Bridge - IDVA Drive Programme

Job Introduction

Are you an experienced IDVA ready to use your skills where they can have the greatest impact?  This is a rare opportunity to join the nationally recognised Drive Project in Bradford, working as part of a coordinated, whole-system response to high-harm domestic abuse.  The Drive Project is not a pilot or test programme; it is a well-established national model currently being rolled out across England, reflecting sustained national commitment to reducing risk, strengthening safety, and improving outcomes for victim-survivors, children and families. In Bradford, the service will be delivered by The Bridge Project in partnership with the Drive Central Team and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and will be fully embedded within local safeguarding and partnership arrangements from the outset.

The Drive Project works with individuals who pose the highest risk of causing serious harm within intimate or family relationships. The programme combines intensive individual case management with a coordinated multi-agency response, creating the conditions for accountability, behaviour change and sustained risk reduction, while keeping victim and survivor safety at the centre of all activity.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a purpose-built service, bringing together skilled practitioners across roles to work collectively, safely and effectively to reduce serious harm and increase safety for children and adults. If you are an experienced, values-led practitioner who is ready to make a meaningful difference in Bradford, we would welcome your application.

The team will operate with fidelity to the Drive model, a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework, balancing challenge and accountability with engagement and support. Staff will work closely with a range of systems and services, such as police, probation, children’s and adult safeguarding, housing, health and specialist adult and child domestic abuse services to ensure a coordinated and effective response to high-risk harm and victim/ survivor safety. 

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for a skilled, values-driven practitioner who is committed to reducing harm and improving safety for children and adults affected by domestic abuse. You will bring relevant professional experience, strong assessment, engagement and communication skills, and the ability to work confidently with complexity, risk and challenge. We are seeking people who can balance clear boundaries and accountability with empathy, curiosity and respect, and who are able to work reflectively within a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework.

You will be comfortable working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and in close partnership with other agencies, sharing information appropriately and contributing to collective decision-making. We are particularly keen to hear from people who value learning, supervision and reflective practice, and who want to help shape and embed a high-quality service within a well-established national model.

We are looking to build a team that reflects the breadth of Bradford’s communities and can work confidently, respectfully and effectively with individuals and families across the city. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value cultural awareness, curiosity and competence.  Relevant language skills are also welcomed and valued.

Why Work at The Bridge Project?

As well as offering meaningful and rewarding work, The Bridge Project is a well-established Bradford charity with over 40 years’ experience, employing more than 120 staff across the district.  We deliver a wide range of integrated services supporting people affected by domestic abuse, substance use, homelessness, mental health challenges, and complex trauma. Our work is rooted in compassion, partnership, and a strong commitment to reducing harm and creating lasting change.

Funding and Retention

The Drive Programme is currently funded through a Home Office national programme. While funding beyond March 2027 remains subject to government spending reviews and funding cycles, Drive is a well-established, evidence-based model that is currently under national roll-out, reflecting continued national prioritisation of whole-system responses to high-harm domestic abuse.

In recognition of the commitment involved in joining a time-limited, externally funded programme, the organisation offers a £2,000 retention payment. This will be paid through the March 2027 payroll to staff who successfully complete the full funded period. The payment is guaranteed and will be made regardless of whether the programme continues beyond this date.

What we’re Offering

• Competitive salary that reflects your skills and contribution
• 32 days of annual leave to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside work
• 5% employer pension contribution to support your long‑term financial security
• A dedicated Learning & Development programme to help you grow and progress
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential advice whenever you need it
• Death‑in‑service benefit worth three times your salary for added peace of mind
• Refer‑a‑friend bonus of £500 when you help us bring great people on board
• Two hours of monthly wellbeing time to pause, connect, and reset with your team
• A programme of mindfulness activities to boost focus on overall wellbeing
• Access to a Blue Light Card, giving you discounts across hundreds of retailers, restaurants, and leisure brands.

The Bridge Project is proud to be a Mindful Employer, championing a workplace where wellbeing truly matters.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact Emma Sirrell, Service Manager on emma.sirrell@bradford-drive.org.uk  

To find out more information and to download an application pack, please visit Jobs and Volunteering - The Bridge Project  

Please note that we are unable to accept CVs or applications from employment agencies.

Closing date – 9.00 am Monday 17 August 2026

Shortlisting date – Monday 17 August 2026

Interview date – Wednesday 19 August 2026 and pm Friday 21 August 2026

The Bridge Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and to creating safe, inclusive services.  All staff are expected to share this commitment.