Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) - Operation Beaconport

Peterborough Rape Crisis Care Group (PRCCG) is recruiting a specialist Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) to join our team and support survivors as part of Operation Beaconport, a significant new policing initiative reviewing cases of group-based child abuse and exploitation where no further action was previously taken.

Operation Beaconport is reviewing cases across England and Wales where police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) made decisions not to proceed with investigations between 2010 and 2025. Where cases are reopened, survivors will need timely, specialist and independent support to help them understand what is happening, make informed choices and navigate what can be a complex and potentially retraumatising criminal justice process.

As an Operation Beaconport ISVA, you will work exclusively alongside police officers,investigators and partner agencies involved in these cases, providing independent advocacy and trauma-informed support to survivors from the point an investigation is reopened through to the conclusion of any criminal justice proceedings.

This is a specialist role requiring someone who can build effective professional relationships with investigators while maintaining the independence, confidentialityand survivor-led principles of the ISVA role. You will need to be highly responsive and flexible, able to respond to developing investigations and provide timely support when survivors need it.

You will play a key role in helping survivors understand their rights and options, overcome barriers to engagement and have their needs recognised throughout the investigation and criminal justice process. This may include supporting survivors through police contact and interviews, further witness statements and ABEs, Victim Personal Statements, charging decisions, bail conditions, pre-trial visits, special measures applications, court proceedings and sentencing.

The role will also involve working closely with investigating officers, including undertaking joint visits where appropriate, attending operational and case review meetings, and providing trauma-informed advice to help professionals understand and respond appropriately to the needs of survivors.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and compassionate ISVA who is committed to survivor-led, trauma-informed practice and understands the importance of providing independent advocacy within complex criminal justice proceedings.

You will be confident working in partnership with police and other agencies while ensuring that the survivor remains at the centre of your practice. You will have excellent communication and organisational skills, the ability to respond effectively to changing circumstances, and the confidence to advocate for survivors within multi-agency environments.

You will be comfortable managing a caseload independently, maintaining accurate and confidential records, and working flexibly in response to the needs of survivors and the developing Operation Beaconport investigations.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a new and developing area of specialist sexual violence support and to make a meaningful difference to survivors whose cases are being revisited.

What You Will Do

As an Operation Beaconport ISVA, you will:

• Undertake needs-led assessments and develop individual support plans with survivors.
• Provide specialist, independent advocacy and trauma-informed support throughout the criminal justice process.
• Make initial contact with survivors when investigations are reopened and support them to understand Operation Beaconport and what it may mean for them.
• Support survivors to understand their rights, choices and entitlements.
• Work alongside investigating officers and partner agencies, including undertaking joint visits where appropriate.
• Support survivors through police interviews, further witness statements, ABEs and Victim Personal Statements.
• Provide advocacy around charging decisions, bail conditions, court updates, pre-trial visits, special measures, trial and sentencing.
• Develop effective working relationships with investigators.
• Provide trauma-informed advice to police and partner agencies to support appropriate and sensitive engagement with survivors.
• Attend operational, planning and case review meetings.
• Respond promptly and flexibly to operational developments and emerging survivor needs.
• Maintain accurate, confidential client records in accordance with PRCCG policies, procedures and Information Sharing Agreements.
• Work in accordance with the Rape Crisis National Service Standards and PRCCG's policies and procedures.
• Participate in team meetings, peer review and clinical supervision.
• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the service.
• Participate in relevant PRCCG training and professional development.

Working with Us

At PRCCG, we are committed to providing high-quality, specialist support that places survivors at the heart of everything we do. We recognise the impact that sexual violence and exploitation can have and are committed to ensuring survivors receive compassionate, informed and independent advocacy throughout their journey.

This role offers the opportunity to work within a specialist team at the forefront of a new policing initiative, contributing your expertise to ensure survivors are supported, heard and able to make informed choices as cases progress.

Equal Opportunities

Peterborough Rape Crisis Care Group is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of our staff, volunteers and the survivors we support. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

This post is restricted to women under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 as a Genuine Occupational Requirement. Within this requirement, PRCCG is committed to fair, inclusive and equitable recruitment practices.

Flexibility

The duties outlined above represent the main responsibilities of the post but are not intended to be an exhaustive list. The role will require flexibility in response to the developing nature of Operation Beaconport, the needs of survivors and the operational requirements of PRCCG.

The role profile may therefore be reviewed and amended following consultation with the post holder to reflect changing circumstances and service requirements.