Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor; ISVA - Male

Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) – Male

Salary: £25,954 pro‑rota per annum, rising to £26,364 upon successful completion of probation and £28,002 after accreditation.

Hours: 30 hours per week

Holiday: 25 days annual holiday, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of service per annum plus bank holidays.

Base: Second Floor, 9 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, GLOUCESTER, GL1 3ND

This post is restricted to male applicants.

This is an occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, as the role provides specialist advocacy and crisis intervention in a multi‑agency setting to male survivors of sexual violence, including men and boys and those who identify as LGBTQ+⁄. We welcome applications from cis men, trans men, and non‑binary people who identify as male.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver gender‑responsive, trauma‑informed advocacy, supporting male survivors from first disclosure through recovery and, where chosen, through the criminal justice system from report to court.
• Risk‑assess and support client needs, developing a comprehensive support plan to keep victims safe.
• Manage a specialist caseload, demonstrating an understanding of male‑specific barriers to disclosure, safeguarding procedures, and the impact of trauma.
• Operate an assertive, client‑led outreach service, meeting clients in locations where they feel most comfortable and safe, in line with service policies and risk assessments.
• Support survivors through reporting, investigation, prosecution, court processes, and post‑court recovery where appropriate.
• Work assertively and flexibly, including outreach delivery in locations where survivors feel safe.
• Build trusted relationships with statutory and voluntary partners to improve pathways and frontline responsiveness for male victims.
• Champion equity of access and inclusion, particularly for men who identify as LGBTQ+ or face additional barriers to engagement.
• Ensure a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence and its impact on victims, family, and society informs all work with victims and partner agencies.
• Prioritise the safety, security, and dignity of service users and colleagues.
• Liaise with Police and CPS on behalf of clients, with the client’s informed consent, and adhere to confidentiality policy in information release. Keep the victim informed about case progress in line with the Victims Code of Practice.

Essential requirements:

• Evidence of IT and computer literacy skills.
• Full driving licence.
• Experience working with vulnerable people and/or crisis work.
• Experience in the criminal, civil justice and/or health & social care systems.
• Ability to undertake risk assessments.
• Ability to build rapport and develop and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues, professionals and stakeholders.
• Handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Managing a caseload.
• Working alone in an office and independently in the community.

Added benefits:

• A comprehensive induction and training programme, with a hybrid working policy for a better work/life balance.
• A wellbeing day per financial year (1 st April to 31 st March).
• Access to external supervision to discuss personal or emotional responses to traumatic cases, to ensure emotional and psychological well‑being.
• Health and wellbeing resources including our staff Wellbeing Group, Staff Consultation Committee and active participation in our employee engagement platform.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 telephone helpline offering medical, emotional and financial support.
• Working for an organisation committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We encourage applications from all sections of the community and all backgrounds regardless of age, race, faith, disability, neurodiversities, genders, gender expression or sexuality. First Light is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and has an LGBTQIA+ Staff Network.
• Annual pay review and employer contribution pension scheme.

Additional Information – The successful applicant will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring check and a social media check conducted as part of our Safer Recruitment process. Any future offer of employment is contingent on the satisfactory completion of these checks and the receipt of two satisfactory employment references, one being from your current or most recent employer.