Canine Partners’ mission is to change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Our amazing dogs bring greater independence and an improved quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks.
We are looking for a passionate and innovative individual to join our dedicated Puppy Training Team as a Puppy Trainer. This is an exciting opportunity at a prominent assistance dog charity for a dog training instructor to develop their skills and take on new responsibilities within this rewarding field.
Position: Puppy Training Coordinator
Hours: 22.5 hours per week (3 days per week).
Contract: Temporary Maternity Leave Cover (9 month minimum contract)
Location: Homebased in South Hampshire. This role covers a specified geographical location in the Southeast of England - South Hampshire (purple area on the map attached). There will be regular travel involved in this role to undertake visits, training sessions and to transport dogs and puppies, therefore it is essential that you have a driving licence and appropriate vehicle for work purposes or the ability to travel significant mileage in line with the requirements for the role. See the job description for the area map.
Direct Reports: Puppy Training Volunteers
You will be part of the ambitious puppy team, developing, coordinating, and supporting the puppy training programme. You will have the opportunity to work with and train volunteers in the appropriate care and training of Canine Partners’ puppies. You will work with puppies from eight-weeks to approximately 15-months old, ensuring they receive appropriate socialisation and training before entering our assistance dog training, giving them the foundations to learn how to be life-changing assistance dogs, bringing greater independence and quality of life to people with physical disabilities. A proactive approach is key to maintaining the welfare and behavioural standards for the puppies. All training at Canine Partners follows best practice, positive reinforcement methods and this role is an ambassador for this approach.
About you:
- Experience of working with puppies.
- Good working knowledge of best practice dog training and behaviour.
- Good practical dog handling and training skills.
- Effective interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills.
- Strong administration skills with accurate record keeping.
- Coaching/ Teaching skills.
- Computer literacy/ IT skills (MS Office – minimum requirement basic level)
- Full UK driving licence and use of appropriate vehicle for work purposes.
- Ideally, you may have experience of working with volunteers.
It may be advantageous, but not essential, for you to have a relevant Animal Behaviour and Training Council – Animal Training Instructor (ABTC-ATI) accreditation. Most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative impact that our assistance dogs provide to our beneficiaries.
Interested?
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply online with a comprehensive CV and supporting statement explaining how you believe you match the requirements of the role.
Please note we may interview candidates prior to the closing date. If we find a suitable candidate or receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advertisement prior to the closing date so apply now to ensure you don't miss out! Please be assured that we contact all candidates regarding the outcome of their application, this may take longer if we receive high volumes of applications.
Closing date: 22nd September 2025
First interviews are scheduled to take place online (via MS Teams) in the week commencing 29th September 2025.
Second interviews are scheduled to place in person the week commencing 6th October 2025.
*Subject to changes.
We recognise the benefit of diverse experience and welcome and encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are a disability confident committed employer.
REF-223 525
We will change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing.





Early Help Development Worker
Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield and Erdington)
£25,767 - £29,281 per annum
Full Time
Fixed Term to 31 March 2026
Closing Date: Friday 26th September
Interview Date: Wednesday 8th and possibly Thursday 9th October
Are you passionate about making a positive difference for children, young people and families?
We are looking for a dynamic, well-organised individual to join our Early Help Team serving the North Birmingham Locality (Sutton Coldfield and Erdington constituencies). You will be an excellent communicator, who is passionate about improving opportunities for children, young people and families through Early Help.
The role is focused upon
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building capacity within the community through working closely with community assets
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supporting residents to lead on community projects, services or activities to meet local needs
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increasing children and family’s engagement with local assets and participation in local groups and activities.
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Supporting the delivery of key outcomes from the Family Hubs and Start for Life Parenting Support Plan
To be successful you will need:
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Excellent engagement and Interpersonal Skills
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Able to communicate effectively with young people, parents and carers who are experiencing health, wellbeing or social care difficulties
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Ability to use data bases or CRM systems
In return we offer a fantastic benefits package which includes:
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29 days basic annual leave (full time) + Bank Holidays
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Optional Defined Benefit, Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
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A commitment to safety and wellbeing including access to a Bupa Health Cash Plan which provides discounts on gym membership, sports equipment and days out, as well as reimbursement on NHS prescription charges, eye tests, dental care and physiotherapy.
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A commitment to work life balance through our Agile/flexible working principles.
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Family Friendly policy with enhanced benefits
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Learning and Development opportunities
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Internal coaching and mentoring opportunities
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Staff social events
We also offer mentoring and coaching, wellbeing champion new starter Buddy as part of your probation and opportunities to shadow other departments.
The Pioneer Group is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of background and cultures. We value and respect individuality and engage a culture within our organisation where people can thrive and be themselves. We also make sure employees are values for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the organisation is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.