events to promote the service (at times this may require
  attending events outside of usual working hours).

• Ensure that all team members complete required admin accurately and in a timely manner and processes are
  followed.

• Highlight concerns about team members to the leadership team, identify ways to support the team or team
  member and offer the support.

How to apply

Application is through our website where you will find an application pack with further information about our service and the role. Please read through the pack and complete the application form, when we read your application we hope to read not only about your experiences, but how they relate to this role and our service. 

We are looking for a Senior Independent Domestic Violence Advocate who is passionate about supporting male victim/survivors of abuse to join our unique specialist housing support project (Ashraya Project) for Male victims of domestic abuse. The role is a hybrid working role based at our London office close to Old Street tube station with travel throughout London as required.

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.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.
• Practice Support: Clinical supervision and group reflective practice

About the Role

You will:

Effectively manage and provide a pro-active, high quality frontline service to male victims of domestic abuse. You will work within a multi-agency framework consisting of MARAC and multi-agency partners when required. This role requires a specialist understanding of the barriers faced by male victims of domestic abuse and harmful practices. We particularly welcome applicants who are male, as they are under-represented in the provision of support to domestic abuse victim survivors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Effectively manage and develop a high quality, innovative and pro-active domestic abuse service for victims and their children, including those at highest risk
• Ensure that the service prioritises the safety, security and dignity of service users and their children
• Be the lead in crisis situations and provide advice and guidance on safeguarding issues and information sharing concerns.
• The role will work collaboratively with the Management team, in order to achieve the implementation of the business plan and the development of the service to maximise positive outcomes for clients.
• Manage a small team, conducting supervision and case reviews to ensure safe practice.
• Carry a caseload, supporting male domestic abuse victim/survivors to increase their safety.
• Develop relationships with partner agencies in this area.

About You:
Ideally, you will have knowledge of migration and asylum routes and the procedures for applying for refugee/asylum status in the UK, legal remedies for domestic abuse victims and have experience of working with housing, homelessness, drug, alcohol, mental health issues and have an understanding of the benefit system.

You will need:

• Experience of supporting people in vulnerable situations, having worked with victims of domestic violence & abuse.
• Knowledge of safeguarding issues, legal responsibilities and GDPR & data protection regulations.
• Have strong crisis management skills to support staff dealing with stressful and difficult situations
• Experience of managing a team delivering front line support to victims or domestic abuse or vulnerable people to a high standard
• A passion for working with male victim/survivors
• Experience of working with housing agencies or in a housing setting is advantageous

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

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.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

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 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 are looking for a proactive and compassionate Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse within a hospital setting.

The role is based at Kings College Hospital along with some working from the Victim Support office in Old Street and some home working.

What we offer:

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role:

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will provide pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, providing individual safety planning, trauma-informed support, guidance, information, and advocacy and enabling victim/survivors to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse and trauma they have experienced.

You may work within a Hospital Trust's Safeguarding Team to support both patients and staff in an Acute Hospital setting, who have experienced Domestic Abuse. You will make initial contact with victims of domestic abuse, explaining our services and assessing the impact of crime, or receive referrals from colleagues, in order to provide on-going support and case management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess risks and needs using evidence-based checklists.
• Focus on high-risk cases with short to medium-term crisis intervention.
• Assist high-risk victims in accessing safety services.
• Deliver tailored support and information.
• Understand legal frameworks for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
• Provide advocacy on legal, housing, health, and financial options.
• Empower clients to recognize domestic abuse dynamics.
• Participate in Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC).
• Work with a team to deliver respectful, dignified, and sensitive services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records.
• Comply with data protection laws and organizational policies.
• Stay updated with procedures, policies, and professional codes.

About You:

Ideally, you will have knowledge about legal remedies for domestic abuse victims and have experience working with drug, alcohol, and mental health issues. An understanding of benefits, housing, and homelessness would also be beneficial.

You will need:

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience in statutory, voluntary, or multi-agency settings.
• Competency in risk and needs assessment frameworks.
• Understanding of safeguarding issues.
• Direct service delivery experience to victims or vulnerable people.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritize work.
• Strong crisis management skills.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and advisory skills.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

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.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

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 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.

About the organisation

nia has been delivering services to women, girls and children who have been subjected to sexual and domestic violence and abuse, including prostitution, since 1975. The organisation has three main aims: to provide services for women, girls and children who have experienced men’s violence; contributing to ending male violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

About the Service

East London Rape Crisis provides free, confidential specialist support for women and girls who have been raped or experienced any other form of sexual violence or abuse at any time in their lives, regardless of whether or not they have reported to the police. We offer confidential and independent support.  Services include advocacy, emotional and practical support, one-to-one counselling and group work

About the role

The Multiple Disadvantages ISVA provides proactive support and advocacy service to women facing multiple barriers to engaging with the criminal justice system. You will work as part of a growing Feminist Rape Crisis service that is developing to meet the needs of women and girls.

This post involves travel across East London, and a hybrid model of home and office working.

Job Ref:        207

Hours: 35 hours per week (including up to 1 evening a week and occasional Saturday mornings)

Salary: £29,000- £32,000 (unqualified £29,000-£30,000) (qualified £30,000-£32,000)

Term: December 2026 with potential to be extended

CV’s will not be accepted. 

This  post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.

Job Title: Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA)

Location: The Gaia Centre, Lambeth
Salary: £14,428.56 per annum, inlcuding London weighting if applicable
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent

Hours: 18.75 hours per week (working days to be discussed)

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.

The independent gender violence advocate will work closely with victims of gender-based violence from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of gender-based violence at the highest risk and their children.

The role will be part of increasing the ability of partner agencies to recognise, reject and respond appropriately and safely to all forms of gender-based violence (including domestic violence, sexual, financial and emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based violence). The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. 

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal, and practical options that might increase their safety. 

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 1 April 2026

Interview Date: 9 and 10 April 2026

Specialist ISA Practice and Development Manager 

Location:  Hybrid (40% office based) 

Hours: Full time - 35 hours per week 

Type of contract: Permanent 

Start date: ASAP 

Salary: £36,435 

Reports to: Deputy Head of Operations Manager 

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST: 

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was established in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986 and was later declared deceased in 1993. Created to honour Suzy’s legacy, the Trust aims to empower individuals and organisations to take a stand against abuse, aggression, and violence in all forms, supporting safety in both personal and professional lives 

Role overview: 

The purpose of this role is to manage the specialist elements of the London stalking support service, including the Community Engagement and Outreach ISA and the Court ISA functions. These are new areas of delivery for the Trust, and the postholder will play a key role in establishing and embedding these specialist services. 

The postholder will provide day-to-day management, guidance, and direction to specialist staff holding complex cases, ensuring work is delivered safely and in line with best practice, contractual standards, and safeguarding requirements. They will oversee referral assessment and allocation for specialist cases, ensuring referrals are prioritised and allocated within agreed response times. 

As the services are in their infancy, the role will focus on supporting the development and refining processes, pathways, and approaches, using performance data, feedback, test and learn approach and learning to support continuous improvement. The postholder will also oversee performance monitoring, quality assurance, and budget management working closely with the Deputy Head of Operations to manage demand and maintain service standards. 

The role will ensure inclusive, culturally responsive approaches are embedded within the Community Engagement and Outreach function, and will represent the Trust in operational forums, contributing to wider service development across the organisation. 

What we offer: 

At Suzy Lamplugh Trust, we value the commitment and expertise of our staff and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package: 

·Hybrid Working: With a minimum of 40% office-based work 

·Generous Leave Package: 28 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time) increasing with length of service, plus public holidays 

·Special Leave: Including days for personal milestones, like moving house or celebrating your birthday 

·Pension Contribution: 5% employer contribution 

·Health & Wellbeing App: Access to counselling, advice, and discounts 

·Occupational Sick Pay increasing with service 

How to Apply: 

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is dedicated to equality and inclusivity. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

Deadline: 31st March 2026 

Interviews to be held week beginning 13th April  

London isa practice and development manager 

Location: Hybrid (40% office based) 

Hours: Full Time 

Type of Contract: Permanent 

Salary: £36,435 

Reports to: Deputy Head of Operations 

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST: 

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was established in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986 and was later declared deceased in 1993. Created to honour Suzy’s legacy, the Trust aims to empower individuals and organisations to take a stand against abuse, aggression, and violence in all forms, supporting safety in both personal and professional lives 

Role overview: 

The London ISA Practice and Development Manager is responsible for ensuring high-quality, safe, and effective practice across ISA service delivery. The role focuses on referral coordination, performance oversight, quality assurance, and supervision frameworks, supporting consistent and compliant service delivery in line with contractual, safeguarding, and organisational standards.

What we offer: 

At Suzy Lamplugh Trust, we value the commitment and expertise of our staff and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package: 

·Hybrid Working: With a minimum of 40% office-based work 

·Generous Leave Package: 28 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time) increasing with length of service, plus public holidays 

·Special Leave: Including days for personal milestones, like moving house or celebrating your birthday 

·Pension Contribution: 5% employer contribution 

·Health & Wellbeing App: Access to counselling, advice, and discounts 

·Occupational Sick Pay increasing with service 

How to Apply: 

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is dedicated to equality and inclusivity. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

Deadline: 31st March 2026 

Interviews to be held week beginning 13th April

About the role

This role sits within Women and Girls Network’s CJS Team and provides rapid, short-term advocacy and support to survivors, in London, who have experienced sexual violence and are engaging with, or considering engaging with, the criminal justice system.

You will deliver brief, trauma-informed and survivor-centred support to people who are unable to access an ISVA locally or who are waiting for support through the London Survivors Gateway. Working across the Gateway partnership - including Rape Crisis Centres, Galop, Survivors UK, Respond, and the Havens - you will help ensure survivors receive timely, independent information and advocacy at a critical point.

As this is a pilot role, you will also play a key part in shaping and developing this specialist brief intervention ISVA provision in response to survivor need.

Job description

As the Brief Intervention Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA), you will:

• Provide rapid, short-term independent advocacy, information and support to survivors navigating or considering the criminal justice system, enabling informed choice and access to rights.
• Deliver empowering, trauma-informed and intersectional support, including risk and needs assessments, safety planning and tailored action planning.
• Offer clear, impartial information about reporting options, the criminal justice process, survivors’ rights under the Victims’ Code, and available legal and compensation routes.
• Advocate on survivors’ behalf with police and criminal justice agencies, and support attendance at police stations or court where required.
• Work within strict safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries, ensuring survivor safety and wellbeing remain central at all times.
• Develop and pilot a brief intervention ISVA model, contributing to service design, case management systems and best practice alongside the CJS Team Manager and Gateway partners.
• Build strong working relationships across the London Survivors Gateway partnership to strengthen pathways and improve access to timely support.
• Maintain accurate case records, monitoring and evaluation data, and engage in supervision, reflective practice and continuous professional development.
• Model WGN’s feminist, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach, contributing to a collaborative team culture and high-quality service delivery.

Closing date and interviews

This vacancy closes at 9am on Monday 13 April 2026, with in person interviews expected to take place in the week commencing Monday 20 April 2026.

About us 

Women and Girls Network (WGN) is a pan-London organisation that supports women and girls affected by all forms of gendered-based violence. Our overall aim is to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, gendered-based violence, whilst working towards a society free of gendered-based violence.

We do this by:

• Providing women-only holistic and seamless therapeutic services, which meet women and girls’ needs and contribute to total and sustainable recovery from the experiences of violence.
• Evidencing the impact of gendered-based violence and presenting this information in appropriate forums to affect social change in attitudes towards, and responses to, gendered-based violence.
• Developing good practice in the sector by providing training and guidance on specialist service provision and the development of culturally appropriate service delivery.

WGN is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer and a member of The London VAWG Consortium, Halo Code, and Helplines Partnership.

Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being, growth, and contribution.

We are deeply committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity and strength of the women and girls we serve, and we strongly encourage candidates from Black and Global Majority backgrounds with Lived Experience who may not meet all criteria to apply.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer. 

The above post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

About the role

This is a senior leadership role and a key early appointment within EQUISS.

As Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding, you will lead the development of our advocacy and safeguarding work, shaping how EQUISS supports individuals navigating abuse, misconduct and safeguarding concerns across the equestrian sector.

You will establish and oversee the organisation’s advocacy service and support line, including recruiting and managing advocacy caseworkers, and ensuring individuals receive safe, informed and survivor-centred guidance. You will also lead the development of safeguarding frameworks, case management systems and organisational safeguarding practice.

As a founding leadership role, you will help shape the safeguarding framework of a new independent organisation, providing strategic oversight of the EQUISS safeguarding training programme and contributing safeguarding expertise to the development of our standards and accreditation frameworks, ensuring learning from advocacy informs sector practice.

Working closely with the leadership team, you will help establish EQUISS as a trusted organisation driving stronger safeguarding, clearer reporting pathways and greater accountability across the equestrian sector.

As a developing organisation operating with a small and collaborative team, this role requires someone who is comfortable balancing strategic leadership with practical delivery. We are looking for a compassionate and inclusive leader who can support and develop others, foster a culture of trust and reflective practice, and contribute positively to building the organisation as it grows.

Key responsibilities

Strategic leadership and safeguarding oversight

• Provide strategic leadership for EQUISS’ advocacy and safeguarding work
• Establish safeguarding frameworks, case management processes and risk management structures across the organisation
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, providing oversight of complex safeguarding cases and ensuring appropriate referrals and partnership working
• Ensure EQUISS maintains robust safeguarding governance, confidentiality and data protection standards

Advocacy and support services

• Lead the development and delivery of EQUISS’s advocacy service and support line.
• Recruit, manage and support advocacy caseworkers, ensuring high-quality, survivor-centred support and safe case management practice
• Shape how EQUISS supports individuals navigating reporting processes, organisational complaints and statutory systems
• Oversee case management systems and triage processes to ensure safe, consistent and effective responses to safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding training and sector learning

• Provide strategic oversight of the EQUISS safeguarding training programme, ensuring training reflects the realities of safeguarding within equestrian environments and aligns with best practice across sport and safeguarding sectors
• Lead the recruitment, management and quality assurance of safeguarding trainers, including freelance trainers, consultants and subject-matter experts delivering EQUISS training programmes
• Work with trainers and external partners to develop and refine training content, ensuring consistency, accuracy and high standards of delivery
• Establish processes for trainer induction, guidance and quality assurance to ensure training is delivered in line with EQUISS safeguarding principles and standards
• Ensure learning from advocacy work informs training content, sector guidance and safeguarding practice

Contribution to standards and sector improvement

• Contribute safeguarding expertise to the development of EQUISS standards and accreditation frameworks, ensuring safeguarding expectations reflect best practice
• Use insight from advocacy and safeguarding work to inform sector learning, standards development and organisational guidance
• Support the development of sector resources that help organisations strengthen safeguarding practice

Sector engagement and partnerships

• Build relationships with safeguarding professionals, statutory agencies and specialist support organisations
• Represent EQUISS in sector conversations relating to safeguarding, welfare and organisational accountability
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing, policy discussions and initiatives aimed at improving safeguarding standards across the equestrian sector

Culture, learning and survivor-centred practice

• Ensure EQUISS’s work remains grounded in survivor-centred principles, independence and transparency
• Embed learning from lived experience into service design, safeguarding practice and training development
• Foster a culture of reflective practice, safeguarding vigilance and professional integrity within the organisation

Person specification

Qualifications

• A relevant professional qualification or degree in safeguarding, social work, psychology, law, education, criminology or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• ISVA, IDVA or CHISVA qualification, or willingness to work towards one
• Advanced safeguarding training, including Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training and Safeguarding Level 4 or Level 5 training, or equivalent senior safeguarding training
• Evidence of continued professional development in safeguarding practice

Essential experience and knowledge

• Significant professional experience in safeguarding, advocacy or victim-survivor support, ideally within violence against women and girls (VAWG), sport, welfare or related sectors
• Strong understanding of independent advocacy models, including ISVA and CHISVA frameworks, and how these operate alongside statutory services
• Experience overseeing complex safeguarding cases, including risk assessment, referrals and partnership working within multi-agency safeguarding environments such as police, social care and safeguarding hubs
• Experience leading and managing teams, including providing supervision or reflective practice support to staff working with complex safeguarding or advocacy cases
• Experience recruiting, supporting or overseeing trainers, facilitators or external practitioners, ensuring quality and consistency of delivery
• Experience supporting or working with individuals affected by sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, modern slavery or related forms of abuse
• Demonstrable understanding of trauma-informed and survivor-centred practice
• Strong knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including responsibilities relating to children and adults at risk, and experience contributing to organisational safeguarding policies, procedures or governance frameworks
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgement in complex safeguarding situations, maintaining confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries

Leadership and personal qualities

• A compassionate and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to support staff working with complex and sensitive safeguarding issues.
• Ability to work effectively in a small and collaborative team, contributing to the development of systems, processes and culture as the organisation grows.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trust with colleagues, partners and those seeking support.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to work flexibly in a developing organisation, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on delivery where required.

Desirable

• Experience working within sport, equestrian environments or athlete welfare contexts.
• Experience contributing to sector standards, accreditation frameworks or safeguarding policy development.
• Membership of, or engagement with, a relevant professional safeguarding body or network.

About EQUISS

EQUISS is an independent organisation working across the equestrian sector to improve safeguarding, welfare and accountability. We support individuals affected by abuse and misconduct, work with organisations to strengthen safeguarding practice, and drive systemic change through training, standards and advocacy.

Our work brings together three key areas: supporting individuals navigating concerns, strengthening safeguarding practice across the sector, and campaigning for meaningful reform where systems are failing.

As a developing organisation, EQUISS is building the structures, services and standards needed to ensure safeguarding and welfare are prioritised across the equestrian world.

Please note: There will be a requirement to travel for this role.

Employment package:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• A personal pension plan provided through NEST after 3 months
• Private Healthcare insurance after successful completion of probationary period
• Reporting to CEO

Have you got experience and a passion for working to support women? We are seeking a new team member to join our small team, in a well-established charity, to support and empower women who experience multiple disadvantages and want to make positive changes to their lives.

We are seeking a Women’s Support Worker to join our Door of Hope team in the East End of London. The role will involve working directly with women who sell sex in Tower Hamlets; supporting them to make goals and support the changes that they wish to make, through information sharing, advocacy, and practical support.  We offer this whilst also providing a non-judgemental, and confidential space to talk and be heard.

Who are we looking for…

• You will have the commitment and creativity to engage women who can often be isolated and have difficulty engaging with other services. 
• You will be able to think and work independently yet also be a supportive colleague to the wider team. 
• You will have frontline experience of working with vulnerable women/adults. This might be within the context of domestic/sexual abuse, substance misuse, mental health, or housing. Or it may be of direct experience of women in the sex industry.  You will thrive on supporting women to become empowered and to make positive change.
• You will possess energy, motivation, and professional resilience. 
• You hold a level of confidence in advocating on behalf of women and to other professionals and services, whilst ever mindful of ways to support and encourage the empowerment of women in the process.

About Beyond the Streets

Beyond the Streets is a UK charity with over 20 years’ experience of partnering with women in the sex industry to see them safe from coercion, violence and abuse. We deliver trauma-informed, person-centered support, provide training for the third sector and statutory professionals, and create resources and reports informed by research, lived experience, and practitioner experience. Our training and partnership work seeks to equip professionals to understand the sex industry, particularly survival sex, and to support them to engage with women selling sex in a trauma-informed way.

You’ll enjoy…

• Competitive pay – earn £30,600 rising to £31,407 FTE on successful completion of probation (this includes London weighting)
• Pension - 5% employer contribution, 3% employee contribution
• Generous annual leave - 33 days including bank holidays pro rata
• Flexible working – Our core hours are 10am to 3pm
• Family friendly policies – parental leave from day 1 of employment, an enhanced maternity pay policy and a flexi time policy as standard
• Career opportunities – develop yourself and your career in a reputable national organisation who are specialists in the VAWG sector
• Personal development allowance – to further your work-based skills and knowledge
• Cycle to work scheme – tax free allowance to buy
• Tech Buying Scheme – spread the cost of personal technology equipment and homeware across 12 months via payroll
• Travel season ticket loan scheme - an interest-free loan to enable team members to purchase a season ticket for travel between their usual place of residence and their usual place of work
• Clinical supervision – all staff are entitled to clinical supervision on request. A place to discuss work issues and challenges, and their emotional impact, on a regular basis.
• Blue light discount – a well recognized national discount card scheme. It will cost you £4.99 for two years’ membership but the discounts are large, and it’s widely accepted.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – a confidential and independent service designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life, work life, health, and general wellbeing. EAP is available to you and to your immediate family.

All roles are subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK, satisfactory references, and a DBS check.

EQUISS Caseworker

Reports to: Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding

Purpose of the Role

EQUISS is an independent organisation working to strengthen safeguarding, welfare and accountability across the equestrian sector.

Across the equestrian world - from riding schools and training yards to competitions and affiliated clubs - concerns about abuse, misconduct and unsafe practices have too often been difficult to raise, navigate or resolve. EQUISS has been established to help change that: ensuring individuals affected by harm are heard, supported and able to access clear and safe pathways for raising concerns.

This role represents the first advocacy caseworker position within EQUISS, playing a central part in establishing a new, independent support service for the equestrian sector.

The Caseworker will provide trauma-informed advocacy, guidance and practical support to individuals experiencing abuse, harm or misconduct within equestrian environments. The role will help individuals understand their options, access appropriate support and navigate reporting processes within sport and, where appropriate, statutory systems.

Working closely with the Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding, the Caseworker will help deliver EQUISS’s advocacy service and support line, ensuring individuals receive safe, informed and survivor-centred support.

As one of the early roles within a developing organisation, the Caseworker will also contribute insight from frontline casework to help EQUISS identify patterns, risks and systemic safeguarding challenges within the equestrian world, supporting the organisation’s wider mission to drive meaningful reform.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy and Support

• Provide empathetic, trauma-informed support to individuals seeking guidance relating to abuse, misconduct or safeguarding concerns within equestrian environments
• Act as a single point of contact (SPOC) for individuals engaging with the criminal justice system, helping them understand processes, maintain communication with relevant agencies and access appropriate support throughout the process
• Listen to and respond to disclosures in a sensitive, survivor-centred manner while always maintaining professional boundaries, and ensuring clients understand the remit of the service
• Help individuals understand their rights, options and available pathways for raising concerns
• Support individuals to make informed decisions about next steps, while respecting their autonomy and choices
• Where appropriate, accompany and support individuals at face-to-face meetings, including meetings with organisations, safeguarding professionals or governing bodies, and provide advocacy support during interactions with police or court processes
• Maintain appropriate and supportive contact with individuals seeking assistance, ensuring clear communication and follow-up where appropriate

Case Management

• Manage a caseload of advocacy enquiries and support requests under the supervision of the Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding
• Conduct structured needs and risk assessments to understand the circumstances and support needs of individuals contacting EQUISS
• Maintain clear, accurate and confidential case records in line with organisational policies and data protection requirements
• Ensure individuals are appropriately signposted or referred to specialist services such as counselling, legal advice, advocacy organisations or statutory services where required

Safeguarding

• Identify safeguarding concerns involving children, young people or adults at risk and respond in line with EQUISS safeguarding procedures.
• Escalate safeguarding concerns to the Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding where appropriate, seeking guidance on complex or high-risk situations while maintaining confidence in managing routine casework independently
• Support the safe handling and documentation of safeguarding concerns, including gathering relevant information and assisting with referrals where appropriate.
• Maintain clear and confidential records of safeguarding decisions and actions taken

Partnership and Liaison

• Work collaboratively with relevant organisations and professionals where appropriate, including safeguarding leads within equestrian sport, statutory agencies and specialist support services
• Support individuals in navigating organisational processes where concerns relate to equestrian environments
• Help build constructive relationships with relevant safeguarding and welfare partners

Learning and Insight

• Contribute insight from casework to help EQUISS identify patterns, risks and systemic safeguarding issues within the equestrian world
• Contribute insight from casework and engagement with individuals to help inform EQUISS communications, campaigns and sector awareness work, supporting the organisation in highlighting safeguarding issues within the equestrian sector
• Support the development of organisational learning by sharing themes and insights emerging from advocacy work
• Assist the Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding in identifying areas where sector guidance or safeguarding training may be beneficial

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Safeguarding training at Level 3, or willingness to undertake Level 3 safeguarding training within the first six months of appointment

Desirable

• ISVA, IDVA or CHISVA qualification, or equivalent advocacy training.
• Additional training in trauma-informed practice, safeguarding or victim-survivor support

Where candidates do not yet hold an ISVA, IDVA or CHISVA qualification, EQUISS will support the successful candidate to undertake relevant advocacy or safeguarding training as part of their professional development.

Essential Experience

• Experience supporting individuals affected by abuse, safeguarding concerns or trauma within a professional setting
• Experience providing advocacy, casework or support within safeguarding, welfare, social care sport or related sectors
• Experience working with sensitive and confidential information
• Understanding of trauma-informed and survivor-centred practice

Knowledge

• Understanding of safeguarding principles relating to children, young people and adults at risk
• Awareness of barriers individuals may face when reporting abuse or misconduct
• Understanding of professional boundaries and safe information sharing

Skills

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Ability to engage sensitively with individuals discussing difficult experiences
• Ability to assess needs, prioritise actions and manage casework effectively
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment

Additional Information

• The role may involve occasional travel to provide in-person advocacy support, including attending meetings with organisations or statutory agencies, and accompanying individuals to police stations, court hearings or other relevant appointments where appropriate
• Some evening or weekend availability may occasionally be required
• The role requires an enhanced DBS check
• The postholder will participate in regular supervision and reflective practice
• The postholder must demonstrate a commitment to EQUISS’ values of safety, respect, integrity and inclusion

About EQUISS

EQUISS is an independent organisation working across the equestrian sector to improve safeguarding, welfare and accountability. We support individuals affected by abuse and misconduct, work with organisations to strengthen safeguarding practice, and drive systemic change through training, standards and advocacy.

Our work brings together three key areas: supporting individuals navigating concerns, strengthening safeguarding practice across the sector, and campaigning for meaningful reform where systems are failing.

As a developing organisation, EQUISS is building the structures, services and standards needed to ensure safeguarding and welfare are prioritised across the equestrian world.

Please note: There will be a requirement to travel for this role.

Employment package:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• A personal pension plan provided through NEST after 3 months
• Private Healthcare insurance after successful completion of probationary period
• Reporting to Head of Advocacy & Safeguarding

Director of Influence and Innovation

Full time (35 hours pw) - flexible working considered

£60,000-£65,000 + pension and benefits

Hybrid, North London (NW5), 1-2 days per week in the office

Women in Prison (WIP) supports women affected by the criminal justice system and campaigns to end the harm it causes.

This is a new role which has been created to provide the vision and direction for our programming and systems change work as we embed our 2025-2030 strategy. Our ambition is to offer women in prisons and the community, impactful direct support that is more independent of government demands and funding, and with a new and deeper partnership model.

Our strategy also challenges us to mobilise women, drive women-led influencing and campaigning and co-design programmes with women with experience of the justice system.  We know we must design and deliver programmatic work that incorporates systems change work so that we are not propping up a harmful existing system.  The problem in the criminal justice system is not the women themselves, but the structures and systems that oppress them. Women in Prison is taking bold steps to design and embed new programmes that build evidence that directly challenge those harmful systems.

In this role you will:

Co-design and deliver quality programmes delivering measurable and impactful outcomes for women

Drive stronger influence and visibility with policymakers, funders and partners

Ensure that evidence from programmes is driving successful campaigns and policy changes

Develop your team so they are empowered, motivated and focused on delivering on the strategy and values of Women in Prison

The successful candidate is likely to bring a proven track record in a senior leadership role within in a charity/NGO in programming, policy, or advocacy. You will be a strategic thinker with the ability to connect operational delivery to systemic change, and bring a track record of success  in influencing policy, funding decisions, and/or public opinion.

Application is by way of CV with a Supporting Statement that should set out your motivations for applying and how your work experience to date meets the scope of the responsibilities. As a general guide, your Supporting Statement should be around two sides of A4.

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 12th April 2026

This role is only open to women, in accordance with the sex-based exemptions of the Equality Act 2010 pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.  Due to the nature of our work it will be necessary for an enhanced disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions which are not protected under the Act.

For further information and to apply please click the apply button.

This is an exciting role in a unique organisation.  Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.  We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.

We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible. 

The role is full time and permanent. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office).

We are looking for an Advisor to provide quality advice, information and support to students using the Advice Service, including casework and accompanying students to meetings and hearings. This is an opportunity to work as part of our Advice and Wellbeing department, ensuring students feel supported, informed and striving for positive outcomes whenever possible.

The advisor will provide support by delivering high quality and accurate advice and information to students using the Advice Service. This will include housing, academic, and employment matters, through casework, support and acting as a ‘friend’ for students in UCL committees, panels, hearings or other meetings. The successful candidate will work effectively with Union and UCL teams, including academic and professional services staff in Casework and Student Support and Wellbeing Services. They will also contribute to the production of engaging and useful content to support students needs.

Do you have experience of giving advice or support in a student or other client facing environment? Do you have knowledge of relevant issues in Academic, Housing, Employment or Consumer Advice and Casework? Are you able to understand and work within policies, procedures and regulations? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you.