Force Control Room (FCR) Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA)

Can you take on a vital role that ensures victims are heard, supported and protected from the earliest stage of reporting abuse?

Location: The Elm Foundation

Reports To: Community Service Manager

Hours: Full Time 35 hours per week; 2 posts required working on a shift rota alternating of one week of AM’s and one week of PMs. AM Shift – 8am – 3pm with a 30-minute break. PM shift – 3pm – 10pm with a 30-minute break.

Contract: Fixed term Contract until 31st March 2027. Secondment opportunity for internal candidates.

Salary: Qualified IDVA Grade 9 pay point 19 – £33,168 + 3% pension; Unqualified IDVA Grade 9 Pay point 16 – £31,061 + 3% pension (once qualified will progress to pay point 19).

Leave: 25 days + Public holidays increasing to 30 days annual leave after two years in employment.

Service Overview: The Force Control Room (FCR) IDVA is a specialist domestic abuse worker, delivered by The Elm Foundation, working in partnership with Derbyshire Police Force Control Room. The FCR IDVA will work directly alongside police call handlers, dispatch teams, response supervisors, and frontline officers, to ensure victims receive immediate safety and practical support, appropriate safeguarding, and referrals to specialist services.

Job Purpose: The Force Control Room Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) will provide specialist domestic abuse support, risk assessment, safeguarding interventions, and professional guidance to police staff responding to incidents. The role requires a high level of professionalism, resilience, and the ability to make operational decisions in real time within a fast-paced control room environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist advice to officers responding to domestic abuse incidents on the ground.
• Use professional expertise to review decisions made by 999 call handlers and identify any missed opportunities to safeguard victims.
• Support control room staff with guidance on domestic abuse risk factors, safety planning and safeguarding actions.
• Listen to live calls where appropriate and provide feedback to call handlers to improve victim engagement and safeguarding responses.
• Support the use of technology such as responding to victims via videocall.
• Support the Police to undertake risk assessments for victims of domestic abuse using recognised risk assessment tools where appropriate.
• Review incoming domestic abuse incidents and associated risk assessments to ensure safeguarding opportunities are identified.
• Work with the Police to implement effective safety plans to reduce the risk of further harm.
• Ensure victims are referred to appropriate specialist domestic abuse support services.
• Facilitate training sessions and awareness briefings on domestic abuse for force control room staff.
• Support the development of improved responses to domestic abuse incidents through knowledge sharing and guidance.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records in line with organisational and Police policies and data protection legislation.
• Contribute to service monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements.
• Engage in training provided by the Elm Foundation and the Police.

Data Protection and Confidentiality: The postholder must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality when handling sensitive personal information. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring all information is managed in accordance with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation.
• Sharing information only where it is lawful, necessary, and proportionate for safeguarding purposes.
• Following organisational and Police policies relating to confidentiality, information governance, and data security.
• Maintaining confidentiality except where safeguarding concerns require information sharing in line with legal and organisational procedures.

Professional Conduct: The postholder is expected to demonstrate high standards of professional behaviour when working with victims, police staff, and partner agencies. This includes:

• Maintaining a victim-centred and trauma-informed approach.
• Demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and respect in all professional interactions.
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Working in accordance with organisational and Police policies, safeguarding procedures, and professional standards.
• Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.

Working Independently and Decision Making: The FCR IDVA must be able to work confidently and independently within a fast-paced operational environment. The role requires the ability to:

• Assess risk quickly and make informed safeguarding decisions.
• Work independently while maintaining effective communication with police colleagues and partner agencies.
• Remain calm and focused in crisis situations.

Person Specification:

• Experience supporting victims of domestic abuse or working within violence against women and girls (VAWG) services.
• Experience undertaking risk assessments and safety planning with domestic abuse victims.
• Experience working within a multi-agency environment.
• Experience supporting individuals experiencing crisis situations.
• Knowledge of domestic abuse dynamics including coercive and controlling behaviour.
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures and relevant legislation.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and police responses to domestic abuse.
• Understanding of multi-agency working practices including MARAC.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and use professional judgement.
• Strong organisational and case management skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly.

Personal Qualities:

• Commitment to a victim-centred and trauma-informed approach.
• Empathy, resilience, and professionalism when supporting vulnerable individuals.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in challenging situations.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.

Qualifications:

• IDVA accreditation (SafeLives) or willingness to work towards accreditation.
• Relevant qualification in social care or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Flexibility to work on a shift rota.
• Enhanced DBS check.
• Police Vetting.
• Ability to work within a police control room environment.