At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Black femme survivors of gender-based violence through advocacy and crisis intervention.
- Company: HERSANA CIC, a non-profit dedicated to empowering Black femmes.
- Benefits: Training, support, and the chance to make a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to ending gender-based violence.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to create safe spaces and advocate for change.
- Qualifications: Experience in gender-based violence advocacy and understanding of safeguarding procedures.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
ABOUT USHERSANA 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 as an organisation and for our community is that one day we will live in a society where 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 wholistic, 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, as well as campaign to eradicate violence against women and girls in all its forms.
We aim to centre Black femmes in every narrative and to provide these services in a safe and Black femme only environment. Over the years, our service has sought to support and empower Black femme survivors to cope and build resilience, be better informed, reduce the risk of further victimisation, improve health and wellbeing, and receive the right support.
HERSANA provides advocacy services to clients who have experienced or are at risk of all forms of GBV. Our Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocates and dedicated team 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 a wide range of statutory professional services and workshops to schools, colleges and community groups. We use the knowledge gained through working on the frontlines with clients to advocate for national and local policy change, to improve outcomes statutory guidance for Black femme victims and survivors of GBV.
We build evidence through key pieces of research. We push for legislative change, improved statutory guidance for victims, and better understanding of the needs of Black femmes around the country. We equally contribute to ongoing research and knowledge development on Black femme specific subjects. These resources reflect our dedication to enhancing understanding, support, and empowerment within our community.
Additionally, we 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.
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.
We have a strong commitment to community and partnership working which means you may also have the opportunity to get involved in delivering training and outreach work. You will ideally hold an ISVA and/or IDVA accreditation and have an excellent understanding of gender-based violence and abuse 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 in handling sensitive information daily. Experience of direct work with Black femme survivors of abuse and of working within safeguarding procedures is essential for this post, as is the need to adopt and promote 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. You will have a "can-do" approach and demonstrable commitment to HERSANA's feminist approach to supporting Black women and their children to be safer. You will receive training and support for this role, as necessary.
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.
Independent Gender-based Violence Advocate (IGVA) in London employer: Hersana
HERSANA CIC is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering environment for Black femmes affected by gender-based violence. With a strong commitment to community engagement, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in shaping our mission and advocating for change within the sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Gender-based Violence Advocate (IGVA) in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Hersana.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Hersana.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Hersana.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Hersana. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Gender-based Violence Advocate (IGVA) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Hersana. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Independent Gender-based Violence Advocate (IGVA), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hersana
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Hersana. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
