Independent Gender-based Violence Advocate (IGVA) in London

HERSANA CIC is a non-profit organisation providing tailored support to Black femmes who have faced all forms of gender-based violence (GBV). Our commitment lies in offering a unique service shaped by and for Black femmes, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing the intersectional needs of Black women, Black non-binary people, and Black trans individuals who identify with and feel safe within femme-led spaces.

Our vision is that one day Black femmes feel confident in reporting their experiences, accessing holistic support services, and being believed, empowered, and supported on their journey to recovery. Our mission is to create holistic, gender-specialist, culturally specific and trauma-informed safe spaces for Black women and girls affected by or at risk of gender-based violence across England and Wales, and to campaign to eradicate violence against women and girls in all its forms.

We aim to centre Black femmes in every narrative and to provide services in a safe and Black femme only environment. We provide advocacy services to clients who have experienced or are at risk of all forms of GBV, and offer holistic support to survivors navigating the criminal justice system, housing, health, and other immediate and long-term needs.

As a leading expert on violence against women and girls, HERSANA provides accredited and tailored training to statutory professional services and workshops to schools, colleges and community groups. We use knowledge gained from frontline work to advocate for national and local policy change, to improve outcomes/statutory guidance for Black femme victims and survivors of GBV. We contribute to ongoing research and knowledge development on Black femme-specific subjects and provide in-person and online therapeutic support to our service users in Sussex, Surrey, and London.

Our daily work aims to contribute to and create value within the sector, ensuring Black femmes are not just accommodated but become principal players in the design, delivery, and access to support services. Safe spaces designed by us, for you and with you in mind and at the forefront.

Being an Independent Gender-based Violence Advocate at HERSANA:

As an experienced IGVA you will work within a dynamic, fast-paced, crisis intervention, advocacy and support service to ensure the voice of Black femme survivors informs every stage of the process. Working as part of a team you will support a range of clients, making proactive contact and providing high quality advocacy and support which is led by client needs and risk assessments. There is an opportunity to get involved in delivering training and outreach work through strong community and partnership relationships.

You will ideally hold an ISVA and/or IDVA accreditation and have an excellent understanding of gender-based violence and its effects on women and children, and of best practice within the support sector. As an experienced advocate who has worked with complex and multiple needs, you will be skilled in risk management and safety planning, remaining calm in a crisis and handling sensitive information daily. Experience of direct work with Black femme survivors of abuse and working within safeguarding procedures is essential; the role requires a strong partnership approach to service provision.

You will be highly organised, self-motivated, and passionate about ending gender-based violence and creating safe spaces for Black femmes. A "can-do" attitude and commitment to HERSANA's feminist approach to supporting Black women and their children to be safer are important. You will receive training and support for this role, as necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality advocacy and crisis intervention support led by client needs and risk assessments.
• Support a range of clients, including proactive outreach and liaison with partner organisations.
• Work within safeguarding procedures and maintain confidential handling of information.
• Contribute to training and outreach activities where appropriate.

Qualifications:

• ISVA and/or IDVA accreditation preferred.
• Understanding of GBV and its impact on women, girls, and related safeguarding practices.
• Experience working with Black femme survivors and managing multiple needs.
• Strong risk management, safety planning, and crisis-handling capabilities.
• Organised, self-motivated, and aligned with HERSANA's feminist approach.

Hours and Benefits:

• 35 hours per week
• 25 days holiday per year, plus UK public holidays.
• Flexible working.
• 5% employer pension contributions.
• Learning and development.
• Retailer and restaurant discounts.

How to Apply:

To apply, you’ll need to complete the Application Form, including the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Section. When completing it please relate your application to the requirements stated in the attached person specification, as shortlisting for interview is dependent on the extent to which your application matches these. We are unable to accept CVs. We are accepting applications from London. Black and Black Minority Ethnic Women only need apply (Schedule 9, Part 1, 158 and 159 Equality Act 2010). All posts are subject to a DBS vetting and barring check. The deadline for applications is midnight Sunday 5 July 2026. We request no contact from recruitment agencies.