Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Lead

**Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Lead**:

- location_on
- Weston-super-Mare

15/10/2025
- Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Lead

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

**Salary**

Level 9:

- £42,839 - £48,226 per annum

**Contractual hours**

37

**Basis**

Full time

**Package**

Permanent contract - 27 days annual leave per annum, increasing to 32 days annual leave after 5 years service'

**Job category/type**

Safer Communities

**Date posted**

18/09/2025

**Job reference**

HSCA0046

**Attachments**
- attachment
- DA and VAWG Lead - HSCA0046 - Job Description.pdf

Job description

**About Us**
- North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

**The Role**
- We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and proactive individual to become our Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Lead Officer to join our Safer Communities Team
- You will lead our strategic response to domestic abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) across North Somerset.
- As the Lead Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our partnership approach - commissioning specialist support services, coordinating multi-agency interventions, and driving forward key initiatives such as MARAC and Domestic Homicide Reviews. You will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including police, health, education, and community organisations to ensure a joined-up, survivor-focused response.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Commission and manage specialist domestic abuse and VAWG services, ensuring compliance with legislation and local frameworks.
- Lead quality assurance and service development in collaboration with multi-agency partners and survivor input.
- Chair and coordinate Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and related strategic groups.
- Oversee Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs), ensuring compliance with Home Office guidance and best practice.
- Develop and deliver domestic abuse and VAWG training for council staff, aligned with regional and national providers.
- Lead the development of the North Somerset Domestic Abuse Strategy, supported by annual needs assessments.
- Report on service performance to local, regional, and national bodies.
- Supervise and mentor staff, promoting continuous improvement and best practice.
- This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of victims and survivors, and to shape the future of domestic abuse and VAWG services in North Somerset.

**Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.**

**This position is currently based from the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare.**

**Work Style**
- At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
- This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

- 2-3 days in the office.
- Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
- Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

**About You**
- We are looking for an individual who is passionate and who possesses the following skills and experience:
**Qualifications & Experience**
- Relevant qualification or equivalent experience at Level 5 or above in the domestic abuse, VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls), or community safety sector.
- Significant experience in programme or project management within a relevant service area, demonstrating technical proficiency and strategic oversight.
- Proven experience of supervising staff and leading multi-agency initiatives to deliver practical, coordinated responses to complex issues.

**Knowledge & Understanding**
- Sound understanding of the complexity and dynamics of domestic abuse and VAWG.
- Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, and best practice, including the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.
- Awareness of professional boundaries and safeguarding principles.

**Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills**
- Strong analytical skills with the abil