Children and families jobs

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced programme manager who will oversee The Advice Workforce Development Fund (AWDF). AWDF is a collaborative programme dedicated to strengthening and sustaining the social welfare advice sector in London. The role will coordinate and run steering and advisory groups, and ‘task and finish’ groups, working with cross-sector stakeholders to enable the implementation of recent recommendations generated by research commissioned by the programme, and help with monitoring and evaluating the project and funded projects under this programme. The successful candidate will have strong project management skills, a commitment to social justice, and a track record of delivering impactful support to external partners.

The workforce development programme was created after working closely with a group of funders and advice sector representatives who are now steering group members. The programme has reached an exciting stage, as it transitions from a foundation-laying and research phase into more of a focus on influencing and implementation of the learning generated to date, while also maintaining and strengthening new and existing relationships. This role, with support from the Head of Sector Support and Grants and the CEO, will oversee the continued development and delivery of this exciting partnership into the longer-term. This role will also work closely with the Propel initiative under London Funders to ensure effective coordination of work is done at all levels.  

Summary

The Church of England is continually striving to improve its safeguarding practices. The 2020 report by IICSA on the Church highlighted failures in respect of child sexual abuse and, more broadly, the challenges facing the Church to get safeguarding right.

The Church's aspiration is that safeguarding is not experienced and approached as a matter of administrative compliance. Rather, it should be what the Church is - something that flows from its core beliefs and values, part of its DNA.

The Church has made important and positive strides over recent years. There is, however, still much to be done to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, and to promote their well-being.

The Church is a complex collection of different bodies. Most of the safeguarding work is carried out locally within the 42 dioceses and cathedrals in England. This work is supported centrally by a National Safeguarding Team (NST).

The NST are developing high quality, robust safeguarding learning and development pathways, based on legislative requirements and evidence of good practice. This role will be pivotal to delivering this.

• This is a 12 month Fixed-term contract
• Hybrid role frequency in the London office (Church House, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3AZ) to be agreed with Line Manager

• A salary of £48,557 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department's needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity

Want to play your part in transforming society?

You're in the right place.

Many of our Spear trainees have faced significant barriers to finding work, including family breakdown, growing up in care, disability or mental health difficulties, having been involved in crime, or really struggling at school. We believe that being out of work can lead to isolation and proliferate these challenges, meaningful work is key in helping young people find a sense of purpose and community. We're proud that the coaching and community that the Spear Programme provides makes such a difference that 75% of those who take part find work, and are still in work a year later.

Not only will you be part of bringing about powerful change in people's lives, but throughout this paid, dynamic opportunity, you'll be supported and challenged. We'll invest in you, developing expert coaching and leadership skills to set you on a great career path.

Please feel free to let us know if you may require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in our recruitment process, or if you have any enquiries regarding accessibility such as wheelchair access. 

The important stuff

Location: Camden, office-based

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm (With some out-of-hours work needed for events such as our Spear Celebrations)

Salary: from £27,000

Closing date: Monday 5th January (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate).

Upcoming Assessment Days: Thursday 22nd January 

Application pack: Have a look at our application pack for more information about the role and Resurgo

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave (including Christmas Gift Days) plus bank holidays
• Excellent personal development and training opportunities, including our iLM-accredited 5-day Coaching for Leadership programme (worth £3,000)
• Regular staff prayer meetings, conferences and retreats (one residential)

What will you do?

• Coach 16-24 year olds, bringing about powerful change in their lives 
• Build great relationships with relevant professionals 
• Form part of an intentional church community 

What will you gain?

• Management skills and career progression 
• Excellent coaching capability 
• Social Impact Experience
• Christian Leadership Skills 

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to beat macular disease forever.

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic individual to lead our community engagement work in Northern Ireland and manage our UK-wide team of Community Engagement Managers. You’ll oversee peer support development, build strong partnerships, and ensure consistent delivery across regions. This role requires excellent leadership skills, the ability to manage complex relationships, and a strong understanding of how to engage and empower communities. If you feel you have the attributes above, we would love to hear from you.

In return, we provide a great working culture and offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and a 6% pension contribution.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

This role is predominantly home-based; however, travel will be required across NI and occasionally to Andover in Hampshire.

Location: Home Based with regular national travel

Since 1962 the National Autistic Society has been campaigning to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. In National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policy and legislation to reflect their needs. We provide autism training and best practice services and want all autistic people to have access to services and support that fully meet their needs. We provide diagnostic services, training, accreditation, consultancy and conferences, designed to support all professionals and organisations.  

The Supporter Fundraising team is responsible for managing and growing all supporter-led fundraising activity, including third-party challenge events, community fundraising, and our own portfolio of fundraising events. Together, our work generates over £1 million in income each year—vital funds that help the National Autistic Society achieve its mission: a society that works for autistic people.

Visit our website to find out more about who we are and what we do:  

Who we are looking for: 

We are seeking a proactive and creative Senior Events Fundraising Officer to join our dynamic team on a permanent basis.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about events fundraising and eager to take ownership of a diverse portfolio. You’ll play a key role in developing new fundraising events, supporting and inspiring colleagues, and delivering excellent supporter experiences that maximise income and impact.

The role will involve:

• Leading on a portfolio of owned and third-party fundraising events, including feasibility research, planning, marketing, participant recruitment, logistics, budgeting, and evaluation.
• Taking a lead role in the development of new fundraising events in collaboration with the Innovation Team, from research and proposals through to approval, delivery and evaluation.
• Providing first-class supporter care, ensuring participants feel valued and engaged, and that income and expenditure targets are met or exceeded.
• Working closely with marketing, press and PR colleagues to create and implement event promotion and communications plans, across both traditional and digital channels.
• Line managing and supporting Events Officers where appropriate, and deputising for the Events Fundraising Manager when required.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and event providers to ensure effective delivery and the best possible experience for supporters.
• Overseeing volunteer recruitment and stewardship plans to increase engagement and retention.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Experience of planning and delivering fundraising events, with proven ability to meet financial targets.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with confidence in working with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• A creative, innovative mindset and a passion for developing new fundraising opportunities.
• A commitment to delivering outstanding supporter care and improving supporter journeys.

This is a full-time, permanent role, for 35 hours per week. The salary for this position is £32,577 per year.

To view the full job description please click  

 What we can offer you: 

• Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays 

• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences 

• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more! 

• Healthcare Cash Plan 

• Life Assurance at 2 x base salary 

• A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply) 

• Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme

• Free access to the Headspace App – a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family for free! 

• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card 

Where you will be working: 

City Road, London / Homeworking / Hybrid

(Up to 20% national travel, including some evenings and weekends, as required.)

About our application process: 

When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role. 

For more information about this job, please contact Jonathan Littledale – Events Fundraising Manager ( ########### )

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 

For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks. 

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism. 

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks. 

We are an equal opportunities employer

The post-holder will be based at GMRC but work alongside TRC and MASH women’s services and work within the pathfinder partnership, across all partner organisations, providing high quality, evidence based, low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based interventions using a guided self-help model, to clients with who have experienced sexual trauma but also have additional mental health needs.

Legacy Officer

These are exciting times for the Charity, and we now have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and customer-focused Legacy Officer to join the busy Legacy Administration Team.

Position: Legacy Officer

Location: Devon/Hybrid (onsite attendance currently anticipated to be 2-3 days per week)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday.

Salary: £35,373 per annum

Contract: Permanent contract starting as soon as possible

Closing Date: Sunday 21 December 2025. However, we reserve the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found.

Interview Date: Sidmouth centre on the 15th & 16th January 2026.

About the Role

As Legacy Officer, you will manage a proportional share of legacy cases, predominantly comprising residuary, life interest, discretionary and specific legacies, including a small proportion of those which are contentious and identifying and resolving complex case issues.

Depending on experience and any complexities and associated risk to the Charity, you will have autonomy to make decisions daily; including financial decisions associated with estate assets which include properties and investments (which are typically hundreds of thousands and on occasion millions of pounds), enhancing the Sanctuary’s reputation as a good recipient of legacies by building good relationships with professionals, Lay Executors, as well as friends and family involved in each administration. You will be supervised on more complex cases and high value legacies, to progress personal development.

About You

You will have a relevant qualification recognised by the Legacy profession; ILM Certificate in Charity Legacy Administration (CiCLA) or equivalent (STEP or ILEX) and/or significant previous experience of working in legacy administration at an equivalent level and a substantial knowledge of legacy or probate administration.

Ideally you will be proficient in the use of FirstClass 4 and commensurate knowledge of MS Office including Excel and have up to date knowledge of charity law (as it applies to charity legacies), taxes applicable to estates and probate/trust law and processes and data protection relating to charity administration.

As part of the process, you will be asked to upload your CV and Cover Letter once you click to apply.

Benefits include:

• Competitive pension.
• Life assurance
• Healthshield.
• 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.
• Wellbeing team.
• Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
• Long service awards.
• Healthshield plan
• Free parking.
• Subsidised restaurant and shop.

About the Organisation

The sanctuary is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

You may also have experience in areas such as Junior Legacy Officer, Senior Legacy Officer, Legacy Case Officer, Legacy Administration Officer, Legacy Giving Officer, In Memory, Legacy and In Memory Officer, Legacy and In Memory Giving Officer, Gifts in Wills, Trusts and Legacies, Probate. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation

Are You Who We're Looking For?

Do you love bringing people together, creating uplifting experiences, and making every day count?  If you’re organised, compassionate, and thrive in a busy, people-focused environment, then we’d love to meet you!

We’re looking for a Daycare Coordinator to join our new daycare service.  You’ll play a vital role in ensuring our day service runs smoothly, providing a welcoming and engaging environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

About the Role

As our Daycare Coordinator, you’ll be the heartbeat of our service — making sure every individual who attends enjoys a positive, person-centred experience.

You’ll support the Daycare Operations Manager in running the service day to day, lead staff and volunteers, and help plan meaningful activities that bring joy, connection, and purpose to the people we support.

This is a hands on, rewarding role for someone who loves people, enjoys variety, and takes pride in delivering high quality care and service.

Key Responsibilities

• To coordinate the day-to-day operations of our daycare service
• Ensure clients attending have a positive and engaging experience.
• Support the Operations manager to deliver high-quality, person-centred support and activities.
• Deputise for the Operations Manager in their absence or as and when required.
• Financial management, oversight and record keeping: including sales and purchase invoicing, receipts, credit control functions, petty cash and reconciliations
• Oversee staff and volunteers
• Organise activities
• Accurate record keeping
• Support individual client plans
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the service

The job will close when a suitable candidate has been hired. Previous candidates need not apply. No CV's.

Centre Manager – Youlbury Scout Adventures

Location: Youlbury, Oxfordshire (Live-in role – accommodation provided)
Salary: £37,800 per annum (Band F, Level 3)
Hours: 35 hours per week (evening and weekend work on a rota basis)
Contract: Permanent

Scout Adventures is recruiting a Centre Manager to lead Youlbury Scout Adventures, a thriving outdoor activity centre set in the Oxfordshire countryside. This is a unique live-in leadership role combining operational management with meaningful, values-driven work.

About the role

Youlbury is part of Scout Adventures, a national network of outdoor activity centres that inspire thousands of young people every year. As Centre Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the safe, inclusive, and effective running of the centre.

You will lead a diverse team of staff and volunteers across outdoor activities, accommodation, catering, and customer service, ensuring every visitor receives a welcoming, high-quality experience. Living on site allows you to be fully immersed in centre life and respond quickly to operational needs.

What you’ll be doing

As Centre Manager – Youlbury, you will:

• Lead, support, and develop staff and volunteers
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including accommodation, catering, activities, and events
• Ensure safe, smooth, and memorable experiences for all visitors
• Manage budgets and contribute to financial planning and sustainability
• Build strong relationships with volunteers, Scout groups, partners, and the local community

What we’re looking for as our Centre Manager – Youlbury

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Experience managing teams in a busy, customer-focused or operational environment
• Confidence working with budgets, health & safety, and operational planning
• A hands-on, adaptable leadership style and a calm approach to problem-solving
• A passion for outdoor learning and values-led work
• Strong organisational, communication, and decision-making skills

Why live and work at Youlbury?

This role offers more than a job — it offers a fulfilling lifestyle. You’ll live and work in a beautiful woodland setting, surrounded by nature and outdoor adventure. On-site accommodation means no commute and the opportunity to be fully involved in a supportive, purpose-driven community.

What you’ll get in return:

• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 after 2 years), plus extra days at Christmas
• Double-matched pension contributions up to 10%
• Award-winning Charity of the Year (Charity Times Awards 2022)
• Family-friendly policies and generous leave
• Access to training and development through our internal learning hub

Applications close: 23:59 on Monday, 12th January 2026

Interviews will be held in person at Youlbury week commencing Monday, 19th January 2026.

Strictly no agencies.

The Scouts is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. We offer flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs and lifestyles, ensuring that our teams can thrive both professionally and personally. We welcome and encourage applicants from all walks of life, believing that varied perspectives strengthen our innovation and community. Your unique experiences and ideas are essential to our success, and we look forward to hearing from all voices.

Prison Facilitator - Bank Staff

Location: South Central Region (HMP Aylesbury and HMP Bullingdon)

Department: Prison delivery

Salary: £16.98 per hour

Hours: Various

Contract Type: Bank

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes across a number of prisons. To ensure the continuation of our programmes during times of staff absence, we are now seeking to recruit a Prison Facilitator on a bank working basis to work across the South Central region, covering HMP Aylesbury and HMP Bullingdon. Working closely with prisons and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will support with the delivery and development of our literacy and numeracy programme in the Central region, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships quickly and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. You will also have a willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice, to provide short or long term cover within the region including possible overnight stays.

This role will be prison-based. This is a bank role and so the number of days to be worked will vary and are not guaranteed. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Closing date: 18th January 2026

Applications for this role will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be held before the closing date so early applications are encouraged.

REF-225 748

Prison Facilitator - HMP Swinfen Hall

Shannon Trust facilitator - HMP Swinfen Hall

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Swinfen Hall. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.  

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role will be prison based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

‍Interviews are to take place on a rolling schedule.

REF-225 700

TRC Sexual Abuse & Rape Support Greater Manchester is seeking a committed and experienced professional to join our team as Services & Operations Manager.

Based across our sites in Trafford, you will provide clinical and operational oversight of TRC’s service areas (counselling, ISVA, helpline & digital, and Pathfinder) and provide direct day-to-day service management. You will also lead on safeguarding, act as a line of support between the services and the CEO, and coordinate TRC's client-facing centre.

This is an exciting opportunity to support our trauma-informed services for survivors of rape and sexual violence.

Make a difference every day with PDSA 

About Us 

Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA have provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship.   

We’re now on a journey to expand our reach to support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused PDSA. Together, we'll build a stronger organisation to ensure our services help those who need us most for the next hundred years.   

If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team that's creating positive change, we want you to join us. Let's build a brighter future for pets and their owners, together.  

About you

We’re looking for a Veterinary Surgeon Team Leader to join our team at Glasgow Shamrock Street Pet Hospital. You’ll hold clinical governance responsibility for the hospital and lead the Veterinary Surgeon team to deliver an efficient, professional and caring service to pets and owners in the local community.

This role will particularly suit a vet who enjoys a surgically biased caseload and who takes a medical, pragmatic approach to decision-making, focusing on evidence-based options and the best plan for each pet and owner. You’ll have the space and support to develop surgical leadership while working alongside a team that values clear plans, good communication and practical medicine.

You’ll be responsible for all aspects of team leadership, including recruitment, selection, coaching and development. You’ll be confident communicating with a wide range of clients, enjoy working collaboratively, and be committed to sharing skills and leading by example to develop others across clinical practice.

Work pattern & rota

We recognise the importance of work–life balance and have a rota designed to support it:

• 4 days clinical duties per week
• 1 day per week off-rotas, protected for team administration/leadership time
• 1 weekend in every 8 weekends (planned well in advance) to allow you to organise life outside work with confidence
• Weekend working can be a full weekend, or flexible split options can be discussed
• We look after our people. Weekend working is supported with stand-down time in the week, and if clinical emergencies keep you late, you’ll get time back in lieu, something our teams really value.

About the hospital

Glasgow Shamrock Street is a highly collaborative, effective hospital, a great place for teamwork, case discussion and shared learning. Our teams have varied clinical interests, giving you access to a wide pool of knowledge and experience when discussing cases and treatment plans.

Our Pet Hospitals are modern and well-equipped and include separate dog and cat kennelling facilities, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment.

Rewards, support and benefits 

We’re really passionate about being a great place to work, somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas, individuality and passion for pets to work with them. 

As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including: 

• Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances. 
• CPD allowance of one week and £1,000 per year for development. 
• Payment of your full RCVS fees, so you’re never out of pocket. 
• Extensive internal CPD programmes plus discounts for BSAVA Congress and London Vet Show. 
• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days. 
• Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually. 
• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%. 
• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind. 
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7 wellbeing support and private medical cover included. 
• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform. 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family. 
• 15% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services. 

To apply for this role, click Apply Now at the top of the page, create a candidate account and complete our simple application form.  

PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.  

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.  

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.  

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.  

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.

We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small but fast-growing charity that is a world leader in its specialist innovative field.

JOB TITLE:                       Puppy Assistance Dog Trainer

LOCATION:Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire, MK17 0NP (Office-Based)

SALARY:£24,000 - £27,000 based on experience

JOB TYPE:Full-time permanent, with occasional evenings and weekends required

REPORTS TO:                   Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare

We are looking for someone with the skills, experience and passion to join our team of trainers. They will be responsible for approximately 20 puppies from the age of around 8 weeks through to approximately 16 months of age. Ensuring they receive the highest standard of socialisation and training, thereby maximising their chances of becoming a Medical Detection Dog.

Responsibilities

Training and Development of Puppies

• Take responsibility for a group of puppies allocated to socialisers living in your geographical area
• When required, take dogs home during the training period to ensure continuous development and reinforcement of training routines.
• Provide training that adheres to ADUK regulations and MDD quality standards in accordance with timescales and targets.
• To deliver effective training by holding puppy classes, 121’s and home visits with socialisers in your geographical area
• Conduct regular training sessions with assistance dog puppies in training in various environments to ensure they are confident and responsive in real-world settings
• To prepare the puppy to be a Medical Alert Assistance Dog, using positive reinforcement techniques to teach desired behaviours and modify unwanted behaviours
• Regularly monitor progress of the puppies in your area and provide detailed, evidenced feedback to the senior team within Dog Supply and training
• Support and assist when required with the potential matches for a particular assistance dog partnership.
• To successfully prepare the puppy to pass the relevant Assistance Dog assessments
• Where necessary, highlight to your line manager, any dogs that are not progressing sufficiently through the training programme

Socialiser Support

• Be the first point of contact for the socialisers in your area, which will include guidance, support and instruction to socialisers on effective work and training with their assistance dogs.
• Provide general health care advice within your core working hours.

Socialiser Recruitment

• When required, assist in the recruitment of new volunteer socialisers.
• When  required, to assess prospective new volunteer socialisers, including home, workplace, pet dog and children assessments.

Other

• Update the Harlequin CRM database in a timely fashion to ensure accurate and up to date training, veterinary and health records.
• Support the charity’s fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required, specifically in relation to your area.
• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity.
• Other tasks or ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager required to ensure the successful running of the charity.

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in training Assistance Dogs
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in dog training
• Basic theory of practical dog training
• Law in relation to dogs
• Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age
• Dog and human psychology
• Health and safety implications of dog and socialiser handling
• Experience and understanding of ADUK, ADI regulations and MDD's internal quality standards

Skills and Abilities

Ability to demonstrate high quality judgement and a proven track record in relation to the following:

• Dog training matters including the analysis of temperaments, appropriate training methods and requirements necessary to maintain public perception in assistance dogs
• Solutions to training and behavioural problems
• Socialiser training including the ability to assess each person’s preferred learning style and adapt as appropriate your training approach, the specific programmes to be followed,
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
• Ability to plan work, be organised and ensure that time is utilised effectively for yourself, colleagues and socialisers
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of people internally and externally. This will include clients and their families, fosterers, other professional service providers, members of the public, the media, managers and other colleagues
• High level of IT literacy and report writing skills including experience of using Microsoft based programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and Power Point

Personal Attributes

You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as able to motivate yourself. 

You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations.

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Values & Behaviours

Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.

Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:

• We are respectful.
• We stay positive.
• We strive for excellence.
• We communicate and listen.
• We are ambassadors.
• We are one team.

And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.

Benefits

• Sick Pay
• Health Cover
• 26 days holiday, increasing with service
• 5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Free On-site parking
• Life Insurance

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence
• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK.
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Work some evenings and weekends