Vacancies

Are you looking for a great way to give something to your community? Safe Steps is an Essex domestic abuse support organisation for adults, young people and children.

Who we are

Safe Steps, established in 2018, is a forward-thinking charity that works with and for all survivors of domestic abuse, across Southend-on-Sea and in the wider Essex area. Each year we support approx. 5000 people through our helpline, community support services, specialist children’s services and safe accommodation.

The role:

We are seeking to recruit committed people to become Trustees, with a passion for our cause, to our Board. Playing a vital role in the governance of the charity to ensure we are in good financial health, meeting our intended aims and objectives, allocate resources and generally hold ourselves and the organisation accountable.

As well as growing the size of our Board, we want to build a diverse trustee board; one that informs better decision making, improves the quality of our work and makes meaningful impact on improving the lives of individuals impacted by domestic abuse.

It is not necessary to have had previous trustee or board experience. We are looking for people who have something to offer in the following areas.

Person specification – essential skills:

• A commitment to the organisation and a passion for the mission
• Knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse and its impact
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent, balanced judgement
• Good communication
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee.

In addition, some specific expertise in one or more of the following areas would be desirable:

• Business/commercial/financial
• Human Resources (HR)
• Marketing/communications
• Professional knowledge of VAWG/policing/criminal justice
• Commissioning/Local Authority contract management
• Understanding of the charity/voluntary sector
• Lived experience of domestic abuse.

Time Commitment:

• Average 4hrs a month to include bi-monthly meetings, AGM, annual away day
• Can commit to a minimum of 12-18 months
• Willing to attend ad-hoc fundraising or special events.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children, young people and families affected by domestic abuse?

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and highly motivated individual to lead and manage our Child and Family Domestic Abuse Support Services across the City of Southend and wider Essex.

This is a critical leadership role for someone who is committed to improving the safety and well-being of children and families, and to promoting positive, healthy relationships. You’ll be managing a dedicated team delivering trauma-informed, child-centred, and family-focused interventions to those impacted by domestic abuse.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of domestic abuse practitioners working with children, young people, and families.
• Ensure services are delivered effectively, safely, and in line with best practice and safeguarding standards.
• Work closely with partner agencies including social care, education, police, and health services.
• Develop, implement, and monitor service delivery plans, outcomes, and quality standards.
• Represent the service at strategic and operational partnership meetings.
• Contribute to the development of new initiatives, funding bids, and service growth.

About You:

• Proven experience managing services in the domestic abuse, safeguarding, or children and family sector.
• Strong understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on children and families.
• Experience of leading and supporting staff, ideally in a multi-agency environment.
• Skilled in service planning, delivery, and performance monitoring.
• Confident, compassionate, and solution-focused.
• Relevant professional qualification in social care, youth work, or a related field (desirable).

We Offer:

• A supportive, values-driven work environment.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunities to shape and develop impactful services.
• Competitive salary and benefits.

If you are ready to take on a leadership role that truly makes a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Due to the nature of the role, this vacancy is open to women only.

Occupational requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by Monday 27th October 2025 to hr@safesteps.org .

Shortlisting and interviews will occur as applications are received, and the close date may be ended early.