Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA)

The AWRC (Asian Women’s Resource Centre ) is a feminist organization whose values are founded on commitments to human rights, anti-discrimination and freedom from oppression. We endorse global evidence that violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence is gendered, a cause and consequence of the unequal position of women and girls in society, a violation of human rights, and is entirely preventable.

Position:

Hours: 28 hours per week

Location: Hybrid – Hertfordshire (St Albans & Watford)

Salary: £27,000–£28,737 per annum (salary progression in line with AWRC pay scales)

Contract: Fixed Term until 31 March 2029

The Asian Women's Resource Centre (AWRC) is seeking a compassionate and experienced Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) to provide specialist advocacy and support to women experiencing domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team delivering trauma-informed, survivor-centred services that empower women to achieve safety, recovery and independence.

About the Role

As an IGVA, you'll manage a diverse caseload of women experiencing varying levels of risk and complexity, providing practical, emotional and advocacy support throughout their journey.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting comprehensive risk and needs assessments.
• Developing personalised safety plans.
• Providing crisis intervention and emotional support.
• Advocating with housing providers, police, health professionals, social care and legal services.
• Supporting women through civil and criminal justice processes.
• Attending MARAC and multi-agency meetings.
• Maintaining accurate case records and contributing to service development.
• Delivering outreach and promoting awareness of VAWG services within local communities.

Requirements:

About You

You'll have:

• Experience supporting women affected by domestic abuse or gender-based violence.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and risk management.
• Experience of advocacy and partnership working.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.
• Strong organisational and case management skills.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, anti-oppressive practice and feminist values.

An IDVA/ISVA qualification and the ability to speak Arabic, Hindi, Kashmiri or Urdu would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

At AWRC, you’ll be part of a passionate, supportive, and values-driven team. We offer:

• A hybrid working model (2 days office-based)
• Generous annual leave (25 days + public holidays)
• Access to regular clinical supervision and professional development
• A feminist, intersectional, and inclusive working environment
• Floating days and Birthday Leave
• 1000's of discounts at retailers via reward gateway

Other information:

It is essential to the development of AWRC’s service delivery that the post holder is able to respond flexibly to changes in the requirements of this post. This job description is therefore a guide and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities the post holder may have over time.

This post is open to women only (Exemption under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010).

We particularly welcome applications from Black and minoritized women, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and those with lived experience of the asylum or NRPF system.

Application Deadline: 30th September 2026 at 5 pm

NOTE: Interviews will be conducted face to face and a task will be involved as part of the process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments please get in touch with us at [email protected].