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- Tasks: Support women and children affected by gender-based violence through advocacy and practical assistance.
- Company: Join Refuge, a leading charity dedicated to supporting survivors of violence against women and girls.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, potential remote work options, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a passionate and impactful organisation.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a commitment to helping others and a compassionate attitude.
- Other info: Full-time role with a focus on multi-agency collaboration for survivor safety.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location
The Gaia Centre (Lambeth), London
Service/location/team
The Gaia Centre (Lambeth)
Salary
£28,857.12 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)
Job Profile
Role Overview
We are recruiting for a Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) to join our team in The Gaia Centre (Lambeth, London).
Job Title: Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA)
Location: The Gaia Centre, Lambeth
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum, Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
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 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 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.
You will work 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 26 November 2025
Interview Date: 4 and 5 December 2025
Refuge is the UK\’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. For more information on our work, please visit
Benefits
Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.
Independent Gender Violence Advocate employer: Refuge
Contact Detail:
Refuge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Gender Violence Advocate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and issues surrounding gender-based violence. Understanding the nuances of different forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of gender advocacy. Attend relevant workshops, seminars, or community events to connect with others who work in this area. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in multi-agency collaboration. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with various organisations to support survivors, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the GAIA Centre and its approach to supporting survivors. Understanding their values and methods will allow you to tailor your responses in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Gender Violence Advocate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Independent Gender Violence Advocate position. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by survivors of gender-based violence and the support systems in place.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work in advocacy, support roles, or experience dealing with sensitive issues related to gender-based violence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Share personal motivations or experiences that connect you to the role and the mission of Refuge.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Refuge
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what an Independent Gender Violence Advocate does. Familiarise yourself with the different strands of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
In this role, empathy is crucial. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to connect with survivors and understand their experiences. Share examples from your past where you've provided support or advocacy, highlighting your compassionate approach.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Multi-Agency Work
Since the role involves working within a multi-agency framework, it’s important to show that you understand how these partnerships function. Research local agencies and protocols, and be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate effectively with them to ensure the safety of survivors.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to supporting survivors and how they measure success in their advocacy work. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
