At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vital service supporting individuals affected by sexual violence and manage a dedicated team.
- Company: First Light, a values-driven organisation focused on supporting survivors of sexual violence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous learning and service improvement in a complex multi-agency environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by sexual violence while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience and knowledge of safeguarding practices required.
Location: Swindon & Wiltshire SARC
Salary: £35,073 per annum rising to £36,968 per annum on successful completion of probation.
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Closing Date: 22nd May 2026
About the role: We are looking for an experienced and values-driven leader to join First Light as our SARC Manager for the Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). This is a senior role responsible for leading a vital front-line service supporting individuals affected by sexual violence. You will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the service is safe, responsive and high quality, and that service users remain at the heart of everything we do. You will lead a dedicated team, oversee service performance and work closely with key partners including Gloucestershire Health and Care Foundation Trust, NHS England, Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
What you will be doing:
- Leading and managing the day-to-day delivery of the SARC Service
- Ensuring safe, effective and high-quality support for service users
- Overseeing service performance, KPIs and reporting, including quarterly reporting
- Managing and developing a multidisciplinary team, including Crisis Workers
- Ensuring full rota coverage and stepping into Crisis Worker duties where required
- Driving service improvement through data, audit and learning
- Leading and supporting compliance with national forensic standards, including Forensic Science Regulator requirements and ISO 15189 accreditation frameworks
- Working in partnership with clinical colleagues to support robust clinical and forensic governance
- Building strong relationships across a complex multi-agency system
- Representing the service at local and regional partnerships
About you: We are looking for someone who can bring:
- Strong leadership experience within a complex service environment
- Experience of managing teams and delivering high quality services
- Confidence in working in multi-agency partnerships
- Experience of safeguarding practice, including decision making and escalation
- The ability to analyse data and use insight to improve services
- A strong understanding of governance, risk and quality assurance
- Knowledge of the sexual violence sector or related services
You will also bring a clear commitment to:
- Trauma informed and person centered practice
- Equality, inclusion and accessible services
- Continuous learning and service improvement
Please note: 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. Please note that in some roles staff may be required to work from a home/office base in accordance with our Hybrid Working policy.
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.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Manager in Swindon employer: First Light
Contact Detail:
First Light Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Manager in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around trauma-informed and person-centred practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and improved service delivery in complex environments. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Manager in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of SARC Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and delivered high-quality services in complex environments.
Highlight Your Multi-Agency Experience: We value collaboration, so be sure to mention any experience you have working with multiple agencies. This will show us that you're comfortable navigating complex partnerships and can build strong relationships.
Be Person-Centred: Remember, our service users are at the heart of everything we do. Emphasise your commitment to trauma-informed and person-centred practice in your application to resonate with our values.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Light
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a SARC Manager and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key partners you'll be working with, like NHS England and local police, as well as the importance of trauma-informed and person-centred practices.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in complex service environments. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or improved service delivery, and be ready to discuss how you can apply those skills to lead the SARC effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about how you've used data and insights to drive service improvements in the past. This could include discussing any audits or performance metrics you've worked with, and how you ensured compliance with governance and quality assurance standards.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team dynamics and the challenges they face. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values.