Frontline Programme SOP Freelance Writer (Female o...
Be Part of Meaningful Change
Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a new CEO, refreshed Senior Leadership Team, and an ambitious vision for the future, we are laying the foundations for a bold new organisational strategy.Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
This role is offered on a consultancy/project basis rather than as a salaried position. Renumeration will be agreed as a total project budget, not a salary, and will reflect the scope and deliverables of the assignment.There are no fixed weekly working hours. The consultant will have up to three months to complete the agreed deliverables and may determine how and when the work is undertaken within this timeframe (for example, delivering the work in a shorter period if preferred).
The role is not office-based. Meetings will take place as required with the Director of Programmes, either virtually or in person, to support progress and delivery.
About the Role
We are now seeking a Frontline Programme SOP Freelance Writer to join our Programmes Department on a temporary basis at this pivotal time for the organisation.The successful candidate will be a highly skilled and sensitive Programme SOP Writer, responsible for developing clear, ethical, and trauma‑informed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across our services, ensuring consistency, safeguarding, and best practice in service delivery.
This role is critical to ensuring safe, consistent, and high-quality support for survivors, while strengthening safeguarding, compliance, and operational excellence.
You will work closely with frontline staff, safeguarding leads, and leadership to document and improve processes across support services, ensuring all procedures reflect feminist principles and survivor-centred care.
Interview Process
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, conducted via MS Teams.
Stage one: MS Teams with the Director of Programmes and two other panel members.
The whole process from advertisement to appointment, may take up to 1 - 3 weeks.
Due to the urgent need for support, applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
Our vision: A world free from sexual violence, where survivors are believed, respected and supported.
Our mission: To provide high‑quality, specialist support and to challenge the structures that enable sexual violence.
What You Will Do
Map and document end-to-end processes across all four frontline support services (e.g., intake, risk assessment, case management, referrals, crisis response)Develop trauma-informed, survivor-centred SOPs that prioritise safety, dignity, and confidentiality
Collaborate with frontline practitioners to capture real-world workflows and best practices
Ensure SOPs align with safeguarding policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards (e.g., data protection, confidentiality, consent)
Standardise documentation formats, language, and terminology across programmes
Identify gaps, risks, and inconsistencies in current processes and recommend improvements
Support the integration of feminist principles into operational procedures
Produce practical guidance documents to support staff training and onboarding
Create processes for regular reviews and updates of SOPs to reflect evolving best practice and legislation
About You
Person Specification - Essential
Proven experience writing SOPs, operational manuals, or process documentation in sensitive service environmentsStrong understanding of trauma-informed practice and survivor-centred approaches
Experience working with or within services supporting survivors of sexual violence, domestic abuse, or similar contexts
Excellent written communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive subject matter appropriately
Strong stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with frontline practitioners
High attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality and ethical standards
Desirable
Comprehensive, trauma-informed SOPs for all key programme areasProcess maps and workflows for service delivery pathways
SOP templates and documentation standards
Recommendations for strengthening safeguarding, consistency, and service quality
What You Bring
Commitment to feminist, survivor‑led practiceAnti‑racist and anti‑discriminatory values
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Commitment to learning, reflection and self‑care
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors, children, young people and adults at risk. All staff have a shared responsibility for promoting safety and wellbeing.
This includes:
Promoting the safety and wellbeing of service usersIdentifying and reporting safeguarding concerns
Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures
Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported
Our safer recruitment processes include:
Values‑based interviewsVerification of identity, qualifications and employment history
Reference checks
DBS checks (enhanced or basic, depending on the role)
Safeguarding training and ongoing supervision
Equality, Feminism and Inclusion
RCSL is an equal opportunities employer. Our work is rooted in feminist principles that recognise sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality.We particularly welcome applications from women who are under‑represented in roles within the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), charity, social impact sector.
Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments
We recognise that experiences of sexual violence are shaped by intersecting factors including:
Race and ethnicityDisability
Sexuality and gender identity
Socio‑economic background
Immigration status
Faith and culture
We are committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive workplace.
Applicants are encouraged to tell us if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, such as:
Alternative interview timingsAdditional time for written tasks
Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs
Learning and Development
As a charity undergoing growth and transformation, we welcome colleagues who are committed to ongoing learning and professional development. We provide induction, supervision, and development opportunities appropriate to the role.
The interview will explore experience and approach to:
SafeguardingEquality, diversity and inclusion
Feminist and trauma‑informed practice
Role‑specific responsibilities
Role‑specific assessment details
Post holder will be required to undertake either Enhanced or Basic DBSThis post is open to women only and is a Genuine Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 (where applicable).
How to Apply
Please submit:
Your CV A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role Applications should be sent in PDF format to (no more than a 1000 words)Closing date: until filled Interview date(s): on a rolling basis
Thank you for your interest in RCSL. If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.We encourage you to follow us on LinkedIn @rapecrisissouthlondon for future opportunities and updates.
AI in Job Applications
We understand that some candidates use AI tools when applying. While we welcome technology to support clear communication, your application should reflect your own skills, knowledge and experience.