Engagement Independent Sexual Violence Advisor at Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (Darlington and County Durham)

Contract Type: Fixed term

Role Type: Employment

Hours: Full or Part time

Application deadline: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - 17:00

Based: Durham

Salary: £31,563 Per Annum

Salary Type: Fixed Salary

Location: County Durham

Role description: Officer

About the Organisation

RSACC offers specialist services and support to survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence. We work to end rape and sexual violence in Darlington and County Durham by supporting survivors. We offer free, safe support to anyone who has experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives. This includes:

• Telephone and email services
• Specialist Counselling
• Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service (ISVA)
• Trauma informed groups
• Training for professionals

Founded 30 years ago, we are a small but ambitious organisation and we’re excited to welcome a new member of the team!

Summary of the Role

Operation Soteria is a national police operating model, established in 2021, that aims to improve the criminal justice system for victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. In partnership with Durham Constabulary and the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, a new role was created to act as a bridge between RSACC and Durham Constabulary. The role has now been in place since 2024 and we are now seeking an experienced ISVA, who would like an opportunity to develop new skills to take up this maternity cover post. The Engagement ISVA role identifies and creates new ways of working, builds strong relationships across the local police force, supports learning and training opportunities to improve understanding, and advocates for system changes on behalf of victims and survivors. 

Key Objectives of the Role

This role which aims to improve outcomes for victims/survivors of sexual violence by working to further strengthen relationships with criminal justice partners. This will include;

• Promoting awareness of ISVAs within Durham Constabulary including improving visibility at Police Safeguarding Hubs following the launch of co-location with the ISVA team.
• Partnership working to improve the Police understanding of the ISVA role and the Front Door model, including supporting officer induction and training.
• Facilitating the sexual violence support pathway between Durham Constabulary, Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS) and RSACC.
• Supporting VCAS RASSO Navigators in their development including sharing best practice. 
• Identify and proactively support opportunities to further embed Operation Soteria best practice. 

This would be a brilliant opportunity for an ISVA seeking a development role, allowing them to develop new skills in partnership and service development.