Due to the nature of the services delivered by VOICES in our Safe Space Centre, this role is restricted to those assigned the gender female at birth in accordance with the provisions of the occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1). Only part of the premises from which VOICES works is accessible to wheel-chair users.

About us:

VOICES is a survivor-led, trauma-informed, and recovery-focused charity for the women of Bath and North-East Somerset and surrounding areas. The charity was founded in 2014 by women with lived experience of Domestic Abuse, realising that, beyond crisis interventions, there was minimal support available to victims/survivors for their recovery journey.

VOICES, whilst small, are now recognised nationally as offering the ‘gold standard’ in DA support. We deliver holistic services for women, ensuring that the voice of lived experience is at the heart of policy development and research through collaboration and consultation. Through service provision and national influencing, funded by charitable donations, small government grants, and awards from Trusts and Foundations, we offer women access to tailor-made services that meet individual needs, supporting them on their recovery journey.

In an exciting development, and with special thanks to the National Lottery for multi-year funding, we are establishing our in-house Legal Clinic to further support clients and effect positive changes for safer systemic intervention. We aim to improve practice, policies and procedures to mitigate secondary harm for victims or survivors navigating the justice system.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Law Lead to develop and manage our new Legal Clinic as we shape the future of legal support both locally and nationally.

The Role:

As our Law Lead, you will be responsible for the operational management of our Legal Clinic, ensuring high-quality, trauma-informed delivery of services to clients in a group or one-to-one setting. You will be working closely in our team with our CEO, Head of Services, two Recovery Practitioners and our Centre Manager. You will also be fostering

good working relationships with Law students, pro bono lawyers, law firms and multi-agency partners. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone with proven experience of family law practice and knowledge of criminal law with an understanding of Domestic Abuse, safeguarding, and women’s services. We are seeking someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and wants to make a real positive impact on the system and the lives of victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Support clients in a trauma-informed approach through the family court and/or criminal justice system, assisting them with special measures, impact statements, maximising their safety and reducing barriers to accessing justice.
• Providing high-quality trauma-informed telephone or face-to-face intervention, information, advocacy, and support to victims and survivors in respect to criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, welfare rights, and children’s legislation.
• Accompanying clients to court where necessary as an independent advocate/IDVA.
• Responding promptly to contact from clients and new referrals, signposting appropriately and capturing/monitoring case specific outcomes.
• Maintaining co-produced trauma-informed recovery plans, risk assessments and up-to-date case records in accordance with VOICES policies.
• Regularly reporting, evaluating and researching to inform development of services.
• Delivering training around Domestic Abuse and legal processes to increase awareness and understanding on a local and national level.
• Delivering recovery group work programmes to clients such as The Freedom Programme and Recovery Toolkit.
• Having a focus on child wellbeing, parenting and the impact of Domestic Abuse on children while supporting clients to increase their understanding of this.
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries whilst showing compassion, empathy and kindness towards clients.

Legal Clinic:

• Further developing and managing the running of VOICES’ free Legal Clinic.
• Building positive relationships with law students, legal firms, barristers, solicitors and the DA Commissioner to ensure appropriate advice and support is available to DA victims and survivors experiencing Court processes.
• Ensuring a clear plan for our Legal Clinic days, matching clients with relevant professionals where possible and facilitating appointments accordingly.

Safeguarding and multi-agency work:

• Have demonstrated knowledge and experience of risk assessment, need and vulnerability, as well as being experienced in taking urgent action in respect of safeguarding as required.
• Work with and complete referrals to MARAC, Social Care, Southside, Police or other agencies in accordance with risk and need.
• Seek help and support from the Designated Safeguarding Lead as required.
• Attend child protection, child in need and early help meetings for clients.
• Be an active member of the Local Family Justice Board and their sub-group.

Working as part of a team:

• Act as a team player, providing support and cover to colleagues as required.
• Support new team members and placement students, providing training and shadowing opportunities.
• Seek advice and support from your colleagues as required and attend external supervision sessions.
• Utilise your own specialisms to support your clients and to assist the wider team.

Person specification:

• Qualifications - Law degree with some Family Court experience.
• Experience of working with women in a Domestic Abuse capacity and understanding safeguarding practice.
• A good understanding and experience of multi-agency working.
• Knowledge and understanding of national Domestic Abuse laws, policies and procedures.
• Experience of running client groups and delivering training to organisations.

To Apply:

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the person specification to karen@voicescharity.org by the 17th October 2025.

This post is open to women only under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1. We are committed to building a diverse team. Women from marginalised or underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply.