Vacancies

Safe Steps is seeking committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape our strategic direction ensuring it is well governed, financially sound and beneficial to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Who We Are

Safe Steps works with and for those experiencing domestic abuse across Southend, Castle Point and Rochford. Each year we support approximately 5,000 people through our helpline, community support services, specialist children’s services and safe accommodation.

The Role

Although we welcome interest from those who feel they can contribute positively to this role, we are specifically keen to hear from people with experience in safeguarding and housing (in particular with Registered Social Landlords).

Playing a vital role in the governance of the charity, our Trustees 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:

• Safeguarding, housing, 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 4 hours per month to include bi-monthly meetings, AGM, annual away day
• Commit to a minimum of 12-18 months
• Attend ad-hoc fundraising or special events.

Please email enquiries@safesteps.org for more information and to apply.

We are seeking frontline helpline advisors to support survivors of domestic abuse through the Essex Compass Helpline and Central Point of Contact.

You will be on the frontline of a dynamic confidential helpline providing support, help, advice by phone, email, text and online, assessing and processing referrals ensuring the flow and accuracy of information meets the standards set.   You will have experience of accurate note taking and working with a range of agencies, together with some knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse and the impact it has on victims and their families.

You will provide a high-quality first point of contact for all referrals, ensuring that they are referred onto appropriate services.  You will identify and assess the risks to and needs of victims and their families providing emotional and practical support and information in relation to legal options, safeguarding, housing, health and finance.  Since 01 April 2025 we additionally became a referral point for those who are aware their behaviour is distressing and damaging their relationships and are seeking support to change.

This role is suitable for individuals with experience of helpline work either as a volunteer or a paid worker / or advice and support work with children, vulnerable adults and/or families. Experience working within the domestic abuse sector or in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults would be advantageous but we will consider applicants with transferable skills keen to start a new career in the violence and vulnerabilities sector.

Full training will be provided and the opportunity to apply for accredited IDVA qualification after 6-month probationary period.  Hybrid office/home working is available.

 This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

For further information and an application pack, please email hr@safesteps.org

Make a difference

Safe Steps is a leader in supporting survivors of domestic abuse, committed to delivering safe, high-quality, trauma informed services across our communities.  We are now seeking a Quality and Standards Officer to play a key role in maintaining our excellence and driving continuous improvement.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised administrator to work with the Q&S Manager to achieve organisational accreditations and quality marks, including Safe Lives, AQS and CPD frameworks. You will work across the organisation to maintain high‑quality evidence, support audit processes, and help embed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

This is an exciting role for someone who takes pride in accuracy, enjoys working with data and systems, with good administration and project management skills, and is motivated by improving services that directly benefit survivors.

Experience in domestic abuse or safeguarding environments would be an advantage but is not essential.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the coordination, submission and renewal of accreditations and quality marks.
• Maintain systems for tracking evidence, policies, procedures, training materials and performance data.
• Prepare for and coordinate internal and external audits, assessments and inspections.
• Work with managers and frontline teams to embed quality standards into practice.
• Identify gaps in compliance and support improvement action plans.
• Audit closed cases and support teams to strengthen practice.
• Monitor legislative and best‑practice developments relevant to accreditation frameworks.
• Produce reports for senior leadership and trustees.
• Promote a culture of accountability, learning and high-quality delivery.

About you

You will have:

• Experience supporting or leading accreditation, quality assurance or compliance processes.
• Experience of preparing for audits or inspections.
• Strong organisational and documentation skills.
• Analytical skills and the ability to interpret standards and translate them into practice.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence working with staff at all levels.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and case management systems.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
• A proactive, solution‑focused approach and the ability to work under pressure.

Additional information

• This post is open to female applicants only as permitted under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
• Subject to an enhanced DBS check and completion of a six‑month probation period.

How to apply

If you are passionate about quality, dedicated to continuous improvement and want to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.

 Apply by emailing HR@safesteps.org to request an application form today and help us deliver safe, accessible and life‑changing services.

Closing date – Friday 1^st May 2026, applications will be reviewed as received and the role may close sooner.