Refuge Manager

Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization in the UK is seeking a Refuge Manager to provide interim leadership for their accommodation-based services, supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. This role offers an opportunity to manage daily operations and lead a dedicated staff team in a trauma-informed environment. The position is temporary, with potential for longer-term employment, and requires strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a refuge or domestic abuse service.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding and trauma-informed approaches.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and on-call commitments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality refuge support.
• Oversee daily operations and staff supervision.
• Act as safeguarding lead to prioritize the welfare of women and children.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Understanding of safeguarding

Financial management

Job description

Role: Refuge Manager

Location: Buckinghamshire (exact location confidential)

Contract Type: Temporary - approximately 3 to 6 months, with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate

Hours: 37 hours per week across 5 days - flexibility required, including some evening and on‑call duties

Rate: Negotiable, dependent on experience

An established charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse is seeking an experienced Refuge Manager to provide interim leadership for their accommodation-based services. This is an initial 3-6 month contract, with the potential for a longer-term or permanent opportunity for the right individual.

The successful candidate will oversee the day‑to‑day running of the refuge, lead a committed staff team, and ensure the service continues to operate safely, efficiently, and in line with best practice standards. You'll play a key role in maintaining a trauma‑informed environment that empowers residents to rebuild their lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑quality refuge support
• Oversee daily operations, staff supervision, and service delivery
• Manage budgets, occupancy levels, and compliance with policies and procedures
• Act as safeguarding lead, ensuring the welfare of women and children is prioritised
• Support staff development through regular supervision and appraisal
• Foster effective working relationships with partner agencies and funders
• Respond appropriately to incidents, complaints, and emergencies
• Provide cover for staff absences and participate in the on‑call rota when required

Requirements

• Proven experience managing a refuge, supported housing, or domestic abuse service
• Strong leadership and staff management skills
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and trauma‑informed approaches
• Financial and operational management experience within a similar setting
• Excellent communication and partnership‑building skills
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to obtain one)
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings/on‑call commitments
• A driving licence and access to a vehicle would be an advantage

Supporting Futures Consulting acts as both an employer and an agency