Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male

Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male

Gloucester Full-Time 24956 - 26925 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
First Light

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support male survivors of sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention.
  • Company: Join First Light, a dedicated organisation promoting equality and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of male survivors while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable people and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 24956 - 26925 £ per year.

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

Base: Second Floor, 9 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, GLOUCESTER, GL1 3ND

Area Covered: Gloucestershire

Contract: Permanent

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+.

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.
  • 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.

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.
  • To 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.
  • Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.

The successful applicant will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring check, and a social media check conducted by a third party organisation as part of our Safer Recruitment process. Any future offer of employment is contingent on the satisfactory completion of these checks, as well as the receipt of two satisfactory employment references, with one being from your current or most recent employer.

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

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

If you do not hear from us within 10 working days of the deadline for receipt of applications, please assume you have been unsuccessful at this time. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert early for the right candidate, so we encourage early applications.

To apply: Due to Safeguarding requirements we are unable to accept CVs as part of your application, or employ any candidate who has been a client of First Light within the last two years. Please complete the application form on the top right of the advert on our website. Ensure that you outline your relevant experience and evidence suitability for the role against the role profile, which is a combined job description and person specification.

Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male employer: First Light

First Light is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting male survivors of sexual violence through a trauma-informed and client-led approach. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer comprehensive training, flexible working arrangements, and access to mental health resources, ensuring our staff feel valued and supported in their roles. Located in Gloucester, our inclusive work culture fosters professional growth and encourages diversity, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.

First Light

Contact Details:

First Light Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male

Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Research First Light and understand their values, especially around supporting male survivors. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. This can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to crisis intervention and advocacy. Think about real-life scenarios where you've supported vulnerable individuals, as this will demonstrate your experience and suitability for the role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) - Male

Crisis Intervention
Risk Assessment
Advocacy Skills
Understanding of Sexual Violence Dynamics
Client Relationship Management
Confidentiality Management
IT and Computer Literacy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a candidate and how your experience aligns with the role of ISVA. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When filling out the application form, highlight your experience working with vulnerable people or in crisis situations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence, as this is crucial for the role.

Be Authentic and Personal:We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to share your personal motivations for applying and how you connect with our values. A genuine touch can make your application memorable and show us why you're passionate about supporting male survivors.

Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to complete the application form there. It’s straightforward, and it ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!

How to prepare for a job interview at First Light

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence and its impact on victims. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by male survivors, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to support clients effectively.

Showcase Your Experience

Be ready to discuss your experience working with vulnerable people and handling crisis situations. Prepare examples that highlight your skills in risk assessment and managing sensitive information. This will show the interviewers that you can handle the responsibilities of the role with confidence.

Build Rapport

During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Use active listening and engage with their questions thoughtfully. Show that you can develop and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues, which is crucial for this role.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare some thoughtful questions about the organisation and the role. Inquire about their approach to supporting male survivors and how they ensure a trauma-informed service. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.