EQUISS Caseworker

EQUISS is an independent organisation working to strengthen safeguarding, welfare and accountability across the equestrian sector. This role represents the first advocacy caseworker position within EQUISS, playing a central part in establishing a new, independent support service for the equestrian sector. The Caseworker will provide trauma-informed advocacy, guidance and practical support to individuals experiencing abuse, harm or misconduct within equestrian environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide empathetic, trauma-informed support to individuals seeking guidance relating to abuse, misconduct or safeguarding concerns within equestrian environments.
• Act as a single point of contact (SPOC) for individuals engaging with the criminal justice system, helping them understand processes, maintain communication with relevant agencies and access appropriate support throughout the process.
• Listen to and respond to disclosures in a sensitive, survivor-centred manner while always maintaining professional boundaries.
• Help individuals understand their rights, options and available pathways for raising concerns.
• Support individuals to make informed decisions about next steps, while respecting their autonomy and choices.
• Where appropriate, accompany and support individuals at face-to-face meetings, including meetings with organisations, safeguarding professionals or governing bodies.
• Maintain appropriate and supportive contact with individuals seeking assistance, ensuring clear communication and follow-up where appropriate.

Case Management:

• Manage a caseload of advocacy enquiries and support requests under the supervision of the Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding.
• Conduct structured needs and risk assessments to understand the circumstances and support needs of individuals contacting EQUISS.
• Maintain clear, accurate and confidential case records in line with organisational policies and data protection requirements.
• Ensure individuals are appropriately signposted or referred to specialist services such as counselling, legal advice, advocacy organisations or statutory services where required.

Safeguarding:

• Identify safeguarding concerns involving children, young people or adults at risk and respond in line with EQUISS safeguarding procedures.
• Escalate safeguarding concerns to the Head of Advocacy and Safeguarding where appropriate.
• Support the safe handling and documentation of safeguarding concerns, including gathering relevant information and assisting with referrals where appropriate.

Partnership and Liaison:

• Work collaboratively with relevant organisations and professionals where appropriate.
• Support individuals in navigating organisational processes where concerns relate to equestrian environments.
• Help build constructive relationships with relevant safeguarding and welfare partners.

Learning and Insight:

• Contribute insight from casework to help EQUISS identify patterns, risks and systemic safeguarding issues within the equestrian world.
• Support the development of organisational learning by sharing themes and insights emerging from advocacy work.

Person Specification:

• Essential: Safeguarding training at Level 3, or willingness to undertake Level 3 safeguarding training within the first six months of appointment.
• Desirable: ISVA, IDVA or CHISVA qualification, or equivalent advocacy training.
• Essential Experience: Experience supporting individuals affected by abuse, safeguarding concerns or trauma within a professional setting.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles relating to children, young people and adults at risk.
• Skills: Excellent listening and communication skills, ability to engage sensitively with individuals discussing difficult experiences.

Additional Information:

• The role may involve occasional travel to provide in-person advocacy support.
• Some evening or weekend availability may occasionally be required.
• The role requires an enhanced DBS check.

About EQUISS:

EQUISS is an independent organisation working across the equestrian sector to improve safeguarding, welfare and accountability. We support individuals affected by abuse and misconduct, work with organisations to strengthen safeguarding practice, and drive systemic change through training, standards and advocacy.