Director of Services - Domestic Abuse; Maternity Cover

About us

Advance is an award‑winning and innovative women‑only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short‑term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non‑violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community‑based organisation that leads best‑practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Advance evokes systemic change by engaging with professionals within statutory agencies, including commissioners and policymakers, to deliver sustainable impact for women. Through a coordinated community response, we work in partnership with other charities, as well as regional and national government to develop innovative responses and influence policy.

Director of Services – Domestic Abuse / VAWG (maternity cover vacancy)

Salary: £70,000 – £80,000

Location:

Hammersmith (travel to delivery sites as required). Flexible work from home 2/3 days per week.

Contract:

Maternity cover, fixed‑term of 9 months, extendable.

Hours:

35 per week, with availability for Board meetings 4‑6 pm on Tuesdays twice per quarter.

Reports to:

Chief Executive Officer; member of the Senior Leadership Team, working with the Board of Trustees.

Direct reports:
Head of Services – DA (may change with organisational strategy).

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is a genuine occupational requirement.

Please note:
Any offer will be subject to references, right‑to‑work confirmation, and a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

You will lead Advance’s frontline domestic abuse and VAWG services, ensuring they are safe, effective, high‑quality and aligned with our strategic aims. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will work closely with the CEO, Directors, Trustees, and senior managers to shape service strategy, strengthen quality systems and ensure excellent outcomes for women and children.

You will provide confident strategic and operational leadership, manage complex stakeholder relationships, support governance and reporting, and ensure services are financially sustainable, contract compliant and responsive to the needs of women and children.

• Strong knowledge of domestic abuse, VAWG, safeguarding and related issues affecting women and children with complex needs.
• Significant experience of strategic leadership, service management and team development.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding adults and child protection issues.
• Experience managing budgets, partnerships, contracts, outcomes and reporting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Confidence to work under pressure, manage complexity and inspire teams through change.
• A collaborative, values‑led leadership style and commitment to women’s rights, safety and dignity.

Please submit your up‑to‑date CV with a supporting statement. Only applications made via the Advance careers page and including a cover letter will be considered.

• Closing Date for Applications:
  Friday 17th July 2026 @23:59
• Interviews:
  First stage 27th July; second stage likely week commencing 3rd August

Advance reserves the right to close the role early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

• A 35‑hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro‑rata for part time), plus public holidays on top
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox – employee discount platform for savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye‑care scheme
• Clinical supervision for frontline staff and first line management roles
• Refer a…