About the role
Are you an experienced manager who can lead a frontline team working with the people who cause the most harm in domestic abuse cases? Can you hold operational rigour and strategic influence at the same time, building the multi-agency infrastructure that makes risk reduction possible?
Drive is Equation’s high risk / high harm domestic abuse perpetrator intervention. Its sole aim is to reduce the risk posed by those using the highest levels of harm towards family members and/or (ex)partners, through disruption, diversion and direct behaviour-change work, delivered within a multi-agency framework.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Equation, a Nottinghamshire based, award winning and innovative charity dedicated to preventing and responding to domestic and sexual violence and abuse.
We are looking for a Drive Service Manager to lead the operational, financial and strategic delivery of the Drive project across the whole of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. You will line manage a team of four Drive Case Managers, two covering the Greater Nottingham Council area and two covering the Nottinghamshire Council area, and will be responsible for the quality, safety and impact of everything the service delivers.
The Government has confirmed the local government reorganisation of Nottinghamshire. The county’s nine existing councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities, Greater Nottingham Council and Nottinghamshire Council, with shadow elections in May 2027 and full transfer of powers on 1 April 2028 (BBC News, “Nottingham boundary to expand under council shake-up”). We are building the Drive team around these new boundaries from the outset, so that our case management and partnership work keep pace with local structures as they change.
This makes it an unusually influential time to take on the role. You will be the person who helps shape how Drive is embedded into two brand new unitary authorities, how the perpetrator panel and MARAC arrangements work across the new boundaries, and how commissioners and the Drive Partnership see the value of the service. It is a genuine opportunity to build something that lasts.
You will work collaboratively with the Head of Service, Drive Partnership, local commissioners, police, children’s social care, health, housing and the IDVA services, and will take a key role in local domestic abuse strategy partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Line managing four Drive Case Managers, including appraisals, performance reviews, case supervision and professional development, and ensuring the caseload is equitably distributed across the county. Ensuring Case Managers complete risk and needs assessments in line with the Drive operational model, and that risk management procedures are followed at all times.
- Ensuring all frontline staff have clinical supervision appropriate to their needs and in line with Drive operational requirements.
- Embedding and championing service delivery that adopts the principles of the “Support – Disrupt” continuum. Ensuring Drive plays a key role in multi-agency structures across the county, including supporting the coordination of a Matac or equivalent perpetrator panel.
- Developing and maintaining effective links with partner agencies, attending strategic and operational working groups, and developing protocols, referral procedures and joint working arrangements.
- Providing routine reports to commissioners, the Drive Central Team, funders and stakeholders, and maintaining an accurate audit trail.
- Managing budgets and reporting on key operational and financial deliverables, and supporting the Commissioner and Drive Central Team to identify and secure future funding.
- Leading regular service reviews reflecting input, output and outcome monitoring, funding streams and the views of stakeholders and Service Users.
- Acting as a champion for Drive across the county, representing the service at local and national events and delivering training and presentations as appropriate.What we’re looking for
- Experience of managing a team working with high-risk offenders or perpetrators of domestic abuse, or with vulnerable people.
- Direct experience of working with high-risk victims and/or perpetrators of domestic abuse, and with people with complex needs or challenging behaviour.
- A track record of developing, influencing and encouraging partnership working, both case-by-case and at a strategic level, with the political sensitivity that multi-agency work requires.
- Previous attendance at Marac as a representative or chair, and a strong understanding of the Marac process strategically and operationally.
- Experience of implementing an effective and supportive case management supervision process.
- Programme management skills, including budget management and reporting on operational and financial deliverables.
- Excellent organisational, report-writing and communication skills, and excellent crisis management skills.
- A track record in leading projects and developing new service provision and the appetite to do that again as the new authorities take shape.
- A full driving licence, access to a motor vehicle, and willingness to travel across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
- A relevant degree, vocational qualification, or equivalent significant experience.
Posts available 1 (Covering the whole of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire)
Location In person at Equation offices, community venues and partner agency sites across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, with travel across the county required
Salary £33,224.71 pa
Hours Fixed Term, full-time, 37 hours per week
Reports to Head of Service: Perpetrator Projects
How to apply
Applications can be made via our recruitment portal on our website: Service Manager – Drive Project | Equation
For any questions or further information about the role , please email [email protected]. CVs cannot be accepted.
Closing date
9am on 21 September 2026
Safeguarding
Equation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and to work in accordance with our safeguarding policies and procedures.
The successful candidate will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references covering the past five years, and completion of our safeguarding disclosure questionnaire.
This post involves regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults.
Equation operates a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, discrimination, bullying, harassment or exploitation. We are dedicated to creating a safe environment where everyone we work with feels protected and able to speak up if they have concerns.
Pay: £33,224.71 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Only applications Via our website are reviewed by the Recruitment Panel: Please apply here: https://equation.org.uk/service-manager-drive-project/
Work Location: In person
