34342 - Policy Manager – Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Domestic Abuse - in the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales

Part time role - 22 hours and 12 minutes a week - 3 days

Job Purpose

The purpose of the role is to brief, advise and support the Victims’ Commissioner on a wide range of issues relating to the VAWG and domestic abuse agenda including support on issues relating to victims of domestic abuse.

The policy holder will be closely involved with the VC in develop a range of policy positions and responses in respect of supporting victims within the context of VAWG and domestic abuse. They will be expected to network and build good working relationships with those working in the VAWG and domestic abuse sector and VAWG and domestic abuse related policy leads across government.

The VC will be looking for someone with at least two years’ experience of working in the VAG sector or working on VAWG and domestic abuse policy within government. They will need to demonstrate a good grasp of key issues within this policy arena and will also display a passion for this area of work

The post holder will be a “self-starter” and self-motivated, able to work with limited oversight. They will need to be able to act as an ambassador and representative for the VC in meetings and speak on behalf of the VC when she is unable to be present

They will continuously be seeking opportunities to promote the work and views of the VC, and using their Using networking skills, be continuously seeking to forge links with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and using these links to promote and promulgate the work of the VC.

The post holder will be working as part of a small and busy team and will be expected to be flexible and carry out ad hoc duties as and when required.

Background

This is therefore an exciting time to join the Office with the scope to personally influence and design the Commissioner’s priorities and policy positions.

As a member of a small office of staff you will work alongside the new Commissioner on a daily basis and should expect to develop a trusted advisory relationship with them.

The role of the independent Victims’ Commissioner is to:

• Promote the interests of victims and witnesses;
• Encourage good practice in the treatment of victims and witnesses; and to
• Keep under review the operation of the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (The Victims’ Code).

The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner is an Arms Length Body; the sponsoring department is the Ministry of Justice.

The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner has seven staff:

• CEO;
• Head of Analysis and Review
• Research Officer;
• VAWG Policy Manager
• Communications Manager;
• Stakeholder Manager
• Personal Assistant and Office Manager; and
• Correspondence Manager.

We would be happy to discuss flexible/part-time/job share working arrangements according to the business needs of the team.

Details of the work of the Victims’ Commissioner and her office can be found on her website: www.victimscommissioner.org.uk

Person Specification

The post holder must have the ability to:

• Develop a good understanding of criminal justice system activity and priorities in respect of VAWG and domestic abuse and ensure the VC’s policy positions and activities take these into account.

• Effectively capture, utilise and share the insights and views from a diverse range of victims, practitioners and policymakers to inform and develop the VC position on VAWG and domestic abuse policy and service delivery

• Actively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on the VC’s objectives as set out in her first term strategic plan.

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, demonstrating clarity, accuracy and brevity and being comfortable in adopting the VC’s voice anderspective.

• Confidently engage with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels to generate commitment to goals

• Exemplify positive and empathetic behaviours when meeting victims.

• Work at pace, managing competing priorities and delivering on time; adapting quickly to change and demonstrating flexibility within a small, busy team.

Job Description

• Provide the VC with clear, accurate, well researched briefing on all aspects of VAWG and domestic abuse policy and practice and use this information to support the VC in developing positions on policy and practice
  
• Draft letters, speeches and briefing for the VC, producing drafts of a consistently high standard, accurately reflecting the tone of the VC.
• Draft responses to Government consultations, consulting where appropriate
• Proactively develop networks of contacts across the CJS, the third sector and Police and Crime Commissioners that might facilitate the delivery of the VC strategic priorities in respect of VAWG and domestic abuse.
• Provide analysis of a range of performance data and use this data to inform the VC’s VAWG and domestic abuse policy position; work collaboratively with the OVC Head of Review to ensure that VC reviews and VAWG and domestic abuse policy positions are consistent
• Work collaboratively with the OVC Communications Manager to ensure that VC views on VAWG and domestic abuse matters are communicated accurately in the media and social media.
• Other tasks appropriate to the role as assigned from time to time by the CEO.
• To accompany the Victims’ Commissioner on visits and meetings with CJ agencies and stakeholders.

Success Profile – behaviours

Communicating and influencing

Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact.

Ensure that important messages are communicated with colleagues and stakeholders effectively and clearly so that the VC’s position is clearly understood.

Present strong recommendations in a timely manner outlining the consideration of other options, costs, benefits and risks.

Seeing the Big Picture

Remain alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact on VAWG and domestic abuse.

Working together

Consult with stakeholders in government and the third sector to ensure the potential impacts on end users have been considered.

Making effective decisions

Create policies, plans and proposals for service provision to meet the needs of victims based upon an up to date knowledge of needs, issues and relevant good practice.

Essential Skills

• A good understanding of VAWG and domestic abuse issues, both policy and practice based on experience of working in government/criminal justice agencies/the third sector.    
• Strong communications skills, both orally and in written form
• Strong inter-personal skills and the self-confidence to be an effective networker.

Key Documents

Victims’ Commissioner’s Annual Report 2018/19 www.victimscommissioner.org.uk

Victim’s Commissioner’s First Term Strategic Plan www.victimscommissioner.org.uk