Adult Counselling Clinical Lead (Fixed Term – 9 months) Female only applicants
Salary: 41,000 – £43,000 (dependent on experience and qualification)
Location: East Croydon with option of hybrid working
Application Deadline: 30/09/2026
Be Part of Meaningful Change
Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter.
With a strengthened leadership team and an ambitious vision for the future, we are building on our foundations to deliver a bold and impactful organisational strategy.
We are now seeking an Adult Counselling Clinical Lead to join our Adult Counselling Team at this pivotal time.
This opportunity is available as either a fixed‐term appointment or a secondment opportunity within the Alliance (9 months).
As a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, prevention education, and professional training.
With an annual income of approximately £4 million, we are growing and strengthening our infrastructure to better serve survivors and communities.
About the Role
This is a key leadership role providing clinical, operational and strategic oversight of our Adult Counselling service.
You will play a central role in ensuring safe, effective and high‐quality support for survivors, while driving continuous improvement and contributing to organisational strategy.
What You'll Do
Lead the clinical delivery and governance of the Adult Counselling service
Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Oversee risk, safeguarding and complex case management
Manage, support and develop a multidisciplinary team
Drive service improvements through data, insight and evaluation
Contribute to strategic planning and service development
Manage budgets and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks




Represent RCSL externally and build strong partnerships
About You
You are a compassionate, experienced clinical leader with a strong commitment to feminist, trauma‐informed practice.
Person Specification
Essential
Qualification in counselling/psychotherapy and membership of a recognised UK professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP)
Significant experience supporting survivors of sexual violence
Minimum 600 hours post‐qualification supervised practice
Robust safeguarding and risk management expertise
Experience of leading teams and managing services
Desirable
Accredited membership
Clinical supervision qualification
Experience within the VAWG sector
Additional language skills
What You Bring
Deep understanding of trauma‐informed practice and the impact of sexual violence
Strong leadership, decision‐making and communication skills
A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
The ability to foster a safe, supportive and high‐performing team culture
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors and service users.
The post holder will contribute to maintaining the organisation's safeguarding standards.
Promoting the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk
Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns
Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures
Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe,



respected and supported
Safer Recruitment Processes
Values‐based interviews
Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history
Reference checks
Enhanced DBS checks where required
Safeguarding training and supervision
Equality, Feminist Commitment and Values
Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments
Race and ethnicity
Disability
Sexuality and gender identity
Socioeconomic background
Immigration status
Faith and culture
Our work is grounded in feminist principles, recognising sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality.
We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality.
Applicants are encouraged to let us know if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, such as:
Alternative interview formats or timings
Additional time for written tasks
Accessible documentation
Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs
Learning and Development
As a charity undergoing transformation and growth, we welcome colleagues who are committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Interview Process
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, conducted via MS Teams.
Stage one: MS Teams with the Interim Head of Therapeutic Services and two other panel members.
The whole process from advertisement to appointment may take up to 3‐4 weeks.
Post holder will be required to undertake Enhanced DBS.
Equal Opportunities
This post is open to women only (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1, Equality Act ****).
We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
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