News
Parents, Carers and Other Trusted Adults Resource
We’ve developed a resource for parents, carers, and other trusted adults in responding to disclosures of sexual violence.
We are recruiting for Trustees (Volunteers)
We are currently recruiting for Trustees to join our Board.
- Are you committed to supporting the work of a specialist service for survivors of sexual violence?
- Do you have skills in (or would like to develop skills in) leadership, governance, strategy development, finance, human resources, communications, decision-making and more?
- Have a minimum of five hours per month to spare?
We want to hear from you!
We are keen to promote diversity and welcome applications from women of diverse backgrounds. We are also keen to encourage women with an interest, and/or skills and experience, in finance and fundraising to apply. No previous experience of being on a Board is required as induction and training will be provided. Only women need apply under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
If you would like more information, or a recruitment pack, please Contact us
Young Shetlander presents survey results on perceptions of sexual violence
Gracie Gowans-Little, a high-school graduate, has compiled her findings for a Social Science Baccalaureate project started while in S6. The “Perceptions of sexual violence in Shetland” project was created out of a genuine interest in the topic and a gap within the research sphere.
Gracie says she “wanted to raise awareness about sexual violence in Shetland due to the culturing of silencing survivors and challenging social norms.”
There were 325 responses to her online survey which informed the depth of this project.
Information on Spiking
We're aware there's been a lot of concern and conversation about spiking in Shetland recently. While we cannot comment on individual cases, for anyone concerned about spiking, we have compiled some information that we hope helps to inform people about this issue and how you can help prevent it and keep those affected safe from further harm.
ABOUT SPIKING
Spiking is the colloquial term for when a person is drugged without their knowledge or consent. People may spike others for many reasons, including to humiliate; to assert power; to show off to others; and/or to enable further crimes such as theft, sexual assault, and rape.
We are recruiting! Managing Director (aka Service Manager)
Download the Managing Director Recruitment Pack below
- About The Compass Centre - Managing Director
- Job Description & Person Specification - Managing Director
- Application Form - Managing Director
Overview
- Job Title: Managing Director (aka Service Manager)
- Closing date: 9am on Monday 24th February 2025
- Interviews: Weeks of 24th February and 3rd March (may be subject to change)
This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at Shetland Rape Crisis (SRC), based in The Compass Centre in Lerwick. As our most senior employee, the Managing Director provides strategic leadership and direct day-to-day service management for the organisation in order to achieve our Mission & Vision.
You will inspire a culture of trust, progress and justice through a strong intersectional feminist ethos and approach, driving change and development, and promoting empowerment, courage, equity, diversity and collaboration at all levels. You will ensure that The Compass Centre continues to meet its strategic priorities and outcomes via the safe, sustainable, and impactful delivery of our charitable activities and services for Shetlanders affected by sexual violence.
You will be supported to grow in your own practice and values-base, and robust training and induction will be provided to ensure you are able to carry out the full responsibilities of the role.
Key Information
- Reporting to: Board of Trustees
- Member of: Senior Management Team (Managing Director, Finance & Office Manager, Support & Development Manager)
- Line-managing: Finance & Office Manager and Support & Development Manager
- Working hours: 35hr p/w. Open to negotiation but must be able to cover the centre during business hours & attend board meetings approx. 2hrs p/m outside hours.
- Salary: FTE £45,599.50. Includes £2,549 Distant Islands Allowance.
- Location: Lerwick, Shetland
- Annual leave: FTE 30 days & 12 public holidays / total 294hrs per year (pro-rata)
- Pension: 8% employer’s contribution
- Restrictions: Only women need apply under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. We encourage applications from those with lived experience, but we cannot consider applications from current service users or ex-service users who are less than 1 year since leaving service.
- Contracted to: The post is funded until 31 March 2026 by The Scottish Government’s Delivering Equally Safe Fund. Contracts are re-issued annually upon confirmation of funding. The post holder will be responsible, alongside senior management and the Board, to ensure continued funding thereafter.
Key Responsibilities
1. Supporting Strong Governance
You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, supporting them to fulfil their duties in line with Feminist Governance Principles & Practice, and ensuring they are equipped to represent SRC and take decisions that support the safe and impactful delivery of our services and activities in line with our strategy, ethos, and all relevant legislative and quality assurance frameworks.
2. Strategic Leadership & Development
You will lead on the delivery of SRC’s Strategy 2024-26 and associated annual business plan, including ensuring that all planned activities and developments effectively contribute towards SRC’s core standards, strategic priorities, and are in line with our intersectional feminist ethos and approach. For 2026-27 and beyond, you will further direct, shape, and develop SRC’s strategic approach, prioritising survivor-input, safety, impact, and sustainability.
3. Operational Management & Oversight
You will be responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the service, ensuring that SRC continues to meet its core obligations and has robust feedback and reporting processes in place. This includes providing line-management; taking part in annual reviews; leading regular team meetings; writing funding reports and applications; overseeing cases in service; and more.
4. Quality Assurance, & Compliance
You will ensure that SRC’s activities are delivered safely; in line with policy and procedure; and are compliant with all relevant legislative and quality assurance frameworks. As the most senior employee, you will act as the organisation’s Data Controller, Safeguarding Lead, Health & Safety Lead, and Human Resources Lead, and have a thorough grasp of these responsibilities.
5. Representing & Developing SRC’s Profile, Reach, & Influence
You will be the most senior employee representing SRC locally, regionally, and nationally. You will champion our cause; build and strengthen partnerships; present at events; oversee the direction of SRC’s communications and campaigns; and look for opportunities to increase reach and impact in order to achieve positive change in service of our aims and outcomes.