Senior Accessibility Specialist
Reference: APR20257021
Location: Flexible in UK
Salary: £44,315.00 - £47,312.00 Per Annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours a week – Flexible working pattens to be discussed
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave
Whilst we have a huge presence and influence in the conservation sector we recognise that our work is not reaching everyone. We need to enable more, and more diverse people to engage with and act for nature.
Recognising that people are at the heart of delivering our ambitions, we have an exciting opportunity for a talented person to join as Senior Accessibility Specialist.
What’s the job about?
Our 2030 strategy commits the RSPB to becoming more relevant to the communities and supporters we work with by involving a more diverse range of people. Recognising that people are at the heart of delivering our ambitions, we have an exciting opportunity for a talented person to join as Senior Accessibility Specialist. Reporting to the Head of EDI, and as part of the EDI leadership team, you’ll hold close relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across the organisation. You’ll work collaboratively to support the transformation in behaviours and skills needed to make the RSPB a more accessible and equitable place for all.
The role does have flexibility to shape and innovate but will be focused on the continuation and delivery of two main priorities:
- Working with our nature reserve teams to implement accessibility improvements that make our spaces more inclusive for Staff, Volunteers and Visitors
- Working with Communications and Learning and Development teams, internal networks and other stakeholders, to deliver better experiences for our disabled workforce from the point they apply for a role.
Essentials:
- Experienced in delivering strategic accessibility interventions and influencing positive change at all levels of a large and complex organisation and the wider sector
- Personal commitment to making a tangible difference to accessibility with a focus on physical disability, sensory disabilities and neurodiverse people and communities.
- An advocate and practitioner of accessible design and clear communication
- Background and confidence in working with people with lived experience of access barriers and providing support and advice to organisations around accessibility.
- Comfortable to proactively challenge internal policy, practices and communications to better include marginalised groups.
- Expertise on accessible communications, with experience working to improve standards of internal communications and co-designing engaging content for external communication
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills to role model and drive behaviour change across all areas of accessibility
- In depth knowledge of accessibility standards and best practise within the UK. Including: WCAG, social model of disability, universal design principles, access to work, reasonable adjustments and working application of the Equality Act 2010
- Significant experience of designing and delivering resources and training around accessibility in a range of formats to meet learner needs
- Strong internal and external stakeholder management skills, ability to recognise a build key relationships and influence at a sector level
- Sound understanding of intersectionality of disability and other protected characteristics and a good generalist EDI knowledge to inform specialist advice and guidance
- Strong and effective communication skills, with ability to influence leaders and mobilise other teams to act
- Strong written communication and digital presentations skills to communicate accessibility and disability inclusion to a wide range of audiences
- Analytical evaluation to inform and report on areas of focus and impact
- Awareness of project and process management to enable work to be planned and delivered to a high quality, on time and within resource capacity
Desirable:
- Experience or interest in accessibility in the Conservation section, nature or climate emergency
- Understanding of the intersectional context of race and gender equity within accessibility
- Practical experience supporting accessibility changes at visitor attractions
- Experience working in the Voluntary sector or in volunteering
- Experience of movement building or membership organisations
Additional Information
This role is available full time and permanently for 37.5 hours a week, but we welcome applications for those looking for different working patterns and are happy to discuss further with interested candidates.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.
Closing date: 23:59, Wednesday 21st May 2025
Interviews will take place around the 18th and 19th of June.
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert at any time.
Open briefings
If this sounds like the role for you and you'd like more information on what the day-to-day responsibilities are, or a chance to ask questions, please get un touch with EDI at RSPB to enquire about one of our open briefings.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
No agencies please.
The RSPB brings people together – people like you – to protect the things that matter to us all.



Philanthropy and Engagement Associate
Role Introduction
This is an exciting opportunity for an early career development professional to devise and manage an ambitious fundraising and engagement strategy for regular and annual donors thus helping to create a sustainable culture of philanthropy at Eton.
Reporting to the Director of Development, the Philanthropy & Engagement Associate will be responsible for the execution and management of a comprehensive regular and annual giving programme, including the coordination and oversight of supporting initiatives in the areas of donor relations, development services and stewardship.
As a crucial and integral part of the College’s development team, the Philanthropy & Engagement Associate will be an innovative and skilled development professional with demonstrable experience of best practice in regular and annual giving techniques.
Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.
Main Duties
- Work with the Director of Development and Executive Director of Communications, Engagement and Development to create and implement a highly ambitious and sustainable regular and annual giving strategy in support of the College’s short, medium, and long-term vision.
- Be responsible for the day-to-day management of regular and annual giving activities.
- Prepare and manage detailed plans for the execution of appeals including digital, direct mail and/or personal solicitations.
- Work collaboratively with team members to ensure rigorous gift management administrations systems and accurate maintenance of prospect data.
- Manage follow-up action when pledges and gifts are received including ensuring that supporters are appropriately recognised and stewarded.
- Conduct data analysis to understand donor behaviour and prevailing themes and trends and develop data driven annual giving strategies.
- Support fundraising strategy through the implementation of strong support systems, and day-to-day administrative practices.
- Ensure all fundraising activities undertaken in support of the College are performed to the highest standards and in accordance with best practice as established by professional bodies such as CASE, IDPE and the Institute for Fundraising.
- Ensure that all activities comply fully with the relevant Data Protection and any other legislation in the UK and overseas.
- Work with external stakeholders, volunteers, and other supporters to maximise their relationships and networks.
- Produce timely, relevant, and accurate reports on progress and projections on all development activities.
- Maintain knowledge of best practice in fundraising and related matters, refreshing skills as necessary
- Carry out other duties as may reasonably be requested by the Director of Development and Executive Director of Communications, Engagement and Development.
- Support the delivery of the College’s charitable vision, by attending events and presentations and acting as a strong ambassador for Eton.
- Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion;
- All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
- Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.
Key internal stakeholders include, but are not limited to:
- Development Team
- Events & Engagement Team
- The Provost
- The Vice Provost
- Members of the Leadership Team
- Fundraising committees and working parties
- The Old Etonian Association (OEA)
- Heads of Department
The Ideal Candidate
To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:
- Demonstrable fundraising experience in a philanthropic role;
- Demonstrated track record of developing and executing successful fundraising strategies;
- Proven experience in database entry, analysis, reporting, and some project management;
- Proven experience and proficiency in donor database formats; knowledge of ThankQ/Access Charity CRM a plus;
- Proven experience with donor engagement and volunteer management;
- Ability to assess donor data and segment appropriately;
- Ability to interact with donors;
- Ability to initiate projects, be flexible, and work independently;
- Ability to prioritize appropriately when facing multiple responsibilities and tasks;
- Ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral;
- Excellent organisational skills and meticulous attention to details;
- Excellent IT knowledge and skills;
- A collaborative spirit and strong team ethic;
- High levels of commercial awareness, tact, and discretion;
- Practical knowledge of the Data Protection Act;
- Energy, resourcefulness, and tenacity to lead and embed significant change;
- Passion for the transformational impact of education and empathy with the College’s aims and vision;
- An appreciation of tradition and history as well as innovation.
Working Pattern
- Your working hours will be 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
- You will be working 52 weeks per year.
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
Benefits
Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.
About the College
We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.
If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us, so we can make adjustments accordingly.
DISCLOSURE CHECKS
Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.