Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Lead

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and proactive individual to become our Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Lead Officer to join our Safer Communities Team

You will lead our strategic response to domestic abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) across North Somerset.

As the Lead Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our partnership approach - commissioning specialist support services, coordinating multi-agency interventions, and driving forward key initiatives such as MARAC and Domestic Homicide Reviews. You will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including police, health, education, and community organisations to ensure a joined-up, survivor-focused response.

Key Responsibilities:

• Commission and manage specialist domestic abuse and VAWG services, ensuring compliance with legislation and local frameworks.
• Lead quality assurance and service development in collaboration with multi-agency partners and survivor input.
• Chair and coordinate Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and related strategic groups.
• Oversee Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs), ensuring compliance with Home Office guidance and best practice.
• Develop and deliver domestic abuse and VAWG training for council staff, aligned with regional and national providers.
• Lead the development of the North Somerset Domestic Abuse Strategy, supported by annual needs assessments.
• Report on service performance to local, regional, and national bodies.
• Supervise and mentor staff, promoting continuous improvement and best practice.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of victims and survivors, and to shape the future of domestic abuse and VAWG services in North Somerset.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is currently based from the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office.

• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience at Level 5 or above in the domestic abuse, VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls), or community safety sector.
• Significant experience in programme or project management within a relevant service area, demonstrating technical proficiency and strategic oversight.
• Proven experience of supervising staff and leading multi-agency initiatives to deliver practical, coordinated responses to complex issues.

Knowledge & Understanding

• Sound understanding of the complexity and dynamics of domestic abuse and VAWG.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, and best practice, including the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.
• Thorough understanding of risk-led responses to domestic abuse, including the application of national best practice and the local MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) model.
• Awareness of professional boundaries and safeguarding principles.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and feedback to assess local issues, evaluate impact, and inform service improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and innovatively to design and implement effective solutions.
• Reflective approach to problem-solving, with the ability to adapt plans or recommend remedial actions as needed.

Communication & Engagement

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to prepare and present evidence clearly and confidently to a range of audiences including colleagues, councillors, partners, and community stakeholders—both virtually and in-person.
• Ability to influence and motivate others, presenting ideas effectively to support change and improvement.
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups, communities, and partner agencies.

Organisational & Technical Skills

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage workload independently and meet agreed deadlines.
• Proficient in using ICT systems for monitoring, reporting, and presenting information.
• Understanding of financial constraints and demonstrable experience in managing budgets effectively.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How To Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Howard Pothecary – Safer Communities Service Manager, at howard.pothecary@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07554459242

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: TBA.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.