DA & VAWG Development Lead

Overview

Are you passionate about improving the lives of victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)? Do you have the drive, expertise and strategic mindset to shape high‑quality services that make a real and lasting difference?

We’re looking for a dynamic and committed DA & VAWG Development Lead to help us deliver meaningful change for communities across Buckinghamshire. Working within our Adults and Health directorate, you'll play a pivotal role in commissioning and shaping responsive, impactful services that support and protect those affected by domestic abuse and VAWG.

If you're ready to lead, influence and innovate in a fast‑moving and purpose‑driven environment, this is your opportunity.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

About the role

As our DA & VAWG Development Lead, you’ll take the lead in planning, developing and delivering high‑quality commissioning and contract management for domestic abuse and VAWG services.

You will:

• Develop and oversee a robust commissioning and contract management framework that reflects the needs of victims and survivors across Buckinghamshire.
• Lead on procurement processes, complex contract negotiations and the implementation of new service agreements.
• Use data, insights and stakeholder feedback to shape decision‑making and ensure services consistently meet high standards.
• Strengthen relationships with stakeholders, ensuring collaboration, accountability and value for money.
• Monitor service performance, address risks, resolve issues and drive improvements where needed.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues and partners on DA & VAWG commissioning and contract management.
• Play a key role in local and national DA & VAWG developments, identifying opportunities for learning and service enhancement.
• Support the wider Community Safety team with strategic planning and delivery.
• Indirectly line‑manage DA Caseworkers and the DA & VAWG Coordinator, supporting a strong, collaborative working culture aligned with our Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy values.

You’ll work with broad direction but have plenty of opportunity to shape and influence how services are developed and delivered.

Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

You’ll bring substantial experience from a senior role within DA, VAWG, safeguarding, commissioning or a related sector. You’ll have both the professional confidence and the emotional intelligence needed to work effectively with service providers, partners and stakeholders in complex and sensitive environments.

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Proven experience commissioning or managing specialist DA & VAWG services.
• Expert knowledge of DA & VAWG policies, legislation, systems and practice.
• Strong relationship‑building, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Experience delivering service improvements, coordinating partnership work and representing your organisation in multi‑agency settings.
• Confidence using data and intelligence to evaluate performance and shape decisions.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple activities and deadlines.
• Experience writing reports, specifications, contracts or grant agreements.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent, plus a relevant professional qualification.

If you're excited by the chance to help shape the future of DA & VAWG services in Buckinghamshire, we’d love to hear from you.

Other information

To find out more about the role, please contact Steven Kensington at [email protected]

Interviews w/c 16th February 2026

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

Our values

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/