At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage services supporting women in the criminal justice system.
- Company: Advance Charity, a feminist organisation dedicated to empowering women.
- Benefits: 30 days paid holiday, hybrid working, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in management and knowledge of women's issues in criminal justice.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!
We are looking for an Operations Manager to manage our Hampshire services.
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 pro rata
Location: This role will be based in Basingstoke but will cover the full Hampshire region. We offer hybrid working with up to 2 days per week from home, with an expectation of a minimum of three days spent in face-to-face, in-person contact (e.g. in Women’s Centres, Estates or external visits), and one of these days being a monthly visit to head office in Hammersmith.
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term - until 31st March 2027 with potential to extend
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.
About us: Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.
We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.
Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
About the role: As an experienced senior manager with a proven track record of leadership you will lead and manage the Advance commissioned services across your region, working collaboratively with fellow Advance managers, external agencies and key subcontracted partners to provide a consistent and holistic service.
You will manage the front line workers who deliver a 1:1 advocacy service, as well as a Women’s Interventions programme, through women’s centres and hubs that fulfils the needs of the women accessing the service.
About You: To be successful as the Operations Manager you will need the below experience and skills:
- A thorough understanding of and knowledge of the issues relating to women in the criminal justice system
- A sound knowledge of safeguarding adult and children principles, child abuse, child protection issues and safeguarding
- A good knowledge and understanding of organisational systems and frameworks, line management and project management
- Significant experience of working with women and/or service users with a complex range of needs, particularly within the criminal justice system, in custody and/or community
- Experience with report writing, contract management and financial reporting including analysis of outcomes, outputs and gaps
- Experience of implementing quality assurance frameworks, monitoring, evaluating and measuring impact
- The ability to work well within a team and responsibly on own initiative and of maintaining professional boundaries with staff, clients and partner agencies
How to apply: Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 12th July 2026
Interviews are taking place w/c 13th July. Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:
- A 35-hour working week
- An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that’s nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
- Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
- Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee eye-care scheme
- Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation wide away days
- One-week paid carers’ leave
- Career development pathways
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and we will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities: We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding: Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
Operations Manager - Criminal Justice Services in Basingstoke employer: Advance
Advance Charity is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women and girls, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration, innovation, and accountability. With a generous benefits package including 30 days of paid holiday, hybrid working options, and career development pathways, employees are encouraged to grow within a mission-driven organisation that values their contributions and well-being. Located in Basingstoke, this role provides the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact across Hampshire while being part of a feminist agenda that champions equality and safety for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Criminal Justice Services in Basingstoke
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Advance, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Advance and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Criminal Justice Services in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Advance and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Advance, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Advance.
