7 Deaf jobs

The Role
Policy Development Lead
We are looking for a Policy Development Lead to provide strategic leadership, coordination and expertise in proactive policy development across NDCS. This exciting new role will help us think beyond immediate policy activity, identify where system change is needed, and develop longer-term policy positions that are informed by evidence, specialist insight, lived experience and external practice.
The role will initially focus on Education, while retaining the flexibility to support wider policy development across areas such as early years, social care, health, benefits, sign language and other emerging priorities. Working closely with Platform Leads, Policy and Nation Leads, and colleagues across the organisation, you will help ensure NDCS develops strong, evidence-based policy positions that create meaningful change for deaf children and their families.
What you'll do

• Lead and coordinate proactive policy development activity across NDCS, identifying opportunities for deeper policy thinking and systems change.
• Apply systems thinking to identify complex challenges, explore interdependencies and develop practical solutions
• Identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities, using systems thinking and horizon-scanning approaches to inform future organisational priorities.
• Translate complex evidence, research and lived experience into clear recommendations that support organisational decision-making and influence.
• Influence senior leaders and key stakeholders by providing strategic policy advice, insight and recommendations.
• Lead and coordinate policy development activity across multiple teams, ensuring expertise, insight and activity are aligned.
• Build productive relationships with external researchers, policy networks and sector experts to bring innovative thinking into NDCS.
• Identify cross-cutting themes and opportunities for change by bringing together insight from local, regional and national sources.
• Facilitate strategic conversations that help colleagues explore complex issues, understand system interdependencies and develop long-term solutions.
• Champion a proactive, evidence-informed approach to policy development across the organisation.

What you'll need

• Significant experience in policy analysis, development or strategy within a complex organisation, sector or policy environment.
• Proven ability to translate complex evidence, research and lived experience into recommendations that drive organisational action and influence.
• Experience influencing senior decision-makers and shaping organisational, sector-wide or public policy direction.
• A track record of leading and coordinating complex work across multiple teams, functions or stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality briefings, policy positions and strategic recommendations.
• Experience bringing together evidence and insight from multiple sources to identify emerging issues, trends and opportunities for change.
• Strong systems-thinking skills and experience developing long-term solutions to complex challenges.
• The ability to lead through collaboration, credibility and specialist expertise, building alignment across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of the policy, practice and systemic issues affecting deaf children and families, and the ability to apply this knowledge to strategic policy development.
• Strong digital skills and a sound understanding of agile values & principles.
• Acriminal record check / DBS disclosure (if offered the position).

What you'll get

• Home-based working with flexible hours.
• 25 days holiday - plus an additional 3 days at Christmas (& bank holidays).
• Pension (5.5% employer contribution).
• Healthcare Cashplan.
• Annual performance-based salary increase.
• Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programmes.

What we do
The National Deaf Children's Society are the leading charity for deaf children. We give expert support on childhood deafness, raise awareness and campaign for deaf children's rights, so they have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Pre-employment checks
As part of our commitment to creating a safe and trusted environment for the children, young people and families we support, all offers of employment are subject to background checks. These include Right to Work verification, Criminal Record Disclosure, and ID and address verification.

To complete an online Right to Work check, you will need a valid UK or Irish passport, or a government share code if you are not a British citizen. If an online check is not possible, we’ll need to verify your documents in person at our London office. Please be aware that travel time and expenses for this appointment cannot be reimbursed.

Disability Confidence
We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to offering interviews to candidates who request to be considered under the disability confident scheme and meet the minimum requirements for the role.

The National Deaf Children’s Society is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 1016532 and in Scotland no. SC040779.

Responsible to: Prospect Research Team Manager
Based: Hybrid - The Grange, Saunderton, Princes Risborough OR BWC, Bielby, York
Contract: Fixed term - 12 months
£40,000 per year

We're looking for a Prospect Research Manager to join our Prospect Research Team.

This is an exciting opportunity to help grow our high-value fundraising by supporting our Philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations and Corporate Partnerships teams. As part of the Prospect Research Team, you'll provide the research and insight that helps colleagues identify new opportunities, build meaningful relationships and make informed fundraising decisions.

You'll play an important role in identifying new funding opportunities and providing the insight that helps colleagues build successful relationships with donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners. Through high-quality research and analysis, you'll help fundraisers to understand who is most likely to support our work, enabling them to make informed decisions and deliver personalised stewardship.

Working closely with colleagues across the High Value teams, you'll ensure our fundraising activity is informed by evidence, delivered ethically and supported by accurate data. You'll also help us develop and grow a strong prospect pipeline that will support our fundraising ambitions for years to come.

Key Responsibilities

• Prospect Research and Identification
• Insight and Analysis
• Pipeline Development
• Ethical Fundraising and Data Management
• Supporting Fundraising Teams

The full job description is available to view on our website via the ‘apply’ button.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service Payment
• Annual leave enhancements recognising long service 
• Day off for your birthday 
• Defined contribution group personal pension plan 
• Enhanced sick pay 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay 
• Eye care 
• Hearing tests 
• Learning and Development opportunities 
• Discounts on merchandise at Hearing Dog gift shops 
• Pet Dog Policy

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the ‘apply’ button.

Closing date: 25th September 2026

National charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, trains dogs to transform the lives of deaf people and provides hearing loss services – because nobody with hearing loss should feel alone.

Are you qualified for BSL Level 6? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a part time Independent Advocate to join our Birmingham team. This role covers statutory advocacy services including Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy and Care Act Advocacy. The post will be home based working across Birmingham including providing advocacy support for the Deaf and hard of hearing people in care homes and on secure mental health hospital wards in our area.

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

You will need to have experience of working with Deaf people and providing BSL communication support. Due to this specific element of this role, a minimum proficiency of level 6 British Sign Language (BSL) is required.

Hours of Work: Part Time: hours to be agreed working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Home based with travel across Birmingham and the surrounding area(Applicants should live within the Birmingham area/within reasonable travelling distance; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport, travel expenses will only be paid within the Birmingham border area.)

Salary: Starting salary to be agreed dependent on hours (£25,877.80 pro-rata)

Contract Type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults in the Community and also within secure Mental Health settings.
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata)+ Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days (pro-rata) after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service! Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
• Auto enrolment Pension plan
• Death in service cover.
• Bike to work scheme.
   

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

We provide a full induction, training and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone.  It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification.  The most recognised qualification is the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) for practising advocates, previously completed City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ).  If you do not already hold an NAQ certificate or diploma or IAP qualification or equivalent, the expectation will be that you will gain the City and Guilds IAP qualification following successful completion of probation and pre-enrolment process. POhWER will fully sponsor this and provide a reasonable amount of study time and in return expect advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!

Interview Date: To be confirmed

An enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a member of the Disability confidence scheme, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Purpose of the role

The Head of Fundraising and Communications is responsible for delivering our new 2026-2029 integrated fundraising and communications strategy that grows and diversifies DeafKidz International's income, raises our profile with key audiences, and ensures our storytelling authentically represents deaf children, young people and their communities.

This is a hands-on leadership role, combining strategic direction with direct delivery. You will lead a small team of 1-2 direct reports and a network of freelancers/agencies, and work closely with the CEO, Trustees and programme teams to build a high-performing fundraising and communications function to deliver our new three-year strategy.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also contribute to organisation-wide strategy, planning and decision-making, and act as a champion for accessible and inclusive practice across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

1. Strategic leadership

• Develop and lead the implementation of a multi-year fundraising and communications strategy aligned to DeafKidz International's organisational strategy and growth ambitions.

• Set annual income targets and communications objectives, and report regularly on progress to the CEO, Trustees and Board sub-committees.

• As an SLT member, contribute to organisational planning, risk management, budgeting and culture, bringing an external, supporter-facing perspective to internal decisions.

• Identify and evaluate new income opportunities, communications channels and partnerships that support long-term sustainability.

• Support the CEO to drive proactive and strategic stakeholder engagement, coordinating and attending meetings and/or providing meetings briefs where required.

2. Income generation

• Build and develop a multi-channel fundraising programme with definitive responsibility for trust & foundations, corporate and high-net-worth fundraising; whilst supporting colleagues and partners to build and deliver individual giving, events and community fundraising activities. 

• Lead on cultivating and securing minimum five figure gifts from trusts, foundations, corporate partners and high-net-worth individuals.

• Oversee the development of compelling funding proposals, cases for support and impact reporting, working closely with programme teams to evidence outcomes.

• Ensure excellent donor stewardship and supporter journeys across all income streams, treating every supporter interaction as an opportunity to deepen engagement.

• Set, manage and report against the fundraising budget and income targets, ensuring robust forecasting and phasing.

• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice, GDPR/data protection law and Charity Commission requirements.

3. Communications, brand and profile

• Build DeafKidz International’s profile in the countries where we work and with new and prospective supporters

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated communications strategy covering digital, social media, PR, media relations and the organisation's website.

• Ensure DeafKidz International's brand, messaging and storytelling are consistent, compelling and authentically centre the voices and experiences of deaf children, young people and their families.

• Ensure communications activity is aligned with income generation and strategic priorities

• Embed accessibility and inclusive communication practice across all channels and materials, including signed languages, captioning, Easy Read formats and deaf-led storytelling.

• Oversee the planning and delivery of campaigns, appeals and content (including challenge events, awareness days and fundraising appeals) that build profile and drive income.

• Manage relationships with media, PR support, ambassadors, influencers and patrons to extend reach and credibility.

• Oversee internal communications, ensuring staff, volunteers and Trustees are well informed and engaged with fundraising and external messaging.

4. Team and resource management

• Recruit, manage and develop a small fundraising and communications team as budget allows, building capability and resilience as the organisation grows.

• Manage external suppliers, freelancers and agencies (e.g. design, video, web development, BSL interpretation/translation, PR) to extend the team's capacity cost-effectively.

• Foster a collaborative, ambitious and supportive team culture, modelling DeafKidz International's values and commitment to deaf-led practice.

5. Governance and reporting

• Prepare clear, accurate reports and presentations on fundraising and communications performance for the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.

• Maintain oversight of donor and supporter data, ensuring CRM systems and data management practices are fit for purpose and compliant.

• Carry out other duties commensurate with the role as reasonably required by the CEO.

Person specification

Experience

• Significant senior-level fundraising experience within the charity sector, with a proven track record of securing five-figure and above gifts from trusts and foundations, corporate partners, and high-net-worth individuals.

• Experience leading and managing teams to deliver successful individual giving, community fundraising, and events programmes, achieving agreed financial targets.

• Demonstrable success in leading communications, marketing, digital engagement, or public relations activity within a purpose-driven organisation.

• Experience operating at a strategic and senior leadership level, including budget management, target setting, organisational planning, and reporting to trustees or boards.

• Experience managing and working effectively with freelancers, consultants, agencies, and external contractors.

• Experience developing and growing fundraising and communications functions within a small or developing charity environment, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and resourcefulness.

• Experience of international development and/or working collaboratively with overseas partners and programmes.

• Experience within the disability, deaf, or children's sectors, or a strong understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by deaf children and young people.

Skills and abilities

• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate organisational ambitions into practical, measurable, and costed fundraising and communications plans.

• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills, with the confidence and credibility to engage trustees, major donors, corporate partners, and other senior stakeholders.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages and content for a wide range of audiences and channels.

• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, income and expenditure monitoring, and performance reporting.

• Proficiency in the use of fundraising databases, CRM systems, and digital marketing tools.

• An inclusive and collaborative leadership style, with the ability to motivate, develop, and support a small team while fostering effective cross-organisational working.

• A sound understanding of fundraising regulation and compliance, including the Fundraising Regulator Code of Fundraising Practice, GDPR, and Charity Commission requirements.

Personal attributes

• Passionate about the mission of DeafKidz International and committed to deaf-led, child-centred, and safeguarding-first approaches. Applicants with lived experience of deafness are particularly encouraged to apply.

• Comfortable working within a small, ambitious, and fast-paced charity, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.

• Creative, resilient, adaptable, and highly motivated to achieve results.

• Committed to equality and accessibility in all aspects of their work.

• Accountable, target-driven, and committed to delivering sustainable fundraising growth.

Other requirements

• Willingness to travel throughout the UK and internationally when required.

• Willingness to learn and develop basic British Sign Language (BSL) skills.

• Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check due to the organisation's work with children and young people.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays.

• Workplace pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Remote working arrangements.

• Learning and professional development opportunities.

This role profile is intended to give a general indication of the scope of the role. It is not exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically in consultation with the postholder to reflect the changing needs of DeafKidz International.

Please note: In accordance with our Safer Recruitment Policy, we are unable to accept CV's and ask that you complete the application form instead This can be found to download further down this page.

Application deadline: Wednesday 30th September 2026 (5:00 pm)

Proposed Interview Date(s): Tuesday 27th and Thursday 28th of October 2026

**Please make sure you can be available on the proposed interview date as it is very difficult to offer an alternative**

About The Role

Are you an experienced Youth Worker? Are you passionate about improving wellbeing outcomes for young people? Are you looking to develop your practice and training around young people’s mental health?

We are currently seeking five Trainee Wellbeing Practitioner’s to join our Youth Services team based in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. You will work within Creative Youth Network as part of the Youth Services team, delivering, high-quality, evidence-based interventions for children and young people experiencing, mild to moderate anxiety, low mood and behavioural difficulties.

This is a 1 year training role within the Children and Young People’ Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme (CYP IAPT). You will attend Exeter University for all university based taught and self-study days required by the education provider, and work in the service for the remaining days of the week using your newly developed skills. Your travel and accommodation to Exeter University will be provided for you as part of the trainee programme.

You will then be based at The Station (BS1) or Kingswood Estate (BS15) sites with up to two evening open access sessions per week. The training and service experience will equip you with the necessary knowledge, attitude and capabilities to operate effectively within the wider service.

Please note - One of the five Trainee Wellbeing Practitioner roles is LGBTQ+ focused and is in partnership with Diversity Trust. For that role we recognise the value of lived experience and encourage applications from members of LGBTQ+ communities.
Please apply via the other listed vacancy (Trainee Wellbeing Practitioner LGBTQ+) for that specific role.

About Us

Creative Youth Network is an award-winning charity with a mission to enable young people to reach their potential, no matter what their background or circumstances. Operating across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, we offer a range of services ranging from our 9 local youth clubs, to targeted support for young people with specific needs, work within schools (in particular for young people at risk of disengaging from education), and an exciting range of creative courses, programmes and activities, including early career support for young people embarking on careers in the creative sector. Our services are rated “Outstanding” by the National Youth Agency.

This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

To Apply

A full Job Description and Application form are available to download below and via our website where you can also apply. 

The Benefits

• 33 days annual leave (inc. bank holidays) per year pro rata
• Excellent family friendly policies
• A generous pension scheme
• A cycle to work scheme
• Paid breaks
• Fantastic development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Virtual GP consultation and medical advice service

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Creative Youth Network is committed to inclusivity, equality, and equity. We pride ourselves on giving opportunities to people of all walks of life and all class backgrounds. This includes people who identify as D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, are early in their careers or come from groups who experience racial inequality.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented, including people from Global Majority backgrounds (often referred to as BAME – Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic).

As an employer we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of all our staff.

Adjustments

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support to attend an interview — for example, wheelchair access, extra time for assessments etc. - please let us know.

Summary 

Please note: For full details and how to apply please view the Recruitment with the link provided.

Individual giving

• Achieve a personal income target from small to mid-level donors including through our supporter scheme, campaigns and POS donations
• Take responsibility for HOME’s low to mid-level supporter programme, ensuring strong stewardship and donor retention, and consistent delivery of supporter scheme benefits, including a year-round programme of events – supported administratively by the Development Assistant
• Deliver consistent recruitment and upgrade activity for the programme, supported administratively by the Development Assistant and making use of automation
• Be responsible for delivering donation campaigns, including planning, writing copy and training the Customer Service Team (CST) in making the ask. Collaborate with the Marketing Team to promote campaigns on social media and by email
• Take ownership of HOME’s legacy scheme, including promotion and stewardship
•  Research potential donors and work with the wider team in delivering the strategy for recruiting them
• Work closely with the Development Assistant and the Marketing Team to oversee all supporter communications, including scheduling and writing content

Benefits: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to purchase additional leave, birthday day off, employee assistnance scheme, discounted theatre tickets when available, limted home working, flexible working requests, and more.