Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service
Canterbury, Kent
Interim CEO 6 Months Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 Candidate Pack Dear Candidate, Thank you for your interest in the role of Interim CEO for Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service (KSAAS). This is a 6-month fixed term post to cover maternity leave. KSAAS (formerly East Kent Rape Crisis Centre) has offered sexual violence services in East Kent since 1993 and we offer ongoing practical support and therapeutic services for survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives of in Kent & Medway . KSAAS holds UKAS accreditation through The Survivors Trust and is Professionally Approved By Rape Crisis England & Wales, demonstrating the consistent, high-quality services that we offer to our survivors. KSAAS operates Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) services and joint ISVA and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) services for those experiencing sexual violence alongside domestic abuse. We also offer trauma focused therapeutic counselling services for children, adolescents and adults and these services are accessible through various hubs across Kent & Medway. Peer support groups and family advocacy services are available to support families when there has been an occurrence of sexual abuse experienced by one or more family members and our services are supported and informed by the Kick Back group, who are survivors of sexual violence who offer help, support and advice to other survivors and inform our service development. We also have a range of volunteers who support us with various aspects of the service provision. In addition to providing support and therapeutic services, a key function of the organisation is to robustly challenge the societal values, beliefs and behaviour which contribute to sexual violence, through proactive projects that aim to raise awareness, delivery of information sessions in educational institutions, delivery of NOCN accredited Rape and Sexual Abuse training, ongoing activism, challenging attitudes we encounter as part of our work with survivors, focused campaigns and participation in research focused on sexual violence. In the last year, we worked with > 6000 survivors in our face-to-face services and specialist sexual violence Helpline service and in April 2026 we extended our provision and scope and have been commissioned to be the main provider of ISVA and Therapeutic Support services across Kent & Medway, funded by the Police & Crime Commissioner. We are looking for an inspiring, motivated and innovative woman who is driven by feminist values to be the figurehead of our organisation, providing empowering leadership to the team, strategic oversight of the organisation and to ensure an outstanding service for all survivors of sexual violence. Note that this post is restricted to women under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010. Shauna McCusker Chair of Trustees Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service Role Details Salary: £50,000 (Pro Rata), 0.8 FTE Contract Base: Canterbury (Travel to Other Sites Will Be Required) Contract: 0.8 FTE (30 Hours Per Week): 6 Months Fixed Term Contract On Occasion This Will Include Out Of Hours Meetings Benefits: 3% Pension Contribution Employee Discounts Scheme 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata) Employee Assistance Programme Flexible Working Negotiable Requirements: Right to work in the UK An enhanced DBS Check (Carried out through KSAAS) Full UK Driving Licence & Use of Own Car Responsible To: Chair of Trustees Main Purpose of The Role The CEO is the figurehead of KSAAS and has overall responsibility for the management and performance of the service and strategic development and growth of KSAAS in collaboration with the core team, key stakeholders, Board of Trustees and survivors. The overarching duties and responsibilities of the CEO is responsible for the following: • Strategic feminist leadership of the organisation & staff • Management of human resources and physical estate • Direct and manage fundraising & finances • Act as the primary public representative locally, regionally and nationally. • Advocate for survivors of sexual assault or abuse and challenge societal attitudes that perpetuate sexual violence • Line management of management team • Working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees At KSAAS, the CEO is supported by the ISVA Service Lead, the Therapeutic Service Lead, the Operations Manager, the Finance Manager and Board of Trustees. About KSAAS Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service is a feminist organisation that firmly believes that sexual violence against women and girls arises from the patriarchal social structure in our society. We believe this social structure causes and propagates gender inequality and that sexual violence is one tool that is used to control women and girls as part of this social dynamic. We recognise the sexual violence affects people of all genders and provides a safe space for all survivors of sexual violence across Kent & Medway, where they can access the high-quality trauma-informed specialist practical and therapeutic support they need to recover from the impact of sexual violence and rebuild their lives. Our Vision KSAAS s vision is to create a community where everyone is free from all forms of sexual violence and to achieve this within a feminist, equalities and human rights framework. We aim to provide help, hope and healing to all those impacted by sexual violence and cultivate a safe, non-violent community. Our Mission It is our mission to: • Respond to and promote the needs of those who have suffered sexual violence through the empowerment feminist model of work • Reduce the impact of sexual violence by supporting, educating, informing and advocating for all survivors • Challenge oppression in all forms • Challenge societal attitudes that condone and collude with sexual violence Job Title: Chief Executive Officer Responsible To: Board of Trustees Main Responsibilities of Post: Strategic Leadership • Develop an in-depth understanding of the issues faced by women and girls who are subjected violence and the staff who support them within the service • Develop an in-depth understanding of local, regional and national agendas regarding sexual violence against women and girls within the service • Review the aims, vision and mission of the organisation in collaboration with our survivors, staff, board of trustees, business partners & umbrella organisations • Work collaboratively with the board of trustees, business partners, staff and service users to develop evidence based strategic priorities for the service and a rigorous business plan that addresses key priorities • Lead, motivate and encourage the KSAAS staff team to provide excellent services in support of the strategic plan • Be the leading voice of KSAAS locally, regionally and nationally, ensuring that KSAAS and its mission, campaigns, and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image for the benefit of survivors of sexual assault and abuse. • Consult widely and draw on expertise within the organisation and externally to KSAAS for the visioning of evidence based and innovative sexual violence services for children, young people and adults across Kent & Medway Finance and Funding • Manage the KSAAS fundraising strategy in collaboration with the management team and board of trustees • Oversee fundraisers to identify, diversify and secure fundraising opportunities to ensure the financial health of the organisation • Sit on the finance committee to ensure effective financial management and reporting • Manage relationships with key funders and ensure that all contractual obligations to funders are met • Provide effective oversight and reporting of the finances and budgets to the board of trustees and funders and ensure the financial sustainability of theorganisation Partnership and Communication • Represent the voices of survivors of sexual violence at key strategic meetings • Ensure effective communication of information from KSAAS to all key internal and external partners • Develop and broker regional and local partnerships to ensure KSAAS pushes boundaries, maintains excellent working partnerships and ultimately improves services for victims of sexual violence and abuse in Kent • Promote public awareness about sexual violence through social media and deliver talks and presentations and broadcasts as necessary. • Keep up to date and informed about local, regional and national agendas, ensuring that KSAAS can respond to trends effectively as they emerge. • Maintain a high quality collaborative working partnership with Rape Crisis England and Wales and work with other rape crisis centres as necessary. • To be an effective public speaker with the ability to influence. Management, Resources and Policy • Empower staff within the organisation through proactive and inspiring line management processes, catering for diversity through a range of different approaches. • Develop the leadership team within KSAAS and work collaboratively with them to meet the vision and mission of the service. • Have overall responsibility for the fair recruitment . click apply for full job details
Interim CEO 6 Months Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 Candidate Pack Dear Candidate, Thank you for your interest in the role of Interim CEO for Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service (KSAAS). This is a 6-month fixed term post to cover maternity leave. KSAAS (formerly East Kent Rape Crisis Centre) has offered sexual violence services in East Kent since 1993 and we offer ongoing practical support and therapeutic services for survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives of in Kent & Medway . KSAAS holds UKAS accreditation through The Survivors Trust and is Professionally Approved By Rape Crisis England & Wales, demonstrating the consistent, high-quality services that we offer to our survivors. KSAAS operates Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) services and joint ISVA and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) services for those experiencing sexual violence alongside domestic abuse. We also offer trauma focused therapeutic counselling services for children, adolescents and adults and these services are accessible through various hubs across Kent & Medway. Peer support groups and family advocacy services are available to support families when there has been an occurrence of sexual abuse experienced by one or more family members and our services are supported and informed by the Kick Back group, who are survivors of sexual violence who offer help, support and advice to other survivors and inform our service development. We also have a range of volunteers who support us with various aspects of the service provision. In addition to providing support and therapeutic services, a key function of the organisation is to robustly challenge the societal values, beliefs and behaviour which contribute to sexual violence, through proactive projects that aim to raise awareness, delivery of information sessions in educational institutions, delivery of NOCN accredited Rape and Sexual Abuse training, ongoing activism, challenging attitudes we encounter as part of our work with survivors, focused campaigns and participation in research focused on sexual violence. In the last year, we worked with > 6000 survivors in our face-to-face services and specialist sexual violence Helpline service and in April 2026 we extended our provision and scope and have been commissioned to be the main provider of ISVA and Therapeutic Support services across Kent & Medway, funded by the Police & Crime Commissioner. We are looking for an inspiring, motivated and innovative woman who is driven by feminist values to be the figurehead of our organisation, providing empowering leadership to the team, strategic oversight of the organisation and to ensure an outstanding service for all survivors of sexual violence. Note that this post is restricted to women under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010. Shauna McCusker Chair of Trustees Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service Role Details Salary: £50,000 (Pro Rata), 0.8 FTE Contract Base: Canterbury (Travel to Other Sites Will Be Required) Contract: 0.8 FTE (30 Hours Per Week): 6 Months Fixed Term Contract On Occasion This Will Include Out Of Hours Meetings Benefits: 3% Pension Contribution Employee Discounts Scheme 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata) Employee Assistance Programme Flexible Working Negotiable Requirements: Right to work in the UK An enhanced DBS Check (Carried out through KSAAS) Full UK Driving Licence & Use of Own Car Responsible To: Chair of Trustees Main Purpose of The Role The CEO is the figurehead of KSAAS and has overall responsibility for the management and performance of the service and strategic development and growth of KSAAS in collaboration with the core team, key stakeholders, Board of Trustees and survivors. The overarching duties and responsibilities of the CEO is responsible for the following: • Strategic feminist leadership of the organisation & staff • Management of human resources and physical estate • Direct and manage fundraising & finances • Act as the primary public representative locally, regionally and nationally. • Advocate for survivors of sexual assault or abuse and challenge societal attitudes that perpetuate sexual violence • Line management of management team • Working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees At KSAAS, the CEO is supported by the ISVA Service Lead, the Therapeutic Service Lead, the Operations Manager, the Finance Manager and Board of Trustees. About KSAAS Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service is a feminist organisation that firmly believes that sexual violence against women and girls arises from the patriarchal social structure in our society. We believe this social structure causes and propagates gender inequality and that sexual violence is one tool that is used to control women and girls as part of this social dynamic. We recognise the sexual violence affects people of all genders and provides a safe space for all survivors of sexual violence across Kent & Medway, where they can access the high-quality trauma-informed specialist practical and therapeutic support they need to recover from the impact of sexual violence and rebuild their lives. Our Vision KSAAS s vision is to create a community where everyone is free from all forms of sexual violence and to achieve this within a feminist, equalities and human rights framework. We aim to provide help, hope and healing to all those impacted by sexual violence and cultivate a safe, non-violent community. Our Mission It is our mission to: • Respond to and promote the needs of those who have suffered sexual violence through the empowerment feminist model of work • Reduce the impact of sexual violence by supporting, educating, informing and advocating for all survivors • Challenge oppression in all forms • Challenge societal attitudes that condone and collude with sexual violence Job Title: Chief Executive Officer Responsible To: Board of Trustees Main Responsibilities of Post: Strategic Leadership • Develop an in-depth understanding of the issues faced by women and girls who are subjected violence and the staff who support them within the service • Develop an in-depth understanding of local, regional and national agendas regarding sexual violence against women and girls within the service • Review the aims, vision and mission of the organisation in collaboration with our survivors, staff, board of trustees, business partners & umbrella organisations • Work collaboratively with the board of trustees, business partners, staff and service users to develop evidence based strategic priorities for the service and a rigorous business plan that addresses key priorities • Lead, motivate and encourage the KSAAS staff team to provide excellent services in support of the strategic plan • Be the leading voice of KSAAS locally, regionally and nationally, ensuring that KSAAS and its mission, campaigns, and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image for the benefit of survivors of sexual assault and abuse. • Consult widely and draw on expertise within the organisation and externally to KSAAS for the visioning of evidence based and innovative sexual violence services for children, young people and adults across Kent & Medway Finance and Funding • Manage the KSAAS fundraising strategy in collaboration with the management team and board of trustees • Oversee fundraisers to identify, diversify and secure fundraising opportunities to ensure the financial health of the organisation • Sit on the finance committee to ensure effective financial management and reporting • Manage relationships with key funders and ensure that all contractual obligations to funders are met • Provide effective oversight and reporting of the finances and budgets to the board of trustees and funders and ensure the financial sustainability of theorganisation Partnership and Communication • Represent the voices of survivors of sexual violence at key strategic meetings • Ensure effective communication of information from KSAAS to all key internal and external partners • Develop and broker regional and local partnerships to ensure KSAAS pushes boundaries, maintains excellent working partnerships and ultimately improves services for victims of sexual violence and abuse in Kent • Promote public awareness about sexual violence through social media and deliver talks and presentations and broadcasts as necessary. • Keep up to date and informed about local, regional and national agendas, ensuring that KSAAS can respond to trends effectively as they emerge. • Maintain a high quality collaborative working partnership with Rape Crisis England and Wales and work with other rape crisis centres as necessary. • To be an effective public speaker with the ability to influence. Management, Resources and Policy • Empower staff within the organisation through proactive and inspiring line management processes, catering for diversity through a range of different approaches. • Develop the leadership team within KSAAS and work collaboratively with them to meet the vision and mission of the service. • Have overall responsibility for the fair recruitment . click apply for full job details
Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service
Canterbury, Kent
Job Title: Therapeutic Service Manager Responsible To: Head of Therapeutic Services Responsible For: Operational Management of KSAAS Therapeutic Services Salary: £33,000 (With Possibility of Two Annual Incremental Increases Up to £35,000) Hours: 35 Hours Per Week Location: Canterbury (With Regular Travel To Countywide Hubs) Contract Type: Fixed term Main Purpose of The Role The Therapeutic Service Manager is responsible for operational oversight of KSAAS s therapeutic services for individuals who have experienced sexual assault or abuse, ensuring every survivor is heard, believed, and supported in ways that honour their lived experiences and diverse identities. As a service manager, you will be responsible for operational delivery of high quality, trauma informed and survivor centred therapeutic services. You will also be responsible for developing a safe, respectful and inclusive working environment, and providing high quality mentoring, role modelling, management and wellbeing support to staff working within the service. As someone who works closely with staff and survivors, you will be instrumental in evidence based development of progressive high quality, accessible services in line with staff, partner and survivor feedback Main Duties The successful candidate will be expected to: Contribute to the development of high quality, trauma informed and survivor- centred therapeutic services Effectively manage the operational delivery of high-quality specialised trauma-informed therapeutic services for survivors of sexual violence at multiple sites across Kent and Medway Act as a designated safeguarding officer, managing complex safeguarding cases and informing safeguarding policies and procedures Ensure that all therapeutic services and staff adhere to BACP (or equivalent) ethical codes and quality standards. Manage a challenging clinical caseload, including initial client assessments and providing appropriate therapeutic support for complex, high-risk or survivors with additional needs. Promote KSAAS s vision, mission & values and role model these in all aspects of your work Foster a safe, inclusive, and courageous environment and a culture of respect, support, empowerment, accountability and compassion Support the Head of Therapeutic Services in developing the organisation s therapeutic provisions, policies & procedures to ensure effective & progressive client-centred clinical services Implement high quality service delivery models and protocols in collaboration with the Head of Therapeutic Services. Oversee daily operations of the therapeutic services (e.g. manage staff caseloads, case allocation, service demand and waiting lists) across all KSAAS sites county wide, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery Attend and contribute to management and partnership meetings where appropriate. Contribute to accurate data collection & management and regular service performance reporting Build strong operational relationships with the ISVA team and operations and administration teams. Deputise for the Head of Therapeutic Services when required Case Supervision & Staff Support Assess clients and ensure that staff are allocated cases within their competency, hold appropriate caseloads & receive appropriate clinical supervision in line with BACP requirements Provide staff with attentive, robust, supportive, empowering, empathic and compassionate management Act as a Designated Safeguarding Officer & the first point of escalation for therapeutic staff regarding complex or high-risk cases, liaising with the Head of therapeutic Services where required Support staff success through induction, mentoring, shadowing, and ongoing work reviews Proactively identify training needs and wellbeing needs and contribute to ensure effective and useful staff development plans Proactively collecting data on staff and survivor experience to enable evidence-based service delivery and improvement Casework Adhere to BACP ethical regulations and KSAAS therapeutic service policies and procedures Hold a reasonable caseload, consisting of: Clinical assessment of new clients to inform case load allocations Complex, high risk or specialist client cases Engage with clinical supervision sessions in line with BACP requirements General Duties Take part in staff meetings, development days, AGMs and staff training as required Develop awareness of organisational policies and procedures and support the development of policies and procedures specific to the therapeutic service Develop an awareness of health & safety, Data protection and safeguarding policies and procedures, promote these to therapeutic service staff & proactively report issues to the KSAAS s management team. Maintain own physical and psychological well being so as to be in a position to manage workload and level of responsibility, using personal therapy, clinical supervision and KSAAS EAP provisions. Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service & undertake other duties, which seem fitting for this role. Application Information Interviews for this position will be held on Friday 1st May 2026. Note that you will be required to provide proof of qualifications, proof of your right to work in the UK and 2 references if you are offered this post and will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies
Job Title: Therapeutic Service Manager Responsible To: Head of Therapeutic Services Responsible For: Operational Management of KSAAS Therapeutic Services Salary: £33,000 (With Possibility of Two Annual Incremental Increases Up to £35,000) Hours: 35 Hours Per Week Location: Canterbury (With Regular Travel To Countywide Hubs) Contract Type: Fixed term Main Purpose of The Role The Therapeutic Service Manager is responsible for operational oversight of KSAAS s therapeutic services for individuals who have experienced sexual assault or abuse, ensuring every survivor is heard, believed, and supported in ways that honour their lived experiences and diverse identities. As a service manager, you will be responsible for operational delivery of high quality, trauma informed and survivor centred therapeutic services. You will also be responsible for developing a safe, respectful and inclusive working environment, and providing high quality mentoring, role modelling, management and wellbeing support to staff working within the service. As someone who works closely with staff and survivors, you will be instrumental in evidence based development of progressive high quality, accessible services in line with staff, partner and survivor feedback Main Duties The successful candidate will be expected to: Contribute to the development of high quality, trauma informed and survivor- centred therapeutic services Effectively manage the operational delivery of high-quality specialised trauma-informed therapeutic services for survivors of sexual violence at multiple sites across Kent and Medway Act as a designated safeguarding officer, managing complex safeguarding cases and informing safeguarding policies and procedures Ensure that all therapeutic services and staff adhere to BACP (or equivalent) ethical codes and quality standards. Manage a challenging clinical caseload, including initial client assessments and providing appropriate therapeutic support for complex, high-risk or survivors with additional needs. Promote KSAAS s vision, mission & values and role model these in all aspects of your work Foster a safe, inclusive, and courageous environment and a culture of respect, support, empowerment, accountability and compassion Support the Head of Therapeutic Services in developing the organisation s therapeutic provisions, policies & procedures to ensure effective & progressive client-centred clinical services Implement high quality service delivery models and protocols in collaboration with the Head of Therapeutic Services. Oversee daily operations of the therapeutic services (e.g. manage staff caseloads, case allocation, service demand and waiting lists) across all KSAAS sites county wide, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery Attend and contribute to management and partnership meetings where appropriate. Contribute to accurate data collection & management and regular service performance reporting Build strong operational relationships with the ISVA team and operations and administration teams. Deputise for the Head of Therapeutic Services when required Case Supervision & Staff Support Assess clients and ensure that staff are allocated cases within their competency, hold appropriate caseloads & receive appropriate clinical supervision in line with BACP requirements Provide staff with attentive, robust, supportive, empowering, empathic and compassionate management Act as a Designated Safeguarding Officer & the first point of escalation for therapeutic staff regarding complex or high-risk cases, liaising with the Head of therapeutic Services where required Support staff success through induction, mentoring, shadowing, and ongoing work reviews Proactively identify training needs and wellbeing needs and contribute to ensure effective and useful staff development plans Proactively collecting data on staff and survivor experience to enable evidence-based service delivery and improvement Casework Adhere to BACP ethical regulations and KSAAS therapeutic service policies and procedures Hold a reasonable caseload, consisting of: Clinical assessment of new clients to inform case load allocations Complex, high risk or specialist client cases Engage with clinical supervision sessions in line with BACP requirements General Duties Take part in staff meetings, development days, AGMs and staff training as required Develop awareness of organisational policies and procedures and support the development of policies and procedures specific to the therapeutic service Develop an awareness of health & safety, Data protection and safeguarding policies and procedures, promote these to therapeutic service staff & proactively report issues to the KSAAS s management team. Maintain own physical and psychological well being so as to be in a position to manage workload and level of responsibility, using personal therapy, clinical supervision and KSAAS EAP provisions. Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service & undertake other duties, which seem fitting for this role. Application Information Interviews for this position will be held on Friday 1st May 2026. Note that you will be required to provide proof of qualifications, proof of your right to work in the UK and 2 references if you are offered this post and will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies
