Do you want to make life better for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse?
Galop, the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, is seeking an experienced Senior IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) who is passionate about making a change for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence to support and develop our team of dedicated advocates.
Galop works directly with thousands of LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence every year. We specialise in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, and other forms of abuse including honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and so-called conversion therapies. We are a service run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people, and the needs of our community are at the centre of what we do.
We run a national support helpline for LGBT+ victims and survivors of: domestic abuse; hate crime; rape and sexual abuse; and so-called “conversion therapy”. We provide advocacy services, both in London and nationally, for LGBT+ victims who need longer-term support. We are person-centred, empowerment-based, and trauma-informed – meaning our focus is always on helping our clients decide what is best for them, and then supporting them through their journey.
We use what we learn through working on the frontlines with clients to work on national and local policy change, to improve outcomes for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence. We build evidence through key pieces of research, like our upcoming report into LGBT+ experiences of sexual violence. We push for legislative change, improved statutory guidance for victims, and better understanding of the needs of LGBT+ people around the country.
We are looking for an experienced IDVA to provide high quality advocacy and support to LGBT+ people who are subjected to domestic abuse, focusing on their needs, safety and recovery. You will work directly with LGBT+ victims/survivors offering them a space to talk and think through options, helping them plan what they want to do, and offering assistance in getting what they need from services. Your work will focus on needs specifically related to domestic abuse, including issues such as wellbeing, support with the criminal and civil justice process, safety and access to other services to enable survivors to cope and recover.
You will manage a small number of specialist advocates providing needs-led support, information and advocacy to LGBT+ survivors of domestic abuse. You will also act as a specialist lead for domestic abuse within the advocacy team. This could include engagement with MARAC processes, IDVA best practice and understanding the domestic abuse support landscape and legislation.
We are looking for someone who has an in depth understanding of the spectrum of violence and abuse that LGBT+ people are subjected to, in order to use this expertise to represent Galop with key stakeholders, advocating for the needs of the community.
At Galop, we believe in anti-discrimination, and that includes the experiences of our staff in the workplace. We believe in equity and understand the importance of inclusion for staff with a wide range of lived experience. No matter your age, race, faith, orientation, gender identity, disability, or class, we want you to feel welcome here. To that end Galop has a multi-year EDI plan in place, currently focusing on equity and inclusion for trans staff and staff of colour. In line with this plan, we actively welcome applications from trans and non-binary people and people of colour, as well as those from other minoritised communities of faith, class, or disability.
Location
Galop’s offices are located in London. This role will have the option of hybrid working.
Hours
Full Time (35 hours per week)
Contract
Permanent
Line manages
Advocates and caseworkers
Reports to
Head of Advocacy and Support
Salary
Grade E £35,936.49 – £37,846.07 (including inner London weighting of £4009.14)
Closing Date
Applications should be submitted by 10am on Monday 2nd of October2023
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 10th October 2023
Questions?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further prior to application, please contact our Director of Services, Ruth Mason via ruth@galop.org.uk
Applications
Please send completed applications and equal opportunities form by email only to recruitment@galop.org.uk
