Disability jobs

Job Description and Person Specification

Job title Participation Manager

Hours 35 hours per week. We are opening to discussing flexible arrangements – please highlight any requests when applying.

Salary Between £37,000 - £43,750. Placement within the band will depend on skills and experience, with the upper end reflecting significant, directly relevant expertise.

Length of contract  12 months

Location Hybrid work between home and our Vauxhall office. Please read more about our approach to hybrid working in the relevant section below.

Reports to Director of Evidence and Improvement

National Voices

Making what matters to people matter in health and care

National Voices is the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England. We have more than 200 members covering a diverse range of health conditions and communities, connecting us with the experiences of millions of people. We work together to strengthen the voice of people: patients, service users, carers, their families, and the voluntary organisations that work for them.

Our Vision: People shaping their health and care.

Our Mission: We advocate for more inclusive and person centred health and care, shaped by the people who use and need it the most.

We do this by:

· Understanding and advocating for what matters to people especially those living with health conditions and groups who experience inequalities.

· Finding common cause across communities and conditions by working with member charities and those they support.

· Connecting and convening charities, decision makers and citizens to work together to change health and care for good.

The Role

At National Voices, our aim is to make what matters to people matter in health and care. Too often, we see decisions made about the design of health and care services which don’t consider the people who use and need those services – especially those with long term conditions and from groups experiencing inequality. While the intentions of decision makers are usually good, they can unwittingly develop services which are difficult to access, stressful to experience and which don’t enable people to live life to its full potential.

We believe that if health and care leaders were better supported to meaningfully involve people living with health conditions, disability, inequality and their carers in decisions about how services are delivered then our NHS and social care services would be more equitable, and person centred.

At National Voices, we believe that this can best be achieved by connecting health and care leaders in health and care to key groups including:

· Leaders within the patient participation movement, who can support and advise health and care leaders on how to share power with people and communities using coaching and quality improvement techniques, and by acting as a critical friend.

· Leaders from voluntary sector organisations and community groups, who can bring insight into the needs, experiences and priorities of the communities they serve. They can identify opportunities to improve how services are designed and delivered, and help connect decision-makers with communities whose voices are often underrepresented.

· People with lived experience of inequality, particular conditions or services, who bring unique expertise based on their direct experience of care. They can provide timely insight into the impact of policies and services, helping decision-makers stay tuned to current needs, experiences and priorities, rather than relying on historical evidence or assumptions.

We are looking for a Participation Manager who can lead on the design, development and delivery of funded projects that generate insight, support improvement, and enable meaningful participation in health and care decision making. This will include end-to-end responsibility for project design, delivery, reporting and impact.

Projects may include designing and delivering activity such as workshops, coordinating lived experience advisory groups, coordinating coalitions of VCSE organisations, undertaking qualitative research, facilitation and engagement work. The postholder will need sufficient breadth of experience across these areas to confidently design and steer programmes, while drawing on colleagues, partners and associates for specialist input where needed.

You will be responsible for overall programme management - ensuring projects are well planned, appropriately resourced, and delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard. This includes managing risks, reporting requirements and funder relationships.

Projects may also include co-ordinating the delivery of Voices for Improvement coaching relationships and workshops on meaningful participation. We are open to a Participation Manager who has skills and experience around coaching theory and practice, however, we can also bring in external Associates with this subject matter expertise where needed to guide and supervise the coaching elements of the process.

You will also play an active role in identifying and developing new funding and partnership opportunities, contributing to the growth of National Voices’ portfolio of externally funded work.

Finally, where needed, you will also work collaboratively with another Participation Manager who leads National Voices’ Lived Experience Partner programme, membership scheme and partnership programme. You will contribute to these areas where required, particularly where they intersect with funded projects, but they will not be the primary focus of this role.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and delivery of funded participation projects

Lead the end-to-end design, delivery and management of funded programmes and projects that generate insight, support improvement and drive meaningful participation in health and care, including:

· Lead on shaping, securing and delivering funded projects from proposal stage through to completion, ensuring clear outcomes and impact

· Design and oversee programmes that may include research, engagement and participatory activity, such as qualitative and quantitative research, stakeholder engagement and participation work

· Convene and coordinate a range of delivery approaches including advisory groups, workshops, events, VCSE engagement and system partner collaboration

· Ensure delivery is well planned, resourced and managed, including oversight of budgets, timelines, risks and funder reporting

· Draw on colleagues, partners and associates for specialist expertise where needed, while holding overall responsibility for programme design and coherence

· Translate insights and findings into clear, accessible outputs in collaboration with policy and communications colleagues to support influence and impact

· Develop and shape new funding opportunities and proposals to grow the organisation’s portfolio of externally funded work

Deliver coaching and engagement programmes

Manage the delivery of structured coaching and engagement programmes, including National Voices’ Voices for Improvement model, where included within funded projects:

• Oversee delivery of coaching and engagement activity including matching, coordination and participant support
• Ensure coaching relationships between people with lived experience and system leaders are well supported and of high quality
• Contribute to the design and facilitation of associated engagement or learning sessions where required
• Work with associates or external specialists to bring in coaching or quality improvement expertise where needed
• Capture learning, feedback and impact from coaching programmes and contribute to funder reporting, case studies and evaluation outputs

Contribute to wider participation programmes

Work collaboratively with another Participation Manager to support integration with National Voices’ wider participation infrastructure:

· Contribute where relevant to the Lived Experience Partner programme, membership scheme and partnership programme

· Support the involvement of lived experience partners, members and partners in funded projects and engagement activity

· Ensure alignment across programmes and share learning between project delivery and participation infrastructure

General

• Provide line management to one Project Officer within the team, if needed - quality assuring outputs, holding regular 1-2-1s as well as setting annual objectives and completing appraisals.
• Provide matrix management for other National Voices colleagues as and when required.
• Work in sync with other managers across National Voices, contributing to a joined-up, supportive team culture.
• Deputise for the Director of Evidence and Improvement, or other senior colleagues, when required.

· Follow organisational processes to measure, monitor and communicate the impact of our work

· Support good project, financial and data management

Person Specification

Values, attitudes and behaviours

· Passionate about National Voices’ mission and the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience

· Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and reducing health inequalities

· Proactive, flexible, and responsive, with a willingness to work in complexity

· Comfortable working both collaboratively and independently, taking ownership of delivery

· Calm under pressure and able to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines without compromising quality

· Confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including constructively challenging where appropriate

· Entrepreneurial - able to spot opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact

· Energised by variety, able to work across diverse themes while identifying connections and opportunities

Skills and abilities

· Strong programme and/or project management skills, with demonstrable experience of leading complex, multi-stakeholder funded programmes from design through to delivery and completion

· Ability to shape ideas into deliverable programmes, including contributing to funding bids, designing delivery approaches, and translating proposals into practical delivery plans

· Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to translate complex qualitative and quantitative insight into clear, structured outputs that inform decision making and drive action

· Excellent organisational skills, including planning, prioritisation, risk management and delivery of high-quality work to deadlines

· Confident stakeholder and relationship management skills, with experience working across partners, funders, subcontractors, commissioned work and multi-organisation collaborations

· Strong facilitation and engagement skills, including designing and delivering workshops, events and participatory sessions for diverse audiences

· Strong communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, accessible written outputs and presentations

· Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively, support others in delivery, and contribute to shared outcomes

Experience, knowledge and understanding

· Demonstrable experience of leading or delivering participation work with people with lived experience, ideally addressing inequality

· Strong experience of designing and delivering insight generation projects (qualitative and/or quantitative) that have led to real-world impact and improvement

· Experience of working meaningfully with people experiencing inequalities in safe and inclusive ways

· Experience of managing projects, budgets, and multiple stakeholders, working with a high degree of autonomy

· Experience of managing partnerships, funders, or commissioned work, including contributing to income generation

· Experience of facilitating workshops, events, or participatory sessions

· Understanding of the health and care landscape

· Good understanding of the participation landscape, with the ability to act as a credible contributor in the field (desirable)

· Experience of managing or contributing to coalitions or networks of VCSE or membership organisations (desirable)

· Understanding of mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) approaches to evidence generation and analysis (desirable)

· Coaching and/or quality improvement qualifications (desirable)

· Lived experience of disability, caring responsibilities and/or inequality (desirable)

Our approach to hybrid working

We recognise the importance of coming together regularly, in-person, as a team, so we can share learnings and spend social time with each other. We also recognise that people need flexibility, and that homeworking enables focused work and can fit well in people’s lives.

We ask all staff to take part in pre-arranged team meetings which take place every six weeks in our office space. We also might ask you to meet in-person with members of your team from time to time, or to be available for face-to- face meetings with clients and partners where this enhances the work.

We assume that this would usually not amount to more than one day per fortnight for people who work full time. We are happy to discuss how this sits in your life. This can be agreed by your line manager.

Please note that our offices are fully wheelchair accessible and that we are committed to making our workplace fully inclusive.

Application guidance

Please submit a CV and cover letter to apply. We are also recruiting a permanent Participation Manager role at the same time. If you would like your application to be for both roles, please make this clear in your cover letter.

You're welcome to use AI tools to help you prepare your application. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. We often see similar AI-generated writing styles, which can make applications less distinctive. As a charity, we're particularly interested in hearing why our mission matters to you and how your values align with ours.

Please specify any access or other requirements of which we need to be aware for the online interview.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Thursday 30th July.  

The interviews will take place in early August on Microsoft Teams. Details of an interview task and interview questions will be emailed to you in advance.

We are committed to diversifying our team in order to broaden the insight and experiences we can draw on, and to do our work more credibly. In particular, we would welcome applications from older people, disabled people and people who have experienced socioeconomic inequality. Our offices are fully accessible and we are a Disability Confident and an LGBT+ friendly employer.

• Develop and secure commissioning, contract and funding opportunities across Greater Manchester.
• Build strong relationships with NHS, Local Authority, VCSE, corporate and community partners.
• Lead and support bids, tenders and partnership proposals from opportunity through to submission.
• Represent Henshaws across Greater Manchester networks, forums and partnership groups.
• Manage a pipeline of opportunities, helping to generate sustainable income and long-term impact.

• Experience in business development, sales, partnerships or income generation, in a relevant space.
• The confidence to build relationships and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience developing proposals, bids, tenders or funding applications.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple opportunities at once.
• A proactive approach and the resilience to spot opportunities and see them through.

About Working Well Trust 

Working Well Trust is a mental health and employment charity in London. All of our projects share the aim of improving the lives of people with mental health support needs, learning disabilities and/or complex issues through training and employment. 

We are now recruiting IPS Employment Advisors to join our IPS service to join our Kingston & Sutton team. This is a full-time, permanent role working 35 hours per week, following the principles of the IPS model to support people into paid employment. 

What you’ll be doing 

If you were working with us, your days would be varied and people-centred. You would manage a caseload of clients with mental health support needs, people experiencing homelessness, and people with offending histories, offering one-to-one support to help them secure and sustain employment that matches their preferences. 

You would provide person-centred guidance using the IPS approach (training is provided), helping clients build confidence, prepare for work, and navigate challenges that may arise. A key part of the role involves engaging employers, promoting the value of our service, and identifying suitable job opportunities.

You would work closely with NHS clinical teams, contributing to an integrated approach to recovery through employment. This includes attending team meetings, coordinating support, and maintaining clear, client-led communication. The role also involves working to agreed targets while maintaining a high-quality, supportive service. 

What you’ll need 

You do not need previous employment support experience. What matters most is that you bring: 

• A genuine desire to support people with mental health support needs and/or learning disabilities to achieve their employment goals. 

• Motivation to help people from all backgrounds move into meaningful work. 

• Confidence speaking with a wide range of people, from clients to employers. 

• Strong organisation skills, with the ability to multitask and manage your workload. 

• Willingness to learn the IPS model and become confident approaching employers. 

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health, personally or through a close contact. 

What we offer 

• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays (FTE) 

• Paid company closed days at the end of the year (FTE) 

• Flexible, paid Wellbeing Hour every fortnight (FTE) 

• 6% employer pension contribution 

Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities employer and Confident about Disabilities. 

What’s next 

Before you apply, please note the following: 

• We actively recruit and carefully review all applications. Due to rapid service expansion, we have onboarded 20 external hires in the last six months. 

• To ensure we can best support the people and communities we serve, we progress applications only where candidates provide meaningful answers to the screening questions. 

• Career development is real here: in the past year, 10 colleagues have progressed internally into Senior roles, Project Lead, Team Lead, and Operations Manager positions. We value ambition and celebrate progression. 

If you are ready to help us build a service that supports people into meaningful work, click Apply to submit your CV and answer the screening questions. Telephone and final interviews will be confirmed. 

Previous applicants who have already been assessed through the interview process for this Connect to Work role will not be reconsidered at this stage.

Start your application today and take the next step in a rewarding career. 

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Refuge Worker to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse Service in Hackney

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

This role involves providing intensive, person-centred support to women in a residential setting. The role includes delivering key sessions, community meetings, and daily contact to assess and monitor individual needs. You will co-produce Support and Safety Plans with residents, focusing on their strengths and goals, and offer advice on safety, domestic abuse, housing, and independent living. Responsibilities also include liaising with statutory bodies on safeguarding matters, supporting move-on accommodation, and promoting empowerment through workshops and social activities. The role follows “The Hestia Approach,” prioritising co-production, recovery, and partnership with service users.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

Applicants should have experience supporting individuals with diverse and complex needs, including mental health issues and substance misuse. This includes delivering high-quality floating or outreach support, developing support plans, conducting risk assessments, and liaising with external professionals. Knowledge of safeguarding, welfare benefits, housing legislation, and the ability to accurately record casework using computer systems is essential. The role also requires the ability to work independently in the community and travel throughout the borough.

Please note: This role is open to female applicants only, in accordance with Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Shaftesbury is a national disability charity that supports more than 4,000 children, young people and adults with a disability every year to live a life that truly adds up for them. That is at the heart of everything they do.

Their vision ‘all together better for disability’, is about working alongside the people they support so they can participate, contribute and be valued for who they are.

Their work is spearheaded by 1,500+ dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver a wide range of disability care, special education and rehabilitation services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, around the clock. 

To achieve their vision, they are looking for an Individual Giving Manager with a focus on acquisition to work alongside the Head of Individual Giving across regular gifts, appeals, lottery, raffle and other new products.

The Individual Giving Manager drives the recruitment of new supporters and supports the stewardship of warm audience, generating sustainable income for Shaftesbury. The proportion of acquisition focus v retention focus is likely around 70/30. 

This role focuses on maximising long-term value through innovative and impactful multichannel campaigns including reactivating lapsed supporters, optimising supporter conversion and delivering engaging onboarding experiences. The Individual Giving Manager will work on growing regular giving, cash and gaming pipelines and manage exciting projects which could include digital, DRTV, face-to- face, telemarketing, direct mail and radio. The role will provide assistance to the Head of Individual Giving with all retention activity, including cash appeals and newsletters. 

Shaftesbury is happy to consider fundraisers or officer level candidates looking to step up into their first manager level role. At present this role doesn’t line manage, so management experience is not necessary. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for fundraising, supporter journeys and creative thinking and may have experience within a UK based charity in either IG and legacies, community fundraising, corporate or philanthropy.

This role is hybrid, with 4 days per month on average at either the Gateshead office or London office. The one role is being advertised twice to ensure candidates from both geographic locations see the role within their search remit and feel able to apply. 

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment using the information in the Candidate Pack to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot progress candidates through to longlist without speaking with them, so please ensure you leave enough time to organise a screening call before the role closes. 

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please send an email to THINK and our team will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 12th July 

Stage 1 interviews are likely to be held on Tuesday 21st July and Stage 2 on Tuesday 28th or Friday 31st July.

Head of Health and Quality

We are seeking an experienced leader to shape and influence high-quality services, supporting autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities to live their best lives.

Position: Head of Health and Quality
Salary: £51,000 per annum
Location: Essex (Hybrid Working)
Hours: Full Time, Permanent (flexible options available)
Closing Date: 17th July 2026

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to influence and shape high-quality services within a forward-thinking organisation.

Reporting to the Chief Delivery Officer, you will provide leadership across health, quality and clinical governance. You will ensure services are safe, effective and continually improving while helping to shape the future direction of the organisation's health and wellbeing offer.

As Safeguarding Lead and Caldicott Guardian, you will play a vital role in maintaining compliance, supporting colleagues and ensuring the voices of the people supported remain at the centre of everything delivered.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading health and wellbeing programmes and providing line management to project leads
• Provide clinical leadership and advice to senior colleagues.
• Act as Safeguarding Lead and Caldicott Guardian.
• Ensure CQC compliance and maintain inspection readiness.
• Develop new health initiatives and strengthen partnerships with health and social care organisations.
• Lead and support a team delivering person-centred services.

About You

You will be an experienced health or social care professional with a passion for improving outcomes for autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities.

You may already be operating at Head of level or be looking for the opportunity to step into a broader leadership role.

You will bring:

• Experience of clinical leadership, governance and safeguarding.
• Knowledge of CQC requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to person-centred, compassionate care.
• The ability to inspire confidence and support others to succeed.
• A collaborative and innovative approach.

A recognised clinical qualification and current professional registration would be advantageous.

About the Organisation

This values-driven organisation supports autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives and be part of inclusive communities.

Guided by a commitment to community, innovation and enhancing lives, the organisation works to deliver compassionate, equitable and person-centred support while continually developing new approaches to improve outcomes.

Benefits include flexible working options, pension scheme, training and professional development opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme, Blue Light Card and free on-site parking.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Quality, Head of Clinical Services, Head of Care, Clinical Governance Lead, Quality and Compliance Manager, Director of Care, Head of Safeguarding, Registered Manager, Head of Health and Wellbeing, Clinical Lead.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Specialist Temporary Accommodation Officer to play a pivotal role in our Homelessness Service in London.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

Manage a frontline caseload of individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or living in temporary accommodation, delivering tailored assessments, action plans, and practical interventions to secure and sustain stable housing. Work collaboratively with landlords, housing providers, statutory and community agencies to coordinate support, prevent tenancy breakdown, promote independence, and achieve positive outcomes while maintaining accurate case records and meeting contractual performance targets.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Strong knowledge of housing and homelessness issues, with experience supporting people facing complex challenges in a fast-paced, target-driven environment. Excellent case management, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate multi-agency support, maintain accurate records, identify safeguarding concerns, and deliver solution-focused, person-centred support that promotes long-term housing stability and independence.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), we enrich lives through the unique bond between people and horses. Each year, we support over 39,000 disabled children and adults through activities including riding, carriage driving, and equine assisted programmes such as Quiet Corners and Tea with a Pony. We are pioneers in the therapeutic use of horses, leaders in disability sport, and the only major UK charity focused specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together.

We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. With 24% of the UK population classified as disabled, we make a lasting impact through the therapeutic power of horses.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: RDA Coach

Reports to:  Centre Manager

Based at: Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire

Hours: Flexible working available: This role is advertised as 30 hours per week, Tuesday to                                                          Saturday, but we're happy to consider flexible working patterns. The role can be shared between two or more people, so we'd encourage you to apply even if you can't work all the hours                                            advertised. 

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £24,947

Role Purpose

The RDA Coach is responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of safe, effective, and engaging sessions at Lowlands Equestrian Centre. The Coach role ensures that all sessions meet the needs of disabled riders while maintaining high standards of equine welfare, volunteer support, and compliance with RDA guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

Session Delivery

 · Lead and deliver all ridden sessions, ensuring they are safe, inclusive, and tailored to individual rider needs.

· Lead other activities at the centre when needed.

· Complete session risk assessments and retain responsibility for maintaining safety throughout.

· Take overall responsibility for the effective running of sessions, including setup, delivery, and close-down.

· Ensure all sessions align with RDA standards and best practice.

· Coordination of volunteers to ensure adequate support for participants.

Session Planning

· Plan structured and progressive ridden sessions to support rider development and enjoyment.  

· Adapt session plans to meet the varying abilities and goals of riders.

· Contribute to the overall activity plan, identifying ways to increase efficiency, session quality and volume.

Assessment & Rider Development

 · Carry out rider assessments to facilitate progression and ensure appropriate support is in place.

· Identify when further advice and therapy support are required to assess safety for riders.

· Complete and maintain Risk Assessments (RA) relevant to ridden activities.

· Monitor rider progress and adjust sessions accordingly.

Horse Allocation

In partnership with the Equine Team:

 · allocate suitable horses to riders based on:

o Rider ability and needs

o Horse suitability, fitness, and temperament

· ensure horse workload is appropriate and balanced.

 Record Keeping

 · Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for sessions, including:

o Attendance

o Rider progress and assessments

o Any incidents or concerns

Volunteer Coordination & Training

 · Coordinate volunteers for ridden sessions, ensuring appropriate roles are filled (e.g., side walkers, leaders).

· Provide clear briefings before sessions and debriefs where required.

· Deliver training and guidance to volunteers to ensure safe and effective support during sessions.

· Monitor volunteer performance and safety, identifying any training needs or safety concerns and providing the appropriate support where needed.

Health, Safety & Welfare

· Ensure all sessions operate in line with health and safety requirements and RDA policies.

· Monitor both rider and horse welfare during sessions, taking action where necessary.

· Report and record any incidents or concerns promptly

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

 · Coaching qualification (RDA Coach, BHS Stage 2 Coach or equivalent).

· Experience of delivering ridden sessions, ideally within a therapeutic or educational setting.

· Strong understanding of equine behaviour, welfare, and suitability for ridden work.

· Experience of working with volunteers and coordinating teams.

· Ability to assess rider ability and adapt sessions accordingly.

· Good organisational and record-keeping skills.

· Knowledge of health and safety requirements in an equine environment.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Criteria

· Experience working within an RDA-approved centre or RDA Group.

· First Aid qualification.

· Safeguarding training.

· Experience of working with individuals with additional needs or disabilities.

Personal Attributes

· Patient, empathetic, and supportive approach.

· Confident leader with the ability to direct sessions effectively.

· Calm and decisive under pressure.

· Highly organised and reliable.

· Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and high welfare standards.

· Committed to continuously improving coaching practice and development

Day Opportunities Senior Manager 

Are you ready to lead a service where people come first?

At London Ability, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live a full and valued life, with meaningful experiences, real choices and the right support to achieve their potential. We work in partnership with the people we support, recognising strengths, encouraging independence and always putting our clients at the heart of what we do.

Our strapline, “It’s what you can do that matters.” is more than just words on page, it’s the belief that underpins everything we do, and reflected in our values and the way we work.

Over the last 40 years, we have provided services and support for adults with Learning Disabilities, Autism and additional physical and sensory disabilities, working alongside our clients to create meaningful opportunities, encourage independence and recognise everyone’s strengths and potential.

We’re equally committed to creating a great place to work and in 2024, London Ability received national recognition from Investor in People as one of the UK’s Top 20 Employers.

We’re now looking for a passionate, positive, values-driven Day Opportunities Manager to lead one of our community-based services and help shape the next chapter of our journey.

What Makes Us Different:

Clients are at the heart of everything we do

We work to ensure that our clients are at the heart of every decision we make, with their voices helping to shape the services and opportunities we provide.

Monday to Friday working

Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with no regular evenings or weekends.

Supportive leadership

Be part of an experienced, welcoming organisation where collaboration and mutual support are valued.

Lead an established and respected service

Build on strong foundations, supporting the continued development of a well-regarded service while helping to shape its future.

A great place to work

Benefit from an Employee Assistance Programme, staff recognition awards, subsidised meals, birthday leave and our Christmas shutdown.

Well-connected location

Based in East London, with on-site parking available and excellent transport links via Leyton and Stratford.

Competitive salary and benefits

Recognising the responsibility and impact of your leadership role.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Day Opportunities Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of our service, ensuring that the people we support receive high-quality, meaningful and personalised opportunities.You will lead and develop a committed team, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and ensure the service continues to evolve and grow.

As a senior manager, you will also contribute to the wider success of the organisation and provide support and deputise for colleagues when required.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who genuinely lives our values and can inspire others to do the same.

You’ll bring:

• A passion for supporting people to live full and meaningful lives.

• Previous leadership or management experience working with adults with disabilities in day opportunities or a similar setting.

• The ability to lead, motivate and develop a dedicated team.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

• A proactive, positive and solution-focused approach.

• The confidence to build positive relationships with the people we support, their families and professionals.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, safeguarding and quality standards.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Join an organisation where values aren’t just words — they shape everyday practice.

• Be genuinely supported by an experienced, welcoming and collaborative management team.

• Help create services, activities and opportunities that empower adults with disabilities to thrive and develop skills.

• Play a leading role in the future of an organisation that has been making a difference for over four decades.

Location: East London

Hours: Monday to Friday

Salary: £49,000

Closing Date: 10 July 

If you’re an inspiring leader who believes that great services are built through partnership, respect and empowerment we’d love to hear from you. 

Get in touch if you'd like an informal conversation about the role with our CEO, Helen Gore.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Volunteering & Befriending Coordinator to play a pivotal role in our Complex Needs Service in Notting Hill.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

This role is responsible for developing and coordinating a volunteer befriending service that enhances recovery-focused support for service users. You will recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, ensuring they are well-prepared, supported, and aligned with organisational policies and procedures. Working closely with the Service Manager and wider team, you'll match volunteers appropriately, ensuring risk information is reviewed and placements are safe and effective.

You'll promote a service user-centred approach, ensuring befriending activities meet identified needs and improve wellbeing. The role also includes identifying funding opportunities and submitting applications to support the growth and sustainability of the volunteer programme.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will need to bring great organisational skills and experience with a keen ability to organise and set up big events on a small budget which can make a positive social impact. Alongside this you need to be self motivated and have a passion for developing others you also need to have experience of supporting service users with mental health issues in some capacity.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!

Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Who we are 

Yateley Industries provides housing, employment, and social activities for people with disabilities. Our mission is to create an inclusive community where individuals can thrive. We offer accommodation, employment opportunities and social activities to promote independence, personal growth and belonging. 

Job Purpose

The newly appointment Energy Adviser is to provide 1‑to‑1, face‑to‑face energy advice, including home visits, to the local community and residents experiencing fuel poverty and energy‑related issues. The role is focused on supporting vulnerable people, including disabled people, older adults, and those on low incomes, to improve energy efficiency, manage bills, and access appropriate support.

Key Responsibilities:

Advice, Casework and Targets

• Provide 1‑to‑1, face‑to‑face energy advice appointments, including home visits.
• Support vulnerable households, ensuring advice is accessible, inclusive, and person‑centred.
• Offer tailored guidance on:
  • Reducing energy usage and costs
  • Understanding bills, meters, and tariffs
  • Heating systems and basic energy efficiency measures
  • Fuel debt, payment plans, and priority services registers
  • Accessing grants, discounts, and energy‑related support schemes
• Assist clients with energy correspondence and form‑filling where required.
• You will be part of a larger team working together to reach specific delivery targets.

Outreach and Events

• Deliver outreach sessions, information stands, and workshops in community venues.
• Attend and support community events to promote the charity’s energy advice services.
• Work proactively to reach under‑represented or harder‑to‑reach groups.

Safeguarding

• Undertake lone working, including home visits, in line with organisational lone‑working policies.
• Identify and appropriately respond to safeguarding concerns, following charity procedures.
• Maintain personal safety and professional boundaries at all times.
• Onward referral to local provision for complex cases or support needs beyond our scope.

Administration and Partnership Working

• Maintain accurate case records, monitoring outcomes and impact.
• Work collaboratively with internal colleagues and external partners such as local authorities, health professionals, and voluntary organisations.
• Contribute to monitoring, reporting, and evaluation required by funders.

Key Skills and Qualifications: 

• Experience of working directly with vulnerable people, including disabled people.
• Experience delivering energy advice would be a bonus, but not essential.

• A passion or interest in supporting the local community.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills, with an empathetic non-judgemental approach

• Experience of delivering group and outreach sessions.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage own workload and ability to work independently. 
• Good IT skills (email, case management, CRM system, data entry, reporting)
• Already have or committed to undertaking Level 3 City & Guilds Energy Awareness qualification within an agreed timeframe.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle and business insurance (desirable due to home visits).

Yateley Industries is committed to promoting equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. 

We are seeking a qualified Specialist ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate) to join our Advocacy team at Respond. The role includes providing pro-active emotional, practical and advocacy support for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people with complex or multiple needs who have experienced any form of sexual violence and are engaging, (or considering engaging) with the criminal justice system. The ISVA will work across London to provide non-judgmental, trauma-informed emotional support, working in partnership with other London sexual violence support services. 

Our ideal candidate will have experience in the ISVA role as well as a friendly and relational approach to working with clients.  You will have the ability to build trusting relationships, work in an empowering and inclusive way and support clients to heal following sexual abuse and develop coping capacity. You will be a self-motivated individual who will engage with a wider range of people who have experience sexual violence, and other barriers to justice.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an inclusive and passionate team, and you will be supported by the ISVA Service Manager in your ongoing development. Respond values and encourages working in a collaborative and compassionate way, as we support each other to address one of the most enduring injustices; of the experience of trauma to autistic people and people with learning disabilities and their families.

Background information about Respond   

Respond started in 1991 and has grown from a small London based charity to a medium sized national charity in recent years.  Our mission is to reduce the impact of trauma in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people, by developing trusting relationships, through psychotherapeutically informed services.  

An important part of our work at Respond is working in a trauma-informed way. What this means for us is that we hold in mind the impact of trauma at all levels of the organisation, and all staff take part in reflective practice or team dynamics.     

We are keen to encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates including people with lived experience, who are both interested in working in partnership to provide advocacy support, as well as supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced trauma.    

We are committed to the furthering of human rights, equality, and positive social change through our therapeutic and advocacy work and are committed to anti-racism and other forms of anti-discriminatory practice. We recognise that we need to continually keep this as a focus in our work and as an integral part of our organisational strategy.      

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement in the person specification, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable for this role.  You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles within the organisation. 

Respond Benefits package (all per financial year)

We offer a generous and comprehensive package of flexible benefits to all of our staff.

• Hybrid working model, which means that if you’re full time you make a commitment to be working in the office at least two days a week, with the remainder working from home.  Part time hours are altered accordingly.   

• Generous paid leave benefits including 28.5 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays), with some to be taken between Christmas and New year.

• Up to 4 weeks paid sickness leave at full pay and a further 4 weeks at half pay,

• Discretionary study leave to support training relevant to your role. 

• Paid leave to employees who may need to take one day off a year when a religious festival falls on a workday.

• Up to 5 days paid time off for dependents per financial year.

• Opportunity to apply for up to 2 days (14 hours) paid leave per year to participate in volunteering activities relevant to the role.      

• Access to a workplace pension scheme, administered by NEST, with a minimum 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution from commencement of employment. 

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes 24/7 telephone service and counselling.     

Note all of the above days per annum stated are pro rata’d for part time employees.    

If you’d like to find out more about this role, please read through the job description and our person specification. When you apply, please send a CV and address the points in the person specification in an accompanying supporting statement.   Your statement should be no more than 2 sides of A4.     

Closing date for applications: 17th July 2026

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? 

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress? 

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you. 

Job title: A&E Link Worker
Reference Number: 371
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum
Reports to: Crisis Services Manager
Contract length: Permanent
Working pattern: 37.5 hours per week over a 7-day rota ( 7.5 hour shifts between 3pm – 11pm)
Woking bases: Lister Hospital

We have a vacancy for a Mental Health A&E Link Worker to join our team. 

About the Project 

Our A and E Link Workers help adults access alternative mental health crisis support, including our Nightlight Crisis Service. We focus on providing a calmer, quieter environment away from the hospital when it’s needed. 

Service Objectives 

The objectives of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s (HMN) A&E Liaison Service are to: 

• Improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire. 
• Increase timely access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by HMN and other third sector and statutory providers. 
• Contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing. 
• Remain a source of independent support for all clients. 
• Provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis to support better outcomes and reduce the demand on statutory crisis services, emergency services and A&E departments. 

About the Role: 

The Mental Health A&E Link worker will work closely with individuals in a mental health crisis currently in A&E, by using a person-centred approach to ensure that everyone is supported with dignity and respect. 

They will encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery; through providing emotional support, signposting and completing onward referrals into mental health support. They will work closely with A&E clinical staff, integrated discharge teams, CGL, Bounce Back, and mental health liaison teams, to proactively identify referrals into the crisis alternatives service to facilitate timely discharges from A&E.

We offer: 

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days pro rata after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays) 
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period. 
• Ongoing training relevant to your role. 
• An Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments. 

A driving Licence with access to a car for the purpose of business use; or alternative means to travel reliably between places for working hours of 3-11pm, including on public holidays is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 30th July at 5pm.
Interviews to be held on Thursday 6th August at our Letchworth Wellbeing Centre
N.B. Please quote reference number 371 when completing your application for this role.

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.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Specialist Homelessness Prevention Coordinator to play a pivotal role in our Single Homeless Person Service in London.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

In this role, you will use your specialist knowledge of housing legislation, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017,to prevent and relieve homelessness through timely, proactive interventions. You will conduct comprehensive assessments and develop co-produced Personal Housing Plans that empower clients to resolve their housing issues where possible. ​

​By maintaining accurate, up-to-date records and following up on all actions promptly, you will ensure that risks of homelessness are minimised and statutory duties are met effectively.​

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will bring knowledge, experience, or relevant qualifications in housing and homelessness legislation, including private rented housing, the Homelessness Reduction Act, eviction processes, and tenants' rights. You will also have a good understanding of welfare benefits legislation and health and safety, alongside experience addressing the causes of homelessness and developing effective interventions with service users. Comfortable working in a target-driven environment, you will be highly organised, able to manage a busy caseload, prioritise competing demands, and meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality outcomes.

You will be a strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills, able to work collaboratively with colleagues, partners, and the wider community. A proactive, solution-focused approach is essential, along with the ability to work independently with a high degree of responsibility and autonomy. You will be confident using IT systems and databases, maintaining accurate case records and reporting. With a strong work ethic, customer-focused mindset, and a genuine commitment to making a difference, you will thrive in a fast-paced, outcome-focused environment.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.