Role:            Deputy Service Manager – IGVA

Based:        Hertfordshire

Salary:        £21ph PAYE or £27ph Umbrella

Start Date: ASAP

Duration:    Until the beginning of February 2027

Hours:          37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday, 9.00am–5.00pm. Out-of-hours on-call requirement on a rota basis. Home-based with travel to Hertfordshire on occasion.

Our client, is looking for an experienced and passionate Deputy Service Manager – IGVA to join their Hertfordshire service. This is an excellent opportunity to play an integral role in the management and delivery of a high-quality service supporting survivors of domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the line management of 5/6 IGVAs, providing supervision and support around complex casework, including safeguarding and child protection. You will work closely with the Service Manager to ensure contractual and funding requirements are met and that Refuge’s high standards of service delivery are maintained.

The role also involves working closely with statutory and voluntary sector partners across Hertfordshire, developing effective partnerships and supporting survivors to access specialist services through co-location arrangements.

Synopsis of duties:

• Assist the Service Manager in the implementation, delivery and development of high-quality support to survivors of domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence.
• Support the continuity, quality and ongoing improvement of services in line with Refuge’s quality standards and relevant policies and procedures.
• Ensure case records are clear, professional and maintained to a high standard.
• Support staff to identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns relating to children and adults.
• Participate in MARAC and other relevant multi-agency meetings.
• Represent the organisation and develop effective partnerships with housing associations, funders, local authorities, domestic abuse forums and other agencies.
• Attend and represent the service at multi-agency meetings.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and training to a range of audiences.
• Work in partnership with other agencies, including establishing and developing co-location arrangements.
• Line manage, support and develop staff in accordance with Refuge’s performance management framework.
• Provide regular supervision, including probationary reviews, and support the professional development of team members.
• Ensure staff complete  the organisation’s training programme.
• Promote best practice, continuous improvement and effective knowledge sharing across the team.
• Assist the Service Manager with the selection, recruitment and retention of staff.
• Assist with the production of qualitative and quantitative reports for internal and external monitoring.

Essential Requirements

• Significant proven experience of providing emotional and practical support to survivors of domestic abuse and other forms of violence and abuse.
• Extensive experience of assessing and responding sensitively to the needs and risks of women and children experiencing domestic abuse and other forms of violence and abuse.
• Significant experience of providing direct emotional and practical support to people seeking advice or support.
• Experience of managing and developing teams and individuals.
• Proven experience of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
• Experience working within a refuge, residential setting, women’s advice centre or other relevant agency.
• Strong understanding of the dynamics and impact of domestic abuse and other forms of violence and abuse.
• DBS dated within the last 6 months or on the update service

Supporting Futures Consulting acts as both an employer and an agency.