Disabled children jobs

The Partnerships Executive plays a key role in giving people around the world the chance to read, learn and grow. The successful candidate will be responsible for selecting suitable books for our partners, coordinating book orders with our Operations Team, and ensuring accurate and timely documentation to support shipments.

You will maintain up-to-date records, handle enquiries, and work closely with our global partners to build and sustain meaningful relationships. The role also involves helping to identify and onboard new partners and sharing valuable insights across our organisation. Strong communication, excellent IT skills, and a collaborative mindset are essential for success in this role.

We are seeking someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, and passionate about literacy and education. If you have experience managing stakeholder relationships, enjoy working in a mission-driven team, and want to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being at the heart of an organisation’s operations—helping to keep the corporate services running smoothly, so that our Education and Supporter teams can focus on delivering impact through our programmes. 

Both nationally and internationally, public discussion and political debate are increasingly polarised and divided. Social media, fake news and new technologies such as AI can create echo chambers, where claims pass unchallenged, and different views are hard to find. The English-Speaking Union shows that there is a more constructive and collaborative path.  The ESU was founded in 1918 to build greater understanding and friendships between people and nations. We are an educational charity with international reach, with an ESU in over 50 countries. Today our work is focussed on training young people in oracy – speaking and listening skills, in critical thinking and self-expression - to build skilful communicators and engaged citizens and leaders.  

The English-Speaking Union and our work is more important now than ever.  

he Corporate Services team provides essential strategic and operational support across the organisation. Our governance function oversees compliance, risk management, and performance frameworks. The finance team manages budgets, financial planning, and reporting. All of this contributes to effective decision making. We are also responsible for looking after our properties, which includes maintaining oversight of two commercial leases, and maintaining Dartmouth House which is a grade II* listed events venue and our Head Office in Mayfair. 

Purpose of this role  

The Business Support Administrator will provide high quality support to the Board of Trustees and its sub-Committees, and the Chief Operating Officer. This role will work closely with the Executive Assistant to the Director General. 

Responsibilities and Expectations  

• Provide high-quality administrative and organisational support to the Chief Operating Officer, helping to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. 

• Coordinate the preparation and timely circulation of agendas, papers, minutes and action logs for Board and Committee meetings. 

• Monitor and report on progress against Board and Committee actions, ensuring timely follow-up and delivery 

• Support the delivery of the annual Board effectiveness review, gathering feedback and helping to implement improvements. 

• Assist with the planning and delivery of the annual external audit, working with colleagues and auditors to meet key deadlines. 

• Maintain key registers including the Gift & Hospitality Register, Declarations of Interest, and compliance trackers. 

• Facilitate due diligence checks as needed, liaising with legal advisors to ensure accuracy and compliance. 

• Maintain the organisation’s contract register, tracking review dates and supporting internal contract reviews and renewals. 

• Deliver one-off projects and provide flexible support across the Corporate Services team as required. 

Skills and Experience  

• A track record of providing secretariat support, including minute taking. 

• Excellent administrative skills, highly organised with very good attention to detail. 

• A tactful and conscientious individual who can navigate through complex situations 

• Understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality

• A good understanding of charity governance. 

• Strong written and oral communication skills. 

• A motivated self-starter who can quickly translate issues into solutions. 

• A team player who can quickly build trusted relationships at all levels. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Can confidently and professionally challenge and hold people to account. 

• The ability to manage several projects simultaneously whilst working at a high standard.

• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office. 

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. You will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

The role will be part of increasing the ability of partner agencies to recognize, reject and respond appropriately and safely to all forms of gender-based violence (including domestic violence, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honor-based violence).

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. 

Closing Date: 09:00am 6 May 2025

Interview Date: 16 May 2025

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our vibrant team in Berkshire!

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.

Hours of Work: 2x Full Time: 37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Office based at Broadmoor Hospital.  (Because of the nature and location of the role, applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport.)

Salary: Full time starting salary £24242.40 per annum
 
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.

· Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

· 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days 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!

Closing Date: 9AM, Friday 16th May 2025 (we reserve the right to close this vacancy early)

Interview Date: 29th & 30th May 2025

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 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.

Overview  

At Young Roots, we want to see a compassionate and welcoming society for young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. We work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support and promoting young people’s rights and power.   

Our youth clubs and casework are transformative for young refugees, allowing young people who have fled danger, had traumatic journeys and who are often here alone, to find community and connection, have a space to be a young person and access support in addressing a whole range of practical challenges they face. We also draw on our evidence from working every day with young refugees and asylum seekers to call for change to the laws and policies which are harming young people.  

The Youth Development Coordinator is responsible for the development and delivery of our youth development programme for young refugees and asylum seekers. 

You will be focused on ensuring our programme activities achieve our outcomes, are in line with our strategy and identify areas for change and development under the direction of the Head of Services. An excellent communicator and skilled at working with partners, you will be key in the implementation and running all of our weekly youth activities, including a Youth Club and Advice and Support Hub working closely with the Youth Development Worker and having oversight of our weekly Young Women’s group. 

As an experienced manager, you will lead our team of skilled youth workers, working alongside the Brent team to provide holistic support to young asylum seekers and refugees in Brent.  

You will prioritise the participation of young people in all activities, ensuring excellent safeguarding by following our policy and protocols, and ensure that we collect excellent data for monitoring and evaluation and to aid our future planning. You will also assist with staff and volunteer recruitment and reporting to our funding partners. 

The Youth Development Coordinator will hold a Designated Safeguarding Officer role at Young Roots for which they will receive full training.

Interview dates:

- First round interviews to take place on 20/05 and 22/05
- Second round interviews for successful candidates will take place on 27/05

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of special educational needs and disability (SEND) law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Trusts and Philanthropy Officer to join our small, ambitious fundraising team. IPSEA has a proven track record of successfully securing grants, and this is a new role designed to help strengthen and grow IPSEA’s income from charitable Trusts and Foundations. You will be responsible for researching new funding opportunities, preparing and submitting tailored applications and reports, and managing relationships with existing funders through thoughtful and timely stewardship. You will also support the early development of strategies in major gifts and wider philanthropy. 

This role is an opportunity to play a key role in our future fundraising strategy and help secure long-term financial sustainability for our services. 

You will work remotely, with occasional travel required for essential meetings approximately 4-5 times per year. 

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND and would like to use your fundraising skills at IPSEA, we would love to hear from you. 

To apply

• Download our ‘Trusts and Philanthropy Officer Recruitment Pack’
• Visit our website to download an application form
• Submit your completed application form via our website

Please note that we do not accept CVs as applications.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 12 May 2025 
First-round interviews: 21 or 22 May in central Birmingham

12 months Fixed Term/Secondment opportunity (Maternity cover).

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

Our Public Health Service plays a vital role in this mission. We're passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our communities in both Hackney and the City of London. We work collaboratively and creatively to address health inequalities and create a healthier future for all.

The City of London Corporation shares this commitment to community and sustainability. As the governing body of the Square Mile, they play a crucial role in supporting a thriving London and contributing to a flourishing society.

If you would like to find out more information about public health in the City and Hackney, please visit the Hackney and City of London Health and Wellbeing Profiles website.

Pause works with women who have experienced – or are at risk of – repeated pregnancies that result in children needing to be removed from their care. The programme gives women the chance to pause and take control over their lives, breaking a destructive cycle that causes both them and their children deep trauma.

Are you an ambitious, creative and influential practitioner who is passionate about reducing the number of children being removed into care by supporting women to bring about change in their lives?

As a Pause Practitioner Hackney, you will deliver a range of interventions and support measures as part of an integrated package of health, therapeutic and social support for women on the programme, under the direction of the Pause and STEPs Practice Lead.

You will undertake a creative and tenacious outreach approach to engage women and utilise a broad range of highly developed skills, alongside a high level of professional autonomy. The post holder will have the ability to adapt to shifting demands and priorities and be flexible in their approach to working with women on the programme.

You will be a big part of a small team, where everyone takes a flexible and collaborative approach to work and is committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable and marginalised groups. Like Pause, you will be passionate about changing entrenched social issues and will respond by ‘doing things differently’.

The following criteria is essential for this post:

· Relevant professional qualification/experience in a field relevant to the work of the Pause team e.g. nursing, social work, mental health, education, criminal justice, youth work, therapeutic practice, counselling, criminal justice or equivalent

· Experience of working with families/individuals who present with a range of complex needs (mental health challenges, drug and alcohol misuse, domestic abuse) and demonstrate an ability to create rapport and build effective relationships

· Experience of case management including assessments, care planning and reviews with clients with complex needs

· Highly developed knowledge of adult safeguarding, childcare legislation and local Child Protection Procedures

· Ability to use influence and evidence to improve outcomes for Pause women

· An understanding of child development, parenting capacity, risk and protective factors

· Ability to work flexibly as part of a team

Please note, an Enhanced DBS check will be required.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values, so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency-based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 04 May 2025 (22.59).

Interview and assessment date: W/C 19 May 2025.

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available.

About Respect  

Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector.  Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 23 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.     

Respect supports frontline organisations across the UK, so that together we can end domestic abuse.  Our work is wide ranging: we offer accreditation of specialist services; we provide training for individuals and organisations working in the sector; we work in partnership with others to innovate and develop practice;  we provide two helplines to enable service users to get the help and advice they need; we lobby influencers to improve policy and practice; we support up-to-date research undertaken by specialists in the field; and we fundraise to ensure important work continues to happen. 

Respect has seen rapid growth over the last few years, and we now have 60+ staff running a range of projects and core activities and have ambitious plans for further growth and influence. 

Our vision   

We want a world where everyone is free from domestic abuse. Where it is never ok to control, harm or cause fear. Where those who perpetrate domestic abuse are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change.    

Our mission   

We work with our members, partners and allies to stop the harms done by those who perpetrate domestic abuse.  With innovative practice, robust research and quality data, we build evidence of what works, promote safe, effective practice and drive high standards.  We use our voice, in collaboration with others, to call for a response to domestic abuse that matches the scale of the problem.  We will not stop, until domestic abuse stops.    

Our Focus   

Respect was founded to focus on perpetrators of domestic abuse and this, including our vital work with young people who cause harm, will remain our key priority.  Our work with male victims will continue as an important, distinct, project.    

Our Values   

• Pioneering - We explore innovative ideas and develop new approaches with curiosity and rigour.   
   

• Collaborative - We work in partnership with our members, partners and allies to bring about individual, societal and systems change.   
   

• Accountable- We listen to survivors and centre their needs in our work.  We hold perpetrators to account for their behaviour and hold ourselves and our members accountable for ours.   
   

• Respectful - We live up to our name.  We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.  We are honest, compassionate and boldly challenge injustice.    

Make a Change 

Make a Change is a community-wide, early response approach to people using abusive behaviours (or who are concerned that they might be) towards a current or ex-partner. The model has been developed by Respect in partnership with Women’s Aid Federation England, drawing inspiration from their Change that Lasts approach. It includes three strands: expert support programme for perpetrators with parallel support for survivors, workforce development and community outreach.

Improving the safety, freedom and wellbeing of adult and child survivors of domestic abuse is a key outcome for our work with perpetrators.  The Make a Change model is a multi-partner project offering local areas a framework for delivering perpetrator work. Where feasible, we aim to establish partnerships with local survivor domestic abuse service to deliver parallel support for survivors (referred to as Integrated Support Service) as part the expert support strand.

Purpose of the role: 

The Senior Communications and Policy Officer will work with the Make a Change team at Respect to advance the development of communication and policy activities for the Make a Change model in project sites and nationally to encourage uptake in new areas. They will also work with Respect’s Communications and Influence leads to ensure alignment with the organisation's broader messaging and advocacy efforts, maximising the impact of Make a Change initiatives. The postholder will lead on developing and implementing communication strategies and plans in partnership with our delivery partners across the sites.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and across all protected characteristics1, particularly from people from the following under-represented groups: 

• Black and minoritised people 

• Disabled people 

We always welcome and support applications from those who have personal experience of domestic abuse. 

Please follow the link to find out more. 

As our Services’ Manager, you will oversee some of our most impactful delivery, including our Courses service, Vocation service, Digital services, and our award-winning Mentoring service. You’ll be just as comfortable working alongside the team to problem solve as you are working with the leadership team on our business plans and budget management.

Reporting to the Head of Services and working with the Outreach & Engagement Manager, you will play a key role in the services leadership team.

You will be naturally driven to achieve the best outcomes for people affected by spinal cord injury. Above all, you will be passionate about being able to demonstrate the impact of what we do, and you will see for yourself how Back Up quite literally transforms lives every day.

Location: Home-based, with one day per week travel into the Bedford and Croydon offices, with travel to project sites and Respect’s office as necessary 200a Pentonville Road, London N1 9JP.

Responsible to: Head of Safe & Together

Salary: Point 42 – 45; £44,637 to £47,667 (a London Allowance will be applied to employees who live in London of £3,299 plus 6% employers’ pension subject to an additional minimum 2% contribution by the employee)

We are pleased to offer a starting salary at the beginning point of the salary band. This position offers opportunities for salary increases based on performance and tenure. 

Hours: 35 Hours per week, 5 days per week

Job type: Fixed Term; maternity cover starting at the end of July 2025 for 8 months with a possible extension. 

About the role:

Respect is looking for a new Safe & Together Implementation Lead to cover maternity leave for the current postholder. This role is primarily based in Croydon and Bedfordshire local authorities. We’re looking for someone with demonstrable experience in service delivery within the Children's Services and Domestic Abuse sectors, including monitoring, evaluation, and improvement. You will be a confident planner and negotiator within the sector, providing training, consultations, and coaching. 

About you:

• Track record of driving service delivery improvements in the Children's Service relating to Domestic Abuse and children's safeguarding.
• Demonstrate a commitment to – and understanding of – the values, aims and objectives of Respect 
• Ability to handle sensitive information, and work with discretion 
• Experience in practice development and coaching
• Ability produce briefings for a wide range of actors, and negotiate with key stakeholders within the local authority 
• Ability to use your own initiative as well as part of a team

About Respect 

Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector.  Founded in 2000, we have built our expertise over the last 25 years in what was then a fledgling sector and recently have seen significant and rapid growth.

Benefits:

• Friendly and collaborative working environment
• Remote working 
• 25 to 30 days holidays per annum plus bank holidays (depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees) 
• Contributory pension scheme including 6% employer’s contribution (subject to employee’s minimum 2% contribution) 
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay 
• Occupational sick pay depending on length of service and pro-rata for part-time employees.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to staff discounts

How to apply 

Please visit our website for a full job description and person specification, where you can find and complete the application form and equalities monitoring form.

Please ensure that all application submissions are submitted in Word Document format only. 

Successful applicants must reside in the United Kingdom. 

We would particularly welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds and across all protected characteristics, particularly people from the following under-represented groups on our staff team:

• Black and minoritised people 
• Deaf and disabled people 

We would also warmly welcome an informal chat about the role, if you are interested but unsure whether you meet the requirements or would be suitable. For more information, please review the job description (see link)

Closing date: 15th May 2025, 23:59

Interviews to take place: Friday, 23rd May 2025. These will be held via Microsoft Teams.

We have an exciting opportunity for Children & Young People Domestic Abuse Practitioners (CYPDAP) to join the New Era team in Staffordshire, working 37.5 hours a week on a Fixed-Term Contract until 31/03/2026

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is based in Staffordshire (we have an office in Stafford or Stoke). The caseworker will work directly with children and young people across the area; with hybrid working an option after the 6 month probationary period.

As a CYP DA Practitioner you will be:

• Working directly and indirectly with children and young people
• Delivering services mostly through education establishments
• Working within a wider DA service for the whole family approach

You will need:

• Good communication skills
• An ability to engage, build rapport and motivate young people
• A good understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on young people

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Position: Director of External Affairs
Type: Full-time (35 hours a week), permanent
Location: Office-based in London with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £73,653 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band: Band 5

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

It is a very exciting time to join the MS Society as Director of External Affairs a brand-new role in the organisation. We are implementing an ambitious cross-organisational transformation programme. And we have just started a new 2025-29 strategy.

We’re looking for an experienced and focused leader who has the ability to drive forward our brilliant Policy & Evidence, Campaign & Public Affairs and PR teams. We’re looking for someone who can work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure our work has a positive impact for the MS community.

With the ability to provide strategic and thought leadership, you’ll act as the leading authority on matters relating to external affairs, providing advice across the organisation including to the Executive Group and Trustees.

You’ll have significant experience of developing and implementing relevant external affairs strategies and of successfully leading policy, communications or campaigning functions in an organisation of comparable size and complexity. You’ll also need to be influential both internally and externally, including representing the MS Society at a range of external meetings with a variety of audiences.

As well as leading on planning and budget setting for the external affairs functions, as a member of the leadership team, you will also contribute to the strategic leadership, planning and policy formulation of the MS Society as a whole.

We’re looking for someone who is committed to collaborative working, who is excellent at building relationships and trust with colleagues at all levels, and whose focus is on supporting high performing teams and enabling them to do their best for the MS community.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 am Monday 12 May 2025

Anticipated interview date:

First interviews: Friday 23 May 2025

Second interviews: Wednesday 28 May 2025 or Thursday 29 May 2025

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

As Fundraising Grants Officer, you’ll play a vital role in securing funding from a variety of sources. Sitting within the Philanthropy team, you will contribute directly to our ambitious income targets by identifying and applying for grants and funding opportunities.

You’ll have excellent writing skills with an innate understanding of how effective verbal communication and writing skills can influence people’s decisions. This role offers the unique chance to gain hands-on experience in writing compelling grant applications, while also developing broader fundraising skills across trusts and foundations, major gifts, and corporate partnerships. It’s a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to grow in a dynamic and supportive team.

Drawing on your experience in fundraising, grant applications, grant-giving, or grant management you’ll play a key role in supporting our mission. This is an opportunity to grow professionally while making a meaningful contribution to our goal of advancing human health through medical research.

We would like to hear from you if you can demonstrate:

• Experience of undertaking research to identify and assess potential funding opportunities.
• Effective written communications with a persuasive writing style.
• Experience of successfully making or reviewing fundraising or grant applications in a charity. grant-giving organisation, research funding organisation or scientific setting.
• Strong research and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Working in an organised manner, managing deadlines effectively and responding flexibly to work priorities.
• IT literacy and experience in effectively using a CRM system for fundraising.
• Developing and managing effective working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.

We will offer a salary of between £29,000 and £34,000 depending on experience for a 36-hour week. Ideally you will be a full-time employee but we are happy to consider a part-time contract (min 0.8 FTE). This post will be offered as a permanent contract.

We value spending time working in-person to develop strong connections with each other and with our mission, so you will be based at our central London office for a minimum of three days a week (usually Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) with the option to work remotely for the remainder.

At the Medical Research Foundation, we believe that diversity drives creativity and innovation. We are dedicated to promoting equality of opportunity, fostering fairness and inclusion, and creating an environment where everyone feels that they belong.

We especially welcome applications from individuals from minoritised groups, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.

DFN Project SEARCH offer an evidence-based supported internship model which takes place entirely in the workplace.  The programmes provide continuous support to young adults with a learning disability, and autistic people who are aged between 16 – 24 with an Education Health and Care Plan, or equivalent, in their final year of education.

You will be required to identify opportunities to develop and grow DFN Project SEARCH programmes across a geographical area with the aim of supporting the organisation to ensure that as many people as need it have access to DFN Project SEARCH programmes.

In addition, you will be required to develop strategies to ensure that the operational programmes in your area are achieving at least the average outcomes expected for young people in our programmes and so you must be committed to continuous improvement.

You will be specifically required to develop strong partnerships and train and support colleagues within your area. You may also be required to support colleagues promoting DFN Project SEARCH in other areas, further European projects as required and contribute to the development of relevant UK focussed materials.

As a Programme Specialist you will be expected to:

• Demonstrate effective project planning and preparation so that each project delivers achieves the highest quality programme possible and outstanding employment outcomes for the interns.
• Establish effective working relationships with schools, colleges, local authorities, employers and the project professional staff to promote the building of excellent, high quality partnerships at each site to ensure the effective running of programmes and promote sustainability in a volatile environment.
• Take an active part in decision making, planning and audit processes of each project
• Ensure that you implement DFN Project SEARCH policy and have a clear understanding of required quality standards and criteria which constitute effective teaching and learning