Know Your Rights

Is there a legal definition of a safe caseload?⁵

There is currently no legal definition of a safe caseload, and no simple answer to the question what safe caseload is. However, there is research in a number of sectors—such as dietetics, nursing, and social services—that provides guidance to staff on how to work safely, both for themselves and for the clients they support.

This does not mean that you cannot make changes to practice in your own workplace or seek to have your employer define a safe caseload. Caseloads should be agreed jointly between Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and their line managers, to establish transparent and safe working levels. We encourage you to talk to colleagues about the challenges of workload and to organise collectively. Not sure how to begin? Contact us.

SafeLives currently measures caseload only for IDVAs carrying MARAC cases, setting the benchmark at 60–80 cases per year (around 25 cases at one time).We believe that carrying more than 30 cases at one time (including helpline and full casework) is unsafe, regardless of risk level.

A quick calculation shows the limits of what workers can do: once breaks are taken into account, a full-time worker has only about 70 minutes per client each week. That time has to cover everything from phone calls and risk assessments to emergencies, safeguarding, and talking to other professionals. It doesn’t include the extra demands of complex cases, paperwork, travel, going to court, team meetings, or training. This is why the number of cases alone doesn’t reflect the true workload. Things like case complexity, how often clients need support, travel, staff sickness, stress, and high staff turnover all affect how much support workers can realistically provide.

What if I am experiencing caseload-related stress?⁶

If you are experiencing caseload-related stress, remember you are not alone. This is a common issue across the domestic violence sector and in the wider community of professionals working with vulnerable adults and children.

Your employer has a duty of care. If you report stress or mental health issues related to workload, they are legally required to respond appropriately. If you are experiencing work-related stress and would like to know more about your rights, please reach out to us.

Where to go?

IWW (Industrial Workers of the World): Organize and fight for our rights. Follow the link to IWW website – https://iww.org.uk/london/
Peer-to-peer support: Strengthen our community.
ACAS: Get advice and support for workplace Follow the link to ACAS website – https://www.acas.org.uk/

Resources