Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor

Location: Gloucester

Salary: £24,956 per annum (pro-rata) rising to £25,350 per annum on successful completion of probation and £26,925 per annum after accreditation.

Hours: 30 hours per week

Holiday: 25 days annual holiday entitlement increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service per annum plus bank holidays

Area Covered: Gloucestershire

Contract: Permanent

This post is open to male applicants only under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, due to the nature of the role working with male survivors of sexual violence. This is a genuine occupational requirement.

Deadline for receipt of applications: by 12 noon on 2nd June 2026

Expected date for interviews: W/c 22nd June 2026

About the Role

This post is restricted to male applicants. This is an occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, as the role provides specialist advocacy and crisis intervention in a multi-agency setting to male survivors of sexual violence, including men and boys and those who identify as LGBTQ+., both within and outside the criminal justice system. We welcome applications from cis men, trans men, and non-binary people who identify as male.

The post holder will:

• Deliver gender-responsive, trauma-informed advocacy, supporting male survivors from first disclosure through recovery, and where chosen, through the criminal justice system from report to court.
• Work pro-actively to risk assess and support client needs and develop a comprehensive support plan to help keep victims safe.
• Manage a specialist caseload, demonstrating an understanding of male-specific barriers to disclosure, safeguarding procedures, and the impact of trauma on men affected by sexual violence.
• Operate an assertive, client-led outreach service, meeting clients in locations where they feel most comfortable and safe, in line with service policies and risk assessments.
• Support survivors through reporting, investigation, prosecution, court processes, and post-court recovery where appropriate.
• Work assertively and flexibly, including outreach delivery in locations where survivors feel safe and comfortable.
• Build trusted relationships with statutory and voluntary partners to improve pathways and frontline responsiveness for male victims.
• Champion equity of access and inclusion, particularly for men who identify as LGBTQ+ or who face additional barriers to engagement.
• Be highly motivated, flexible and able to work unsupervised on a day-to-day basis.

The post holder will work autonomously on a day-to-day basis while remaining closely connected to the wider ISVA team and organisational values of First Light.

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure that a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence, and its impact on victims, family members and wider society, informs all work with victims and partner agencies.
• All interventions will prioritise the safety, security and dignity of service users and of colleagues.
• Operate an assertive, client-led outreach service, meeting clients in locations where they feel most comfortable and safe, in line with service policies and risk assessments.
• Support clients through the Criminal Justice System, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system and act as a first point of contact to relevant Criminal Justice agencies.
• Liaise with the Police and CPS on behalf of the clients, with the client’s informed consent and adhering to confidentiality policy in relation to release of information. Keep the victim informed about case progress in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.

Essential requirements:

• Evidence of IT and computer literacy skills
• Full Driving licence
• Experience of working with vulnerable people, and/or experience of crisis work
• Undertaking Risk Assessments
• Experience of the work of criminal/civil justice and/or health & social care systems
• Ability to build rapport and develop and maintain relationships with clients/colleagues/professionals and stakeholders
• Handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately
• Managing a caseload
• Working alone in an office and independently in the community

Added benefits:

• A comprehensive induction and training programme, with a hybrid working policy for a better work/life balance.
• A wellbeing day per financial year (1st April to 31st March)
• Access to external supervision to discuss personal or emotional responses to traumatic cases, to ensure emotional and psychological wellbeing.
• Health and wellbeing resources including our staff Wellbeing Group, Staff Consultation Committee and active participation in our employee engagement platform.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which includes a 24/7 telephone helpline offering medical, emotional and financial support.
• Working for an organisation committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, and all backgrounds regardless of age, race, faith, disability, neurodiversities, genders, gender expression or sexuality.
• Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for First Light, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.