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JOB TITLE:                         Centre Based Assistance Dog Instructor (Maternity Cover) 

LOCATION:                        Based at our Centre in Milton Keynes, with travel up to 3 hours 

SALARY BAND:                 £26K - £32K per annum, depending on experience. Line management experience desirable.

JOB TYPE:                          Full time and Part time applicants considered. Fixed Term of 12-18 months 

REPORTS TO:                    Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme 

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives. 

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.

We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small but fast-growing charity that is a world leader in its specialist innovative field. 

The Role 

We are looking for a passionate and driven person who has previous proven experience and skills working as an Instructor within an Assistance Dog organisation, who has worked with clients and partnerships. The role includes supporting both clients who have had a MDD dog placed with them and also our own dog applicants with their puppies and young dogs to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and early training in terms of obedience, public access and developing an alert to the applicant’s condition, with the aim to reach an accreditable assistance dog partnership status. The role will also include carrying out client specific and odour training for MDD own dogs, placing these dogs with their new clients and looking after a number of established partnerships. This role would suit somebody residing up to an hour from our centre in Milton Keynes.  

Duties that encompass the role of an Instructor include:  

• Be the first point of contact for the allocated partnerships in your area. To provide guidance and instruction to applicants who have applied to the charity to have their own dogs considered for the training programme guidance and instruction on handling, behaviour and obedience and odour training as well as newly placed partnerships.

• Alongside the Instructing team, to run puppy classes, public access training, recall sessions in small groups for applicant own dogs that are in line with the charity’s quality standards and in accordance with timescales and targets. 

• To also carry out support visits and home interviews for applicants and clients that have been allocated to you.  

• Regularly monitor progress of any young dogs and partnerships in training in your area and provide detailed, evidenced feedback to Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme.

• To carry out client specific training with any MDD owned dogs that have been matched, including the required odour scent training.

• Instructing, guiding and supporting new assistance dog clients in managing and handling a Medical Alert Assistance Dog effectively, via pretraining, placement training and aftercare visits.

• Supporting partnerships in training in successfully reaching an accreditation standard and in maintaining this standard throughout the life of the partnership.

• To support a number of established partnerships in the form of aftercare, refresher training and yearly re-accreditations, assisting further afield on occasions as required.

Responsibilities  

• To escalate issues and problems to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme as appropriate.

• To carry out scent assessments on any MDD dogs in socialising as and when required with the support of the rest of the Instructing Team.

• To plan, organise and deliver practical and theoretical training to clients, meeting their individual needs in line with agreed standards to include areas such as dog welfare, appropriate handling, commanding and overall management. This will involve working with the parents as Team Leader and child as Client and working with adult clients.
• Assess the team dynamics of the family & balancing the needs of all family members as well as those of the dog.
• Assess the individuals preferred learning style and amending as relevant to aid a client.
• To accompany the client into all regular environments that they will take the dog to, ensuring the dog behaves in an acceptable manner and that the client and others are aware and clear in terms of where they dog should reside and behave for e.g. public transport, place of work. To complete a check list of environments for any applicant own dogs in training who are on the programme to be assessed within.
• To support and advise clients in transferring the odour training from pot training and recognising alerting behaviours to establish real life alerting.
• To ensure all partnerships are in line with the ADUK regulations with regards to behaviour, obedience and welfare and branding.
• Due to the nature of the role, flexible working hours may be required in some instances to facilitate the effective delivery of the work e.g. working during the school holidays with school age clients.
• To monitor the correct and false alerting percentages of allocated partnerships via data analysis, advising where necessary until the correct alerting levels are achieved.
• To complete comprehensive reports and paperwork for any time spent with applicants or partnerships in training or established. Maintain accurate records by providing verbal and written information with agreed timescales about clients, dogs, applicants and apprentices as appropriate.
• To work alongside allocated partnerships with the aim of the partnership reaching an accredited standard and feeding back to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme if there are any concerns that the accreditation cannot be achieved.
• To provide clients with appropriate aftercare services at regular intervals in their own homes in the form of annual visits, support visits or at refresher workshops run at the Centre to agreed standards.  This will include continual re-assessment of the dynamics of family and dog, formulating and training on appropriate solutions, as well as offering additional dog training advice.
• To deliver handling days as part of an applicant’s pretraining to include ‘Introduction to Assistance Dog’ ‘Advanced Handling’ and Family Handling.
• To scent train and seizure proof advanced dogs in preparation to be partnered with an adult or child client and ensure that applicant own dogs have received this at the earliest opportunity.
• To maintain the ongoing public access training with any advanced dog in scent training that has been allocated to them.
• To liaise with Independent Contractors as relevant.
• To provide support to the Charity’s public relations and fundraising functions as required, specifically in your area.
• To act as the ‘contact’ person for the assistance dog programme in relation to training policy procedures with clients and their families, other professional service providers and members of the public.  This will include on-going research and development of the project.
• As required, to liaise and provide support for Volunteers of the Charity.

Other 

• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity.

• Any other duties or tasks that are required to ensure the successful running of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog Department and the Charity overall.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
• Experience of running puppy classes, carrying out public access training and recall sessions
• Able to develop training plans for any dogs in training under your care
• High level of self-motivation and planning
• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life-threatening conditions
• Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary
• Willing to be on call for partnerships as and when required
• Willing to stay away from home in local accommodation when client locations are too far to travel back home
• Happy and able to have Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training reside in your home
• Good team player, but equally able to work independently
• Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
• Flexible

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE 

Essential 

• Previous Assistance Dog Instructing and Dog Training experience
• Knowledge of AD(UK) and ADI regulations
• Law in relation to dogs 
• Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age
• Knowledge of dog and human psychology
• Proven evidence and experience of dog handling and training skills
• Previous experience of teaching and instructing
• Sound dog training and dog behaviour knowledge
• IT literacy and report writing skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and SharePoint
• Full UK driving licence
• Pass a DBS (CRB) check due to regular contact with children

Preferable  

• Knowledge of debilitating medical conditions and understanding of how they can impact people, both physically and psychologically, particularly when they are unstable and fluctuating
• Previous knowledge of odour/scent training
• Previous line management experience 

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES ​

• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills 

• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions 

• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation

• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as able to motivate yourself

• You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as being able to motivate yourself.
• You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem-solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations.

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive Charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Charity Values

All employees are expected to uphold the charity’s core values in their daily work. This includes demonstrating respect through open and considerate communication, fostering cooperation by working collaboratively, maintaining honesty in all interactions and ensuring fairness through just and transparent decision-making.

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to: 

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence 

• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK. 

• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check 

• Work some evenings and weekends 

• Be willing to travel to the Centre based near Milton Keynes

PCS is looking for effective and enthusiastic Member Response Team Administrators with experience of working in a busy customer-focused environment. As a Member Response Team Administrator, you will be the main point of contact for PCS members and union representatives seeking advice and guidance.

Our Member Response Team Administrators provide efficient office and administrative support, engaging with members, representatives and colleagues through various communication channels including phone and email, encouraging member retention and supporting the PCS ethos as an organising union.

Salary and Location

• Band 2, Regional, Spine points 41-37
• Regional Salary: £36,646 p.a. rising to £40,901 p.a.
• Based: Birmingham. Hybrid working, a minimum of 2 days per week will be required in the office. (During the induction period we expect staff to be in the office full time.)

Successful candidates for the Member Response Team Administrator will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of providing information and advice to members or customers enquiries
• Maintaining accurate records and extracting data in a CRM database such as Salesforce
• Efficient administrative support for events and meetings
• Effective written and oral communication skills

The main duties of the Member Response Team Administrator role include:

• Providing timely and sensitive support for our members enquiries through a variety of communication channels
• Maintaining accurate and up to date records in our Salesforce database
• Efficient administrative support for conferences, ballots and other activities

The Member Response Team Administrator role operates on a hybrid working basis, with flexibility to work from home outside of peak periods. Due to key operational and democratic activity, attendance in the office is required daily from February to April each year, with additional in-office periods as needed. Outside of these times, hybrid working arrangements will apply in line with team requirements.

Closing date: at 12 midday on 14 April 2026

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Interviews will be held in person at PCS Birmingham: Thursday 7 May 2026

Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

About PCS

PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.

Employer Benefits

You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including

• flexible working (including hybrid working)
• childcare and family support
• generous maternity/paternity leave
• 32 days leave and Christmas closure
• pension scheme
• employee assistance programme

Learning and Development

The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process

We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

• CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
• PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
• All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Please view our guidance for applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION: MEMBER RESPONSE TEAM ADMINISTRATOR

Ref: 0526

Grade: Band 2, Region

Salary:

Spine points 41 - 37

Starting salary £36,646 p.a. rising to £40,901 p.a.

Location: PCS Birmingham

Purpose of the job:

As part of the support team, to assist in building union strength and health by providing office and administrative support to specialist and operational staff, in line with the PCS ethos as an organising union.

Responsible to: Member Response Team Leader

Responsible for: Not applicable

Contacts

External:

PCS Union Representatives, Members, Employer and Government Departments, Employees of other trade unions, Suppliers, Legal and other advisors, Media, other external contacts

Internal:

PCS staff and officials, Bargaining, Organising, Campaigning, Balloting, Finance and other internal departments

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Member Support

• Engage with members, representatives and colleagues through various communication channels including phone and email
• Provide a willingness to adapt to new channels coming onboard and new technologies
• Conduct research to provide information and have a good level of knowledge to support our members
• Signposting on the range of membership benefits PCS offers
• Process and assess benefit claims in line with policy
• Support members to access assistance from local reps within the PCS activist structure
• Liaise with lay officials and colleagues to identify and take ownership of resolving any issues within the local bargaining areas
• Support PCSs goal of member retention
• Ensure cases allocated via CRM, and cloud-based calls are worked effectively and efficiently
• Work with the Team Leader to resolve and escalate members queries via the case management system

2. Telephony Support

• Use cloud-based telephony service for inbound and outbound calls
• Provide prompt and accurate call back advisory role
• Provide a rapid response service to enquires from PCS representatives and members

3. Maintain CRM database

• Use Salesforce based CRM to create and amend membership records
• Ensure information security and Data Protection by maintaining good practice for GDPR/DPA compliance
• Update payment records of members in a timely fashion. Identify and address any issues which may arise with external payroll teams
• Update, maintain and restructure activists, branch, group and employer information
• Support members, lay officials and colleagues to access digital channels to promote self-service maintenance of the database
• Ensure all union policies are adhered to, with particular reference to subscription policy

4. Office Support

• Full range of clerical and office administrative support
• Use Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, email, internet and intranet to carry out day to day duties
• Arrange for and distribute newsletters, circulars, etc
• Send, receive and deal with correspondence and electronic mail
• Set up and maintain computerised databases, spreadsheets, etc
• Maintain efficient filing systems (shared and individual), both paper-based and electronic
• Undertake routine day to day tasks
• Actively manage the Support Services mailboxes

5. Meetings, Conference, Election, Ballot and Events Arrangements

• Draft agendas and supporting documents, prepare materials, collate and distribute for meetings, conferences, events and training courses according to relevant timetables
• Attend meetings, conferences, etc and produce accurate records in a timely manner
• Follow up action points where appropriate
• Liaise with operational staff, specialists and elected representatives on diaries
• Arrange meetings and book rooms, refreshments, travel arrangements and accommodation where appropriate
• Liaise with external organisations to secure information, materials, and to confirm attendance of speakers, etc
• Deal with expenses claim forms and other costs arising from meetings, and conferences where appropriate
• Ensure all accessibility and equal opportunities matters are established and are met
• Assist with the administration of group events including conferences and elections
• Assist with the administration of national and group ballots, elections in line with legal, rule and policy requirements
• Ensure that the Unions systems and procedures are protected against electoral and balloting malpractice or unfairness

6. Teamwork

• Provide feedback on improvements required to CRM systems to aid the development of new technologies and working methods within the department
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
• Provide assistance to members of the team through support, guidance and training
• Attend and participate in team meetings
• Draft/update information required for the team

7. General

• At all times implement and promote the PCSs Equal Opportunities Policy and adhering to the PCS Values
• Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of Health & Safety at Work
• Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
• In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
• Act in a manner that enhances the work of PCS and its overall public image
• Such other duties that may reasonably be required and which are within the level of the responsibility of this post
• Staff at this grade may be assigned or transferred to posts within grade. A training & development programme will be provided to assist with this, where required
• Willing to work outside normal office hours and location subject to personal circumstances, and advance notice

Person Specification: MEMBER RESPONSE TEAM ADMINISTRATOR

Ref: 0526

Date: March 2026

Location: PCS Birmingham

ESSENTIAL FACTORS

EXPERIENCE

• Working in a member or customer-focused role providing information and advice in writing and over the telephone
• Maintaining and updating accurate database records
• Organising events/meetings internally and externally

TRAINING

(including continuous professional development)

• Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
• Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process
• Commitment to undertake job-related training

KNOWLEDGE

• Preferred knowledge of Salesforce
• Impact and use of digital and IT applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, email, internet and intranet
• Knowledge and understanding of trade unions and work of the public sector

SKILLS

• Ability to organise and prioritise multiple tasks to meet deadlines and agreed service levels
• Ability to extract, manipulate and handle numerical and categorical data
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to handle sensitive situations effectively
• Ability to handle confidential information

OTHER

• Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work
• Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
• Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions

We’re looking for an experienced, proactive fundraiser who can think strategically and deliver hands-on. Someone confident writing bids, building partnerships and spotting opportunities for growth.

This is a key role at a pivotal moment for AudioActive, offering the chance to build on strong foundations and shape a diverse, sustainable income model and power a team that is dedicated to empowering young people through music.

What you’ll do

• Lead and deliver AudioActive’s fundraising and development strategy
• Grow income across trusts & foundations, tenders, contracts and partnerships
• Write high-quality bids, proposals and pitches
• Develop new business partnerships aligned with our mission
• Build strong relationships with funders, partners and supporters
• Work closely with the CEO and team to align income with programmes
• Track performance, manage targets and identify new opportunities