Job Title: Training and Education Officer
Location: Liverpool (with travel as required)
Contract: Part-time (Fixed term 12 months)
Salary: £28,500 – per annum pro rata
Hours: 3 days per week
Reporting to: Training and Development Manager

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Savera UK provide all staff with:

• Holiday: 28 annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Training and Development: Savera UK provides training and development opportunities
• Wellbeing: external supervision and other wellbeing opportunities
• Pension: Employer contribution of 3% gross of employment

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Primary purpose of the role

We are looking for a passionate and experienced individual to take the role of the Training and Education Officer to join our team and support the delivery and development of our training and education project.

In this role, you will:

• Work closely with the Training and Development Manager to assist and support the development and delivery of our training and education project across services.
• Support the Education and Youth Education Coordinator, where appropriate to deliver the youth education programmes
• To work closely with the wider Savera UK team to collaborate and assist with any relevant information around the training and education engagement

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How to Apply 

Data published by the Home Office today has revealed a 7 per cent increase in ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) related offences and a 13 per cent increase in HBA-related incidents reported to police in England and Wales.

According to the statistics, to the year ending March 2025, there were 2,949 HBA related offences, up from 2,755 last year. The number of HBA-related incidents* also increased from 1,810 to 2,047.

Of all HBA-related offences, 109 were female genital mutilation (FGM) (vs 111 last year) and 125 were forced marriage, down from 201 last year.

In Merseyside, where Savera UK operates its direct intervention service, there was a 16 per cent decrease in HBA-related offences, but a 14 per cent increase in HBA-related incidents, and in Cheshire, where the direct intervention team also works, there was a 27 per cent increase in HBA-related offences. Only five HBA-related incidents were recorded in Cheshire, up from zero the previous year. 

Analysis of the data suggests that the overall increase in offences has been driven by a 35 per cent increase in those recorded by the Metropolitan Police Service following the implementation of their new crime recording system in February 2024. Conversely, HBA-related incidents recorded by South Yorkshire Police fell from 233 to 64, due to a change in their local processes in recording HBA incidents.

The number of HBA-related offences recorded by police in England and Wales has fluctuated between 2,755 and 3,008 over the last five years, with trends affected by challenges in data collection, changes in crime recording practices, identification of what constitutes HBA and the willingness of survivors and those at risk to report to police.

Savera UK CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, said: “The data published today is a stark indicator of the vital need for significant improvement in data collection regarding HBA and harmful practices and the urgent need for a statutory definition for HBA, which alongside sector partners and the government we are working to create. 

“Such a definition would mean better identification by police, improved protection of survivors, accurate data collection and more consistent reporting, which in turn leads to appropriate resource allocation through informed decision-making.

“Today’s figures also only show those offences and incidents reported to police, and only forces in England and Wales. They do not include data on referrals made into specialist services like Savera UK, so are not a true indicator of the scale of the issue.

“For example, to the year ending March 2025 in Merseyside and Cheshire, only 55 HBA-related offences and 262 HBA-related incidents were reported. In the same period, Savera UK, which is just one service in the sector addressing these issues, directly helped 339 clients, had 293 new referrals (including 94 from Cheshire) and received 677 calls to its helpline and via its online referral channels.

“Consider this difference multiplied over the other services around the UK who are helping people affected by HBA and harmful practices, and the disparity becomes clear. As well as a statutory definition, there needs to be a collaborative and centralised process for collecting not just police data, but also data compiled by specialist services working on the frontline.

“HBA is complex and nuanced and also frequently interplays with a host of other harmful practices, not solely FGM and forced marriage which are identified in this data. It is also vital that within the statutory definition and guidance, other harmful practices,  like conversion ‘therapy’ and spiritual abuse, are recognised and accounted for.

“This would allow us to realise the true scale of the issue and ensure that survivors/those at risk do not fall through the gaps that may be left if harmful practices are not fully integrated into any definition/guidance. 

“Much progress has been made over the past five years in collection and reporting of this data, but there is still more work to be done if we are to better understand HBA and harmful practices, where they happen and how, and work to end them for good.”

*These cover incidents reported to the police that, following investigation, do not amount to an offence according to the National Crime Recording Standard.

New research released on Wednesday 15th October by the University of Lancashire and hailed by MPs as a ‘break-through for breaking free’, shows a special scheme to provide domestic abuse survivors with safe housing options prevents their homelessness, supports their safety, and can save councils money.

The research, which evaluates the “Domestic Abuse Whole Housing Approach” delivered by Cheshire East Council and the charity Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (STADA) has been welcomed by MPs, The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, and survivor groups.

As part of the pilot, Savera UK worked with Cheshire East Council and STADA to gather insight from lived experience, conducting a focus group with its clients who had experienced or were experiencing HBA and/or harmful practices to explore both the barriers and successes encountered.

Savera UK is also one of the organisations that worked to develop a charter that aims to guide Local Authorities and their partners to engage meaningfully with “By and For” organisations, and the charity’s work addressing HBA and harmful practices in Cheshire has been shared as an example of best practice.

Sophie*, one of the survivors of domestic abuse who benefited from the scheme said: “I’m no longer scared inside my house… I’m grateful for all the help I’ve had… I just can’t wait to start this new life.”

Speaking in advance of the research launch event in London Paula Barker MP, co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Ending Homelessness, said: “This is a break-through for breaking-free. These results make a clear case for Councils to invest in a range of safe and dignified options for survivors and their children.

“Whether it’s funding for fitting new locks, or swap schemes with other Councils to enable a victim to move out of the area, finally we have a cost-effective plan for councils who have a duty to do right for victims of abuse, including children.”

Along with colleague, Dave Robertson MP, for Lichfield, Paula Barker MP has written to the Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government to encourage him to learn the lessons of the pilot.

Speaking about the Whole Housing Approach scheme, Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, said: “It’s critical for experts and practitioners across England and Wales. It’s really exceptional work. It’s broadening our ambition, giving concrete evaluation and insight into the kinds of things that we need to do more of.”

The new research shows that 98% of survivors at risk of homelessness and owed support by the local authority were prevented from becoming homeless. It also showed that the scheme saved Councils more money than it cost and generated over £10 saving for every £1 spent for the wider public sector, thanks to costs avoided like police time and NHS responses.

Tens of thousands of people are made homeless or are at risk of homelessness each year due to domestic abuse (DA)** often with devastating consequences for victims and their children. Equally, the prospect of homelessness can trap victims in dangerous, abusive homes.

Afrah Qassim, CEO of Savera UK, said: “The Whole Housing Approach project is an outstanding example of how, when local authorities meaningfully engage specialist services and survivors, they can considerably improve outcomes, such as increased feelings of safety and reduced anxiety. We fully support the approach championed by Cheshire East Council and Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse and thank our clients for their participation in the project.”

Emma Storey, Director of Housing at STADA, said: “Housing help for domestic abuse victims often focuses on the moment of crisis – like the moment when a woman takes the decision to flee with a child in each hand a rucksack over her shoulder. Help then is crucial. But we need to be better at stopping those awful crises from ever happening. We can do this by supporting victims to stay safe in their own homes or with relocation, or by removing perpetrators. This research gives Councils a blueprint for action.”

*not her real name

**https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-homelessness-domestic-abuse-cohort-data-2022-23

Bradford Crown Court this week saw the horrific case of a man jailed for sex abuse and ‘marrying’ a fifteen-year old girl, who was groomed and had been sexually abused by men from the age of 13, abuse that continued when she was in a Bradford children’s home.

Shockingly the wedding, which took place in the early 2000s, was also attended by the girl’s key social worker, despite concerns from care home staff that she was being exploited

The trial at Bradford Crown Court heard that following the Islamic marriage ceremony Zulqurnean forced the victim to wear Islamic dress, eat a halal diet and stopped her from seeing family because they were “non-believers.” He was also reported to have sometimes locked the victim in a cellar, sexually abused her and deprived her of food, education and medical care.

He was found guilty of rape and indecent assault and jailed in May for a minimum of 18 years but that was increased to 23 years by appeal court judges.

More than a case of horrific abuse, this is a clear example of the abject failure of social services in their duty to protect the girl. 

Speaking anonymously about her ordeal, she said: “This was far more than a grooming case. This was an institutional scandal and no one cared for my wellbeing. I was married to an abuser. How could a child marry? Social services enabled it.” 

Speaking to the BBC, She added: “I was on a care order but I wasn’t protected at all, and the systems that were meant to protect me enabled my abuse.”

According to a BBC report into the case, the victim’s former key social worker was questioned by police on suspicion of malfeasance in public office, but no further action was taken.

Savera UK CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, said: “This is a truly shocking case of abuse and violation of human rights, not just by the direct perpetrators of abuse but by the social care professional who allowed a child to be married and failed in their duty of care to her.

“We understand from working with professionals on the front line that identifying and stopping harmful practices can be challenging, but we work tirelessly to highlight that these practices can never be excused by culture or faith and that it is not culturally insensitive to call out abuse, it is a professional obligation.

“Although not illegal at the time of the marriage, this was always abuse and a violation of the girl’s human rights and her social worker should have been the person to protect and safeguard her from harm. The authorities failed in this and reading the survivor’s comments, it is clear that their actions and those of her abusers have had a devastating effect on her life.

“Child marriage is now illegal in England and Wales, under the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022, which makes it a criminal offence to do anything intended to cause a child to marry before they turn 18. 

“But many harmful practices that are wrongly excused as culture or tradition still happen in the UK and social workers and other frontline staff must do more to understand the indicators and respond appropriately to ensure that no-one suffers like this young woman has. This case highlights institutional failure that allows human rights violations to take place and cannot and must not be accepted.

“We commend the bravery of the women in speaking out about her abuse and being instrumental in bringing her perpetrators to justice. We stand in solidarity with her and hope that she is receiving the help she needs to move forward in her life.”

You can read more about the case here.

An event led by Savera UK separating culture from human rights violations this weekend brought music, dance and celebration to Liverpool city centre and the iconic Bombed Out Church.

The day began with our annual “March to End ‘Honour’-Based Abuse (HBA) and Harmful Practices”, led by Savera UK patron Nazir Afzal OBE, Merseyside PCC, Emily Spurrell, partners Zonta UK and event sponsors Maria Fogg Family Law and Helplines Partnership.

Marchers carried placards highlighting the issues of HBA, forced and child marriage, conversion ‘therapy’, virginity testing, as well as messages of hope from survivors. They were accompanied by Katumba Drumming and Movement, bringing a melting post of UK club beats and music from the carnivals of Northeast Brazil, renowned percussionist Felix Ngindu and dance group Movema, making a powerful statement that these issues happen in Merseyside and are not culture, but are all human rights abuses.

To celebrate Savera UK’s 15 years of working – in Merseyside and nationally – to end HBA and harmful practices, the march culminated in a festival –  “Culture at the Bombed Out Church” – which saw poetry from the Savera UK Youth Collective and community advocates, readings from survivors and  further staged performances through the day from Katumba, Movema, Felix Ngindu, as well as Sattvika Arts & Cultural Centre, MD Productions, Dee Sign BSL Choir and Wavertree Community Gospel Choir, all introduced by host Alex Young aka Motormouf.

There were also free children’s storytelling sessions presented in partnership with Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF), Tai Chi demonstrations from Pagoda Arts, free henna painting, games, stalls, a raffle and an exhibition of community artworks.

Closing the event Afrah Qassim, Savera UK CEO and Founder, said: “For 15 years we have worked tirelessly to raise awareness that HBA and harmful practices do happen here in Merseyside and in the UK. They aren’t part of culture, and they aren’t just limited to certain communities. They can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or background.

“Harm in the name of ‘honour’ is not culture. Forced marriage is not culture. FGM is not culture. Conversion ‘therapy’ is not culture. They are human rights abuses, and they are a problem for us all and we can only end them by working together.

“Thank you to everyone who has stood with us today and for the last 15 years. We hope you will join us for the next 15 years and beyond, until we achieve our vision for a world without HBA and harmful practices, where no-one has to live in fear.”

Established in 2010, for its first six years Savera UK was run by a small team of volunteers, providing advice on HBA and harmful practices to frontline professionals and raising public awareness. In 2016, its first major grant* allowed the charity to set up its direct intervention team, directly helping with survivors and those at risk to leave abusive environments.

The weekend’s event, which was also supported by FPC and venue partner, St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, is just one in a programme of events marking Savera UK’s milestone year. There will also be a community awareness day at the PAL Centre 10am – 3pm on 9th October 2025, a free online awareness session on Modern Slavery relating to ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) On 14th October 2025, and a free online event for professionals on Wednesday 10th December 2025 ‘HBA and Harmful Practices Happen Here – Responding As A Frontline Professional’.

Images by Andrew AB Photography

Last month Savera UK spoke out about the racially motivated rape of a Sikh woman in Oldbury in the West Midlands. Just over one month later we are outraged to learn that a man has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated rape in Walsall, a separate incident.

West Midlands police said a woman, in her 20s, had been raped and assaulted by a man she did not know. A 32-year-old man was arrested just before 7am on Monday 27th October  in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham and will be questioned.

In the Oldbury incident last month a woman reported being attacked by two men on Tuesday 9th September. On Sunday 14th September, a man in his 30s was arrested and detained on suspicion of rape.

The Sikh Federation (UK), which has been supporting the woman, said the perpetrators reportedly told her during the attack: “You don’t belong in this country, get out.”

In a public statement released by the Sikh Federation (UK), the woman said: “I would never wish this on anyone. All I was doing was going about my day on my way to work, and what has happened has deeply affected us. Through it all, my family has been my rock, and my community has stood strong beside me.”

Police are not connecting the two incidents. However, that this most recent racially motivated attack has taken place so soon following the Oldbury incident is something that Savera UK finds deeply concerning.

Afrah Qassim, Savera UK CEO and founder, said: “We are horrified, heartbroken and outraged yet again that another woman has has been subjected to a sexual assault motivated by her race. 

“It is a terrifying reminder that racism and misogyny are interconnected, and an indicator that hate is on the rise and a threat to the safety of people from diverse communities. We stand in solidarity and support with both women, their families and communities, who will all be deeply affected. 

“We urge the government to take action now on the rising levels of racism in the UK, driven by divisive politics and rhetoric created around the country about people who are perceived as ‘foreigners’.

“No one should be subjected to an attack when simply going about their day. That so many people live in fear of such a thing happening is disgusting and a shocking indictment of life in the UK right now for our diverse communities.

“Our thoughts remain with both women. We hope they are receiving the help and support they need, and that those responsible will be brought to justice. We stand firmly against any form of racially motivated abuse or violence, and against hate – it has no part in our country or communities.”

Savera UK, a leading charity established in Merseyside to help people affected by ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, has announced the first acts that will perform at its March to End HBA 2025 and “Culture at the Bombed Out Church” festival on Saturday 27th September.

Its annual awareness-raising march through Liverpool city centre will this year end at the iconic St Luke’s Bombed Out Church with an afternoon of performances by its community partners Katumba, Movema, renowned drummer and percussionist Felix Ngindu, Sattvika Arts & Cultural Centre, MD Productions, Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF), Dee Sign BSL Choir and dancers from Pagoda Arts.

There will also be poetry readings by members of the Savera UK Youth Collective and the charity’s clients, survivor stories and a free henna station, as well as more speakers and acts still to be revealed.

The “March to End HBA 2025” and “Culture at the Bombed Out Church” are supported by march sponsors, Maria Fogg Family Law, festival supporters, FPC and Helplines Partnership, venue partner, St Luke’s Bombed Out Church and longstanding campaign partner, Zonta London, with whom the march was first established in 2022.

Under the theme ‘Culture is Beautiful: No Excuse for Abuse’ the events seek to raise awareness of the issue of HBA and harmful practices including forced marriage, FGM, conversion ‘therapy’ and spiritual abuse, among others, and how these forms of abuse can easily be missed due to lack of recognition and understanding.

It also aims to separate these forms of abuse from culture or certain communities, defining them instead as a collection of abuse characteristics and a violation of human rights that can affect anyone regardless of culture, background, gender, age, sexuality or disability.

Afrah Qassim, Savera UK CEO and Founder, said: “‘Honour’-based abuse and harmful practices are too often wrongly conflated with culture. These practices are simply abuse and a violation of human rights that are not a part of any culture, faith or community’s traditions.

“Culture and tradition are beautiful. They are the things that shape our identity and allow us to belong. They are music, language, dance, art – all of which will be showcased at our celebration. Culture is never an excuse for abuse.

“We invite people to march with us to raise awareness of this and then celebrate the true meaning of culture with us. Hosting this event with the support of the Bombed Out Church holds special meaning for us, not just because the venue is a testament to community spirit in Liverpool and the power of the arts to affect change, it is also the place where our march began in 2022.

“That year a small group of us marched from the steps of the Bombed Out Church, down Bold Street, led by Movema’s Sankofa Bird who represented freedom and beauty. Since then, the event has grown each year, to a point where we can now host a full celebration of culture. To do this in our 15th birthday year is a true achievement.

“Many of our community partners, sponsors and festival supporters have worked with the charity over those 15 years, helping to amplify our message and support our mission to end HBA and harmful practices for good. We could not do this without them, and we look forward to celebrating with them on 27th September.”

Natasha Martin, Chartered Legal Executive Advocate, from march sponsor Maria Fogg Family Law, said: “We’re proud to support Savera UK and their March to End HBA, because no one should face abuse or violence in the name of tradition. Standing alongside Savera UK reflects our commitment to protecting vulnerable people, raising awareness, and driving change in our community.”

Moira O’Shaughnessy, Managing Partner from festival support, FPC, said: “At FPC, we believe in standing alongside organisations that create real, lasting change in people’s lives. Savera UK’s work to end ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices – and to help survivors rebuild their futures – is both vital and urgent. We are proud to support their 15th anniversary campaign, which challenges misconceptions, raises awareness, and celebrates the beauty of culture without excuse for abuse. For us, this is about protecting human rights, supporting those most at risk, and contributing to a safer, more inclusive society.”

Miguel Doforo, from community partner, MD Productions, said: “The MD Productions team, via See You See Me, will proudly gift a special community performance for Savera Uk’s event. Our work will showcase the incredible talent and spirit within our community, while carrying forward the event’s core message: that unity, respect, and understanding are the true heartbeat of culture.”

As well as the March to End HBA and Culture at the Bombed Out Church on Saturday 27th September, there will also be a special free awareness session on Modern Slavery relating to ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) in October 2025, and a free online event for professionals on Wednesday 10th December 2025 ‘HBA and Harmful Practices Happen Here – Responding As A Frontline Professional’.

 

To find out more about “Culture is Beautiful: March to End HBA & Culture at the Bombed Out Church” visit: https://www.saverauk.co.uk/culture-is-beautiful/

Savera UK is celebrating its 15th birthday and helping more than 1,000 survivors find their ‘new beginning’.

Established in 2010, for its first six years the charity was run by a small team of volunteers, providing advice on HBA and harmful practices to frontline professionals and raising public awareness. In 2016, its first major grant* allowed the charity to set up its direct intervention team, directly helping with survivors and those at risk to leave abusive environments.

Savera UK will mark its milestone year with a series of events, including its ‘March to End HBA’ which this year will take place on Saturday 27th September and will culminate in a ‘festival of culture’ at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church on Leece Street in Liverpool, under the theme ‘Culture is Beautiful: No Excuse for Abuse’.

The event, which will feature high-profile speakers and diverse performances, will form part of a wider campaign to highlight that HBA and harmful practices continue to happen here in Merseyside and across the UK, and that they can affect all genders and communities, as evidenced by new research undertaken by the charity and the University of Liverpool.

The soon-to-be-published paper, ‘Practitioner Views on Defining ‘Honour’-Based Abuse: A Focus on Atypical Cases’, highlights that the framing of HBA and harmful practices as “cultural” or “gendered” issues risks cases not being identified, particularly those that are not from ‘stereotypical communities’, where there is considered to be a prevalence.

The campaign also aims to raise awareness of the vast range of harmful practices that many people are not aware of, including virginity testing, conversion ‘therapy’ and spiritual abuse.

In the last year alone Savera UK has helped 339 clients and received almost 700 calls to its national helpline and submissions to its online referral forms. As well as seeing a 51% increase in referrals for forced marriage and 33% increase for FGM, it also noted a much more significant increase in less well-recognised harmful practices. These include spiritual abuse, where referrals doubled, referrals relating to sexuality and gender (125% increase) and forced servitude, referrals for which increased by 433%.

Afrah Qassim, Savera UK CEO and Founder, explained: “In 2010 we established Savera UK because, contrary to what data showed, we knew that HBA and harmful practices happened here and that people needed a service that understood these issues and how to respond to them.

“Since then, we have helped more than 1,000 people across the UK and provided advice and training to thousands of frontline professionals. We now have data that shows these issues are present and recognition, identification and response has greatly improved – but there is still a long way to go.

“Our research with the University of Liverpool has already identified the characteristics of ‘honour’ based abuse and harmful practices, providing a baseline to support better identification. However, these forms of abuse are still widely viewed as being part of certain ‘cultures or communities, or only women and girls are considered to be at risk.

“We are also seeing a much broader range of reasons for referral, including harmful practices such as spiritual abuse, conversion ‘therapy’ and forced servitude, which are far less recognised or understood by professionals and the general public.

“In 2010 we challenged the myth that HBA doesn’t happen here. Now, in 2025, we are using our 15th birthday year to evidence that these issues continue to happen and ANYONE can be affected, regardless of culture, background, gender, age, sexuality or disability, and that this kind of abuse can take many forms that can easily be missed.

“Separating these forms of abuse from culture or certain communities is absolutely pivotal to improving recognition and response. HBA and harmful practices are not a part of any culture; they are simply a collection of abuse characteristics and a violation of human rights.

“Culture, on the other hand, is beautiful. It is music, language, dance, art and food, the things that shape our identity and allow us to belong. Culture is never an excuse for abuse.”

As well as the March to End HBA and festival of culture on Saturday 27th September, there will also be a special free awareness session on Modern Slavery relating to ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) in October 2025, and a free online event for professionals on Wednesday 10th December 2025 ‘HBA and Harmful Practices Happen Here – Responding As A Frontline Professional’.

To find out more about Savera UK’s 15th birthday events and campaign, visit: https://www.saverauk.co.uk/15-years-of-saverauk/