April 2026
Governance, Operations and Management Officer, (9 month fixed term contract)*
18 hours per week across 3 days onsite, £32,136 per annum pro rata + 5% benefits package
This is a pivotal role that helps ensure the charity operates efficiently, transparently, and in line with governance and compliance requirements. The postholder will report directly to the CEO, support the Board of Trustees and also support the SMT by handling other tasks that enable the team to focus on priorities, that are core to and enhance the charitable objectives of the service and its operational running.
The role requires a highly organised, proactive individual who is comfortable and has experience working with senior staff and trustees, handling sensitive information, and managing multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail. Experience in charity governance, compliance or policy management is essential, as is the ability to work independently while contributing to a small, collaborative team.
For more detail on the role, please click the links below:
Job description and person specification
How to apply
Please apply by submitting a CV and a covering email/letter outlining why you want to join our team to hello@swsda.org.uk
*This post it is only open to female applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Volunteer Roles
Trustees (A few hours each week)
Join Us as a Trustee, Help Change Lives
Are you passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of those affected by domestic abuse? We’re looking for a number of dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our charity as we continue to grow and strengthen our impact.
About Us
We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information for anyone affected by domestic abuse living in the Boroughs of Guildford and Waverley. Last year we helped over 1,000 survivors in our area.
Our work changes lives by empowering survivors to live a life free from harm. We deliver adult outreach services including one to one and group support, recovery and wellbeing programmes. We also offer a range of specialist domestic abuse services including support for children and young people, advocacy for members of the LGBTQ+ population and help for those living with a disability.
We are a member of the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership, a group of four charities working together across the whole of Surrey to support survivors of domestic abuse and to build a future where it is not tolerated. We are also a member of Women’s Aid. The Service is primarily funded by a combination of Police, Government, Local Authority and other grants.
The Role and Time Commitment
As a Trustee, you’ll play a key role in guiding the strategic direction and governance of the charity. We are particularly interested in, but not limited to, applicants with skills and experience in the following:
- IT or digital transformation
- Marketing, PR or communications
- Legal expertise
You’ll work closely with fellow Trustees and senior staff to strengthen our profile, build connections, and ensure the charity remains resilient and sustainable. This is a voluntary, part time position. We estimate that Trustees will need to dedicate a few hours each week with more time and energy needed in the first 6-12 months as the new role takes shape.
Board meetings are quarterly, plus special meetings if needed. Board members attend the Board meetings near Godalming in person, though can attend online if circumstances demand. Reasonable Trustee expenses are remunerated.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Shares our commitment to ending domestic abuse and supporting survivors
- Understands or is happy to learn about the dynamics of abuse toward women and girls and anti-oppressive practice.
- Brings professional judgement, expertise and reflective practice
- Understands the importance of good governance and strategic oversight
- Has good IT literacy skills, comfortable with cloud-based IT systems with 2FA including Microsoft 365.
- Values inclusion, equality, and empowerment
Why Join Us?
- Play a vital role in a well-established, respected local charity
- Help shape strategy and ensure long-term sustainability
- Work alongside a dedicated and supportive Board and staff team
- Gain valuable experience in charity governance
- Use your skills to create lasting social impact
How to Apply
If you’re interested in using your expertise to support a cause that matters, we’d love to hear from you. Please email hello@swsda.org.uk to organise an informal conversation with one of our Trustees.
A disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service is required for this post.
Community Re-engagement Volunteers (0.5 days – 2 days a week)
Survivors of domestic abuse can struggle to re-engage in the community after their traumatic experiences. We are looking for a number of volunteers to help support survivors to build their confidence and self-esteem and act as their ‘companion’ when taking part in everyday community-based activities. For example, you might accompany them to a local National Trust, a knit and natter group or simply meet for a coffee and a chat in a local café. Expenses for both volunteer and survivor will be covered.
We envisage that this will be for half a day to 1 day a week depending on how much time you can commit and how many survivors you may wish to support.
Donations and Distribution Volunteers (ad hoc)
We are looking for two volunteers to help distribute posters and leaflets to sites around Waverley and Guildford Boroughs (including pharmacies, clothing stores and restaurants) as well as sort and deliver donations to survivors and their children near Easter and Christmas.
This is an ad hoc role perhaps 2-4 times a year.
If you are interested in any of the roles above, please email hello@swsda.org.uk.
