 For our first Sector Spotlight on the Third Sector, we hear from Kara Leslie, who works as a Specialist Sexual Violence Prevention Practitioner at ORSAS, or the Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service. ORSAS is a relatively new addition to the Rape Crisis Scotland network, whose centres offer support to local areas in supporting sexual abuse and assault survivors, as well as prevention of sexual violence through campaigning. Kara also works part-time as a lecturer at UHI Orkney, in the Inclusive Practice department. --Can you describe a typical day in your role as Specialist Sexual Violence Prevention Practitioner? Preparing, writing, or delivering sexual violence prevention workshops for schools and other youth settings (on topics like Consent, Understanding Sexual Violence, Pornography, Healthy Relationships and Power); planning or delivering training on Gender Based Violence to other professionals; liaising with other agencies – or writing reports for the organisation, and funders; campaigning on equalities issues. --How did you end up in this role? At school I loved Art and English, and was earmarked for Art College. However, some inspirational English teachers at KGS really fostered my interest in language and literature - and how studying them can open your mind, develop analytical and critical thinking skills – and allow you to explore important issues. So I studied Scottish & English Lit, with some Politics and Sociology, at University. Afterwards, I came home to Orkney and worked at Papdale Primary for a couple of years, as a Support for Learning Assistant and had my first child. I then went to work at Support Training Ltd, as a Training tutor for school leavers, before moving into a role at NHS Orkney - Health Promotion Officer, Sexual Health and Young People. I stayed in that job for 12 years, until it became less community focused, and not creative enough for me – and went to work for 2 years as a Press Officer at OIC, which I loved as a fresh challenge – writing every day – but eventually ended up back in the youth/education sector – which is really my passion. I also lecture part time at UHI Orkney, in the Inclusive Practice Department. When this job at ORSAS came up – I grabbed the opportunity to work in this unique role, for a feminist and trauma informed organisation which is really making a difference in Orkney. --What is the best thing about your job? I love working in the Third Sector and the best thing about this job is working with young people - being supportive, and hopefully shifting culture to make life better for folk. --What is the worst thing about your job? Sometimes it’s really challenging to deal with this type of subject, in the same community that I live in. --What skills do you need to undertake your role? Teamwork, empathy, creativity, resilience, flexibility, ability to deal with sensitive topics, to be trauma informed, to be able to work independently and have a range of communication skills - including presenting and teaching. --What qualifications do you have?
--Would you recommend this job to young people, if so why? If you are committed to challenging and preventing Sexual Violence, and your values fit with the organisation, yes I would definitely recommend it. ORSAS is a great employer. Visit ORSAS on:
Website: https://www.orsas.scot/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrkneyRSAS X: https://x.com/OrkneyRSAS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OrkneyRSAS/ Comments are closed.
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