Jobs for the Disability sector in Wakefield

About Kidney Care UK

Around 3.5 million people in the UK live with chronic kidney disease, and one million of them don’t know that they do.

Since 1975, Kidney Care UK has been at the forefront of supporting people with kidney disease. From our early days when we campaigned to introduce donor cards in the UK, we have worked hard to support and represent the interests of everyone affected by kidney disease.

About the Patient Support Service

The Patient Support Service provides practical, emotional and financial support for anyone affected by chronic kidney disease. Whatever the need presented, we empower people living with CKD and their families and carers to understand their options and make informed choices to positively navigate their experience of CKD. We’ll walk alongside them for as long as they need us to.

About the Role

Our regional Patient Support Officers play a key role in establishing Kidney Care UK in their designated region and enabling patients, their families, carers and professionals to access independant support on social, financial, health advocacy and wellbeing.

You will proactively engage with kidney patients and their families as a source of advice,information, and support to improve care and wellbeing outcomes for kidney patients. You will seek to inform and empower individuals, providing the tools and knowledge to enable confident self-management and be the regional face of Kidney Care UK patient support services, raise awareness of the service and the Charity and build strong relationships with kidney patients, the renal units, Kidney Patient Associations (KPAs), health professionals and other kidney stakeholder groups in the region. 

You will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the Patient Support Service across the region and the effective management of a caseload. This involves regular attendance at renal clinics in the region, building relationships with health and care professionals and being available for patients in the renal unit, on the phone or online, or to meet at a mutually convenient public location.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Liaise with and support patients and their carers face to face and by telephone to provide information, advice and support on a range of personal, emotional and practical matters.
• Through regular visits to renal units in your designated area, establish and maintain a presence to enable patients' easy access to Kidney Care UK support services.
• Promote and attend local health information events to raise awareness of Kidney Care UK and the benefits of its Patient Support Service with kidney patients, their families and relevant health professionals. 
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with the regional kidney community through fully engaging with KPAs, health professionals and relevant health and community stakeholder groups.
• Maintain accurate records to allow effective reporting on key performance indicators such as number of patients supported, type of support provided, key needs etc.

About you

You will have an empathy with our patient group and an understanding of kidney disease and the needs of people with kidney disease, their families and carers. You will be able to work independantly and have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and above all have the ability to deal professionally, calmly and sympathetically with people affected by kidney disease.

An understanding of the relevant UK benefits legislation and entitlements is essential as is having excellent IT skills, including Word, Powerpoint and Excel. You will hold an Advice and Guidance qualification or be willing to complete it within 6 months of service in the role.

The role is home based but you will need to live within the region that you are applying for and have the ability to travel independantly throughout the area on a regular basis and to attend national meetings/events as required. There will also be a requirement to undertake occasional evening and weekend work and some flexibility to be able to work some irregular hours to meet the needs of our patients.

The areas are as follows:

North East: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Sunderland and North Cumbria. This role is part funded by the North Gas Network through the vulnerability and carbon monoxide allowance fund.

South West: Cornwall, Devon, Exeter and Plymouth. This role is funded by Wales and West Utilities through the vulnerability and carbon monoxide allowance fund.

Please be aware that as they are funded positions they are fixed term posts until 31 May 2028. There is a possibility of extension but no guarantee.

Safeguarding statement

Kidney Care UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and Adults at Risk and expect all staff and volunteers to actively support this commitment. An Enhanced DBS will be required for this role.

If you feel you are the right fit for the role, please press Apply, where you will be asked to upload a recent CV and cover letter. In your cover letter please demonstrate in no more than 2 sides of A4 how you meet the person specification and please state which area you are applying to.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Job Description

The Head of Delivery & Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the 
successful implementation, quality of outcomes, and retention of DFN Project SEARCH programmes 
across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Iberia, in line with our franchise agreement from Project 
SEARCH . This role leads the Delivery & Partnerships team, ensuring strategic alignment, excellence 
of delivery, and sustained impactful partnerships.
You will play a pivotal role in driving programme quality, ensuring retention, maintaining model 
fidelity, and ensuring high-quality outcomes for interns. Additionally, you will oversee the growth of 
our number of programmes, in line with our strategic regional and national plans. You will also 
contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, working closely with cross-functional teams 
to maximise DFN Project SEARCH’s impact.
Regular travel throughout the UK will be required, with occasional travel to other areas of our delivery. 
In addition, occasional international travel may be required, for example to the annual conference in 
the United States.

Essential Experience and Skills
• A passion for changing the lives of young people with learning disabilities and / or who are 
autistic 
• Educated to degree level or relevant Professional Qualification 
• Highly motivated and organised self-starters with the ability to work under your own initiative 
• Strong understanding of supported employment, education, and local authority partnerships.
• Experience in project management, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Experience using data systems and performance management tools.
• Experience delivering training and speaking at events or conferences.
• Understanding of SEND provision and funding arrangements in the UK (e.g., EHCPs, DWP, local 
authorities).
• Experience working with senior stakeholders via formal reporting mechanisms.
• Leadership experience managing people/teams.
• Financial literacy and experience managing budgets.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications
• Experience working with DFN Project SEARCH programmes or similar supported internship 
models.
• Experience in selling services or products and effective account management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety in programme delivery.
• Knowledge and experience of using the Microsoft suite, in particular Outlook and Excel 
• Experience of using a CRM for administrative and reporting purposes

DFN Project SEARCH are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young 
people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject 
to an enhanced DBS disclosure. 

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ 
candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the 
representation of these groups at this level at DFN Project SEARCH.

-Interviews will take place on:
  1st round July 23rd and July 24th
  2nd and final round: July 31st
  Closing date: Sunday July 12th

-Start date - Asap

Enham Trust is one of the UK’s longest-established disability charities, supporting disabled people to live, work and enjoy life for more than 100 years. As part of the wider Aster Group, Enham continues to deliver specialist services with a clear social purpose.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Interim Head of Fundraising to provide operational oversight and work with senior leaders on the strategic development of income generation during an important period for the charity.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Income Generation, Fundraising and Engagement, you will lead and support a small but committed fundraising team, including the Corporate Partnerships Manager and Valued Donor Fundraiser, while ensuring robust governance and fundraising compliance across the function.

This is a leadership role where success will come from your ability to guide and support the team, and ensure fundraising activity is delivered in line with best practice and regulatory requirements.

There is an established senior leadership presence within the fundraising function, and this role has been created to provide additional capacity and continuity during a period of need. It offers an opportunity to build on existing work and maintain momentum while supporting the team and wider organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the fundraising team, supporting performance, development and delivery.
• Produce high-quality reports, analysis and updates for senior stakeholders and Boards.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising legislation, the Code of Fundraising Practice and wider governance requirements.
• Oversee fundraising policies, processes and risk management frameworks.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Enham Trust and the wider Aster Group.
• Monitor fundraising performance, KPIs and budget management.

About You

We welcome candidates from a broad fundraising leadership or management background. What is essential is your ability to provide strategic leadership and confidently navigate fundraising governance and compliance frameworks.

You will bring:

• Fundraising leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of the Code of Fundraising Practice, fundraising regulation and charity governance.
• Experience producing reports and presenting information to senior leadership teams and Boards.
• A track record of leading, motivating and developing fundraising teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Confidence working autonomously in a remote environment
• Experience using CRM systems, ideally Donorfy.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to challenge and improve existing ways of working.

Why Join Enham Trust?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a unique organisation that has been championing opportunities for disabled people for over a century. From its accessible community and employment programmes to its care, housing and retail services, Enham Trust delivers life-changing support every day.

You'll join a passionate team with strong organisational backing, ambitious plans, and the freedom to bring fresh thinking, leadership and expertise to the fundraising function.

Working Arrangements

• Fully remote role (Travel to Andover approximately once per month to meet with the team)
• Occasional travel to fundraising events and meetings as required.
• Fixed-term contract for 4 months.

If you're an experienced fundraising leader who thrives on strategy, governance, team development and driving improvement, we'd love to hear from you. To register your interest please apply here, or for more information contact Leanne or Jen at Charity Horizons.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format, such as audio or video upload, please contact either Charlie or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this. Also, please let us know if you require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition, and pregnancy.

Philanthropy Manager

·£45,000 plus benefits 

·Remote with occasional travel to regional offices in Burgess Hill or York offices

·Closing midnight Friday 17th July 2026

·Annual leave allowance / any other stand out benefits

Role 

Brainkind is the UK’s leading charity that supports people that have been affected by brain injury. The charity provides a range of services that includes innovative rehabilitation and ongoing support to ensure that there is life after brain injury. 

The organisation provides support to individuals at all stages of their rehabilitation. This includes

·Supported living

·Neurological Centres

·Residential homes

·Hospitals

The Philanthropy Manager is responsible for leading the leadership and development of Brainkinds philanthropy fundraising activities. This role will focus on the delivery of Brainkind’s capital fundraising initiatives, cultivation and stewardship of high-net-worth individuals and grow strategic corporate partnerships. This is a newly created role that will play an integral part of the Brainkind fundraising strategy.

The primary duties for the role will include

·Develop and deliver capital fundraising strategies to support major infrastructure and service development projects

• Identify and secure major gifts (£25k+) to support capital appeals.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and prospective major donors.
• Identify, research, and cultivate new prospects through networking, events, and relationship mapping.
• Develop and implement a corporate fundraising strategy aligned to Brainkind’s mission and values.
• Secure new corporate partnerships including strategic, multi-year, and employee engagement partnerships.

Experience and skills required for the role will include

·Previous experience of working in a philanthropy focused role with understanding of engaging with high-net-worth individuals, potential major donors and corporate partners.

·Strong organizational and planning skills

·Excellent relationship management and donor stewardship skills 

·Strong verbal and written communication skills 

·IT literate with the ability to use Microsoft Office and an in-house CRM system

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

Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date. 

Closing date for applications: Midnight Friday 17th July 2026 

Interviews are expected to be held on the week commencing Monday 27thJuly 2026via Teams. 

Director of Community Services
£80,000 pa plus excellent benefits
Remote working
Permanent, 35 hours per week

This is a key senior leadership role, responsible for shaping and leading RNID’s community services so that we change lives one by one. The Director of Community Services will lead our flagship RNID Near You services and Contact RNID, with responsibility for business development, operational delivery, service quality, safeguarding, volunteer management and continuous improvement.

As Director of Community Services you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for RNID’s community services, setting a clear direction, maintaining strong delivery discipline and maximising impact for our service-users.  

• Set and maintain high standards for service quality and assurance, ensuring consistent practice, effective compliance arrangements and a culture of learning and continuous improvement.  

• Grow RNID’s community services by maximising opportunities to establish new RNID Near You services and maintaining a strong future services roadmap.  

• Strengthen safeguarding across RNID, ensuring systems and processes are proportionate, robust and effective in protecting service users, staff and volunteers.  

• Lead volunteer management across RNID, ensuring services have the volunteer capacity they need and that volunteers are well trained, supported and recognised.  

• Drive continuous improvement and further modernisation of services, ensuring they meet community needs. Improve the efficiency of services, helping RNID reach more people.  

• Foster a culture of strong performance management across all services, using insight into demand, quality, risk and impact to support effective decision-making and delivery.  

• Build and strengthen partnerships, particularly with NHS trusts, commissioners and other funders, to grow and improve services.  

• Play an active role in collective leadership and decision-making as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, modelling values-led, inclusive leadership and creating a culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement.  

You are ready to work for a home-working organisation and have good IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel, Word.

We are RNID: the national charity supporting the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. Together, we will end the discrimination faced by our communities, help people hear better now and fund world-class research to restore hearing and silence tinnitus. We work with our communities and partners across industry, government, charity, education and more to change life for the better. 

RNID has a proud history and big ambitions. We’re focused on making the greatest impact possible across the whole of the UK. We champion the latest technology and the opportunities it brings. We also know the value of a friendly face in local communities to support people where they need it most.

We champion the value of difference and equality and celebrate our diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from BAME backgrounds or who are deaf or hard of hearing. With almost 20% of our employees having a disability we proudly hold Disability Confident Leader status and guarantee an interview for disabled applicants meeting the minimum essential criteria.

Closing date: 12 July 2026

Interview dates as below:

1. Stakeholder sessions: 20th & 21st July 2026
2. Final panel interviews: 27th & 28th July 2026

Support Dogs is a energetic, pioneering, national charity provding vital life saving and life changing support for individuals and families affected by autism, epilepsy and disability

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, motivated, and driven individual to join our client services team within our assistance dog training department.

Previous experience of training dogs, using positive based methods, and a full clean driving licence are essential criteria for the post.

Desirable qualities are experience in teaching or recognised teaching qualification, awareness in varying disabilities and a recognised qualification in animal training/behaviour.
 
The role will consist of the assessing individuals and families as they apply to our charity’s assistance dog programmes for those affected by autism, epilepsy and physical disability.

You will also be required to provide training, support and guidance to individuals and families who have successfully graduated through our assistance dog programme. This includes ensuring they receive annual assessments and giving appropriate advice/ support and extra training as required throughout the dogs working lives. You will also support the preparation as older working dogs move towards retirement and the process to supply potential replacement dogs for those individuals.

Based at our national centre in Sheffield, the applicant will be required to lone work off site for periods of time, so must show the ability to work alone effectively, prioritise their workload, accordingly, use their own initiative and have excellent time management and communicational skills.They are to demonstrate a real passion for the role, a positive attitude and show flexibility within their work.

Challenge Events and Community Fundraising Manager

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £40,000 per annum

Working Pattern: Remote with attendance at meetings in Cannock/London (approx 2 per month) and attendance at events across the UK as required.

Lead the transformation of challenge events fundraising for a charity that changes children's lives daily. You'll build a national portfolio of inspiring events that generate significant income and create lasting supporter relationships.

About Newlife

As one of the UK's leading charities providing essential specialist equipment to children with disabilities, Newlife is dedicated to making life better.

Through grants and emergency equipment loans, we ensure children get vital equipment when they need it. Our free nurse helpline offers crucial support and information. We advocate for change and support adults with additional needs through volunteering and employment opportunities.

What you'll be doing

You'll develop and deliver a sustainable programme of challenge events and supporter-led fundraising activities. Working with the Head of Fundraising and Marketing, you'll create the strategy and drive income growth.

Strategic Development:

• Develop challenge events strategy and annual operational plans
• Set budgets, income targets and performance indicators
• Research new event opportunities and market trends
• Monitor performance and maximise income generation

Event Portfolio Management:

• Build portfolio including running, cycling, walking, trekking, overseas and virtual challenges
• Recruit, steward and retain participants through exceptional supporter journeys
• Manage relationships with external event organisers and suppliers
• Ensure safe, effective delivery meeting ROI targets

Relationship Building:

• Support corporate partners, community groups, schools and local businesses
• Deliver high-quality supporter care throughout their journey
• Collaborate across Fundraising, Marketing, Retail and Services teams
• Move supporters into long-term giving opportunities

What we're looking for

• Evidence of commitment to professional development within fundraising, events management or supporter engagement
• Experience delivering digital fundraising and supporter journeys
• Experience of mass participation events and challenge events delivery
• Track record achieving income targets and delivering fundraising growth
• Experience building relationships with supporters, volunteers and external stakeholders
• Experience planning and delivering events, managing budgets and monitoring financial performance
• Experience working with fundraising databases or CRM systems
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
• Strong event planning and project management abilities
• Ability to inspire supporters to achieve ambitious fundraising goals
• Flexible approach, including occasional evening and weekend working
• Understanding of fundraising compliance and regulation

Desirable: Experience of volunteer management

This role reports to the Head of Fundraising and Marketing.

Ready to create inspiring events that change children's lives? Join our mission to make life better for families across the UK.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checking may be necessary for this role. 

Fundraising Lead  
£45,000–£55,000 F/T 
Remote with regular travel 

About Metabolic Support 

Metabolic Support is the UK umbrella patient organisation for people living with Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMDs) — rare, lifelong genetic conditions affecting around 40,000 people in the UK and 1.43 million worldwide. Since 1981 we have been at the forefront of rare disease advocacy, research and community support. 

About the Role 

This is a strategic, hands-on opportunity to lead our fundraising activity, drive sustainable income growth and position Metabolic Support as the leading international patient advocacy group for IMDs. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you'll shape and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy, build relationships with trusts, foundations, corporates and major donors, and work across our small, agile team to embed fundraising principles into everything we do. The role has no direct reports but requires a collaborative, proactive approach and the confidence to work autonomously. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and deliver an integrated fundraising strategy covering corporate partnerships, individual giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, legacies, community and events 

• Lead on high-value bids and build compelling donor propositions 

• Manage donor stewardship, CRM (Nutshell), budgets and board reporting 

• Instil fundraising principles across the team and maximise income opportunities organisation-wide 
   

About You 

• Proven fundraising or income generation experience with expertise in at least one area: trusts and foundations, corporates or major donors 

• Strong relationship-builder with excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Highly organised, self-starting and comfortable managing competing priorities 

• Committed to Metabolic Support's mission; willing to travel in the UK and internationally 

Drive meaningful change for disabled children while building your career in corporate partnerships. This role offers the chance to secure major new business partnerships that directly fund life-changing equipment for children who need it most.

Location: Remote with 3 days in the office per month

About Newlife

As one of the UK's leading charities providing essential specialist equipment to children with disabilities, Newlife is dedicated to making life better - for the families we serve, and for the people who help us to make that happen.

Through grants and emergency equipment loans, we ensure children get the vital equipment they need, when they need it, while our free nurse helpline offers crucial support and information. Our campaigns help to give children with disabilities and their families a voice, advocating for change to benefit the families we serve.

Across the whole of Newlife, our teams are crucial to our success – it's not just a job; here you'll be helping us to change lives every day.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checking may be necessary for this role.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll drive sustainable income growth through acquiring new corporate partners and managing existing supporters. This role focuses heavily on proactive business development, working with our stock donation team to identify, approach and secure new corporate supporters.

New Business Development:

• Develop and deliver a corporate new business strategy to secure significant income growth
• Identify, research and prioritise prospective corporate partners aligned with Newlife's mission
• Build and manage a strong pipeline across retail, logistics, manufacturing, professional services and consumer brands
• Generate opportunities through networking, outreach, referrals, events and LinkedIn engagement
• Lead on preparing tailored pitches, proposals and presentations
• Conduct face-to-face and virtual meetings with senior decision-makers including CSR, ESG, HR, marketing and executive teams

Partnership Types:

• Charity of the Year
• Strategic partnerships
• Cause-related marketing
• Employee fundraising
• Sponsorship and payroll giving
• Corporate volunteering
• Gifts in kind

Account Management:

• Manage and develop a portfolio of corporate partners to maximise long-term value
• Deliver excellent stewardship and relationship management
• Create impactful partnership plans and reports demonstrating social impact
• Identify opportunities to grow existing partnerships through multi-year agreements

Performance Management:

• Deliver agreed income and KPI targets for corporate fundraising
• Maintain accurate pipeline forecasting and reporting
• Monitor ROI and ensure partnerships deliver strong value

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience:

• Proven experience in corporate fundraising, sales, business development or account management
• Strong track record of securing new business and achieving income or revenue targets
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills
• Confident presenter with strong written proposal and pitch-writing abilities
• Commercially aware with ability to identify mutually beneficial partnership opportunities
• Highly organised with strong pipeline and project management skills
• Self-motivated, proactive and results-driven
• Passionate about improving outcomes for disabled children

Essential Skills:

• Strategic thinking and communication
• Negotiation and relationship management
• Resilience and persistence
• Commercial awareness and collaboration
• Initiative and creativity

Desirable:

• Charity sector experience
• Knowledge of CSR, ESG and corporate giving trends
• Experience using CRM databases such as Salesforce, Raiser's Edge or Donorflex
• Existing network of corporate contacts

If you're ready to build meaningful partnerships that change children's lives while advancing your career, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to join our mission.

At Thomas Pocklington Trust, we’re promoting equality and inclusion for blind and partially sighted people in every aspect of society. One of our many missions is to establish Sight Loss Councils across the UK, to tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.

We are looking for an SLC Coordinator to join us and continue to grow the scope and presence we have already established in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. We are open to considering candidates wishing to work up to 36 hours per week. The salary will be pro rata for roles of less than 36 hours per week. 

About the role

The key purpose of the Coordinator role is to support the Senior Engagement Manager to deliver regional Sight Loss Councils across Yorkshire and Humberside and to engage with blind and partially sighted people across the region.  We currently have three Sight Loss Councils (SLCs) in this region, so the postholder will be expected to work alongside the Senior Engagement Manager and coordinate the SLCs’ activity, focusing on the retention of the volunteers engaged and ensuring the projects and work they are involved in continue to be successful.

About you

You will have the passion and ability to use your lived experience to influence change, for the benefit of blind and partially sighted people. As an experienced Coordinator, you will engage and support Sight Loss Council members in the implementation of the region’s business plans to bring about change across transport, health and the built environment, as well as areas of local interest such as arts and culture or retail.

You will be a self-starter and work well on your own but will also enjoy being a part of a national team working across the country, with whom you can learn from, as well as share good practice with. Ideally you will need to live within the Yorkshire and Humberside region, as there will be travel within the region every week.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Location: Remote, with some travel to Cannock, London and other locations as required
Reports to: Charity Director
Team: Charitable Service

At Newlife, we’re entering an exciting new chapter - we’re on a mission to empower disabled children and their families, to live life to the fullest and champion the joy of childhood.

So we’re investing in our people and building the team we need to deliver our new strategic ambitions. 

Newlife is looking for an experienced and values-driven Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our policy, influencing, public affairs and campaigning work. This is an exciting opportunity to shape national conversations and drive meaningful change for disabled children and their families across education, health and social care systems.

In this role, you will ensure that lived experience is at the heart of Newlife’s influencing work, developing evidence-based policy positions, building strategic relationships and delivering campaigns that challenge barriers, raise awareness and improve outcomes for families.

About the role

As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Newlife’s policy, campaigns, public affairs and lived experience activity. You will identify opportunities to influence policy and practice, develop compelling cases for change, and represent Newlife with decision-makers, sector partners and external stakeholders.

You will also oversee the delivery and development of the APPG for Access to Disability Equipment, working with parliamentarians, government departments and sector organisations to increase awareness of the issues affecting disabled children and families.

Key responsibilities

o Lead the development and delivery of Newlife’s policy, public affairs, campaigning and influencing strategy.

o Develop evidence-based policy positions informed by research, service insight and lived experience.

o Ensure the voices of disabled children and families shape Newlife’s policy, campaigning and influencing work.

o Oversee the APPG for Access to Disability Equipment and build relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers and sector partners.

o Lead campaigns and influencing activity that raise awareness, challenge barriers and support policy change.

o Build strategic partnerships and coalitions to strengthen Newlife’s influence and collective impact.

o Represent Newlife externally at parliamentary events, conferences, roundtables and sector forums.

o Provide effective leadership for policy, campaigns and lived experience activity, including line management of the Lived Experience Coordinator.

o Contribute to organisational strategy, planning and growth as a member of the Charity Leadership Team.

About you

We are looking for someone with significant experience in policy development, public affairs, campaigning or influencing, ideally within the charity, public or not-for-profit sector. You will bring strong knowledge of policy and influencing processes, excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

You will be confident developing policy briefings, consultation responses, reports and position papers, and able to use evidence, research and lived experience to influence change. You will also be a collaborative leader with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity and the rights of disabled children and their families.

Essential experience and skills

o Experience of developing and delivering policy and influencing strategies.

o Experience of building relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers, government departments or national stakeholders.

o Experience of managing campaigns, consultations or public affairs activity.

o Experience of partnership and coalition working.

o Experience of using research, evidence and lived experience to influence change.

o Strong understanding of education, health, social care and disability policy.

o Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

o Strong leadership, people management, strategic thinking and analytical skills.

o Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.

For the full person specification, please refer to the attachement below 

Why join Newlife?

This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in strengthening Newlife’s voice and influence, helping to create systemic change for disabled children and their families. You will work with passionate colleagues, families, professionals and partners to shape policy, improve practice and ensure lived experience drives meaningful action.

If you are a strategic, compassionate and influential leader who wants to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

In return, you will receive 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, a generous in-store discount, a cash health plan, discounts on restaurants, travel and insurance, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme through Retail Trust.

#Policy and Public Affairs Manager #Policy and Public Affairs #Policy Manager #Public Affairs Manager 

External Communications Manager

Salary: £40,000–£42,000 FTE
Hours: 30 hours per week
Location: Remote, with regular travel to FitzRoy services, team and stakeholder meetings as agreed. The role requires attendance in London once per month and applicants must be able to commute to services in Norfolk, Nottingham and Hampshire.
Reports to: Head of Communications
Directorate: Business Development and Partnerships

FitzRoy is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs to live lives rooted in choice, meaning and happiness.

We are strengthening our external voice and looking for a confident, perceptive and warm communicator to help more people understand FitzRoy’s expertise and impact and increase our influence.

This is a moment of change for social care. We want to play a more active role in shaping its future, ensuring the people at the heart of it are seen, heard and involved in the decisions that matter.

About the role

As External Communications Manager, you will help build FitzRoy’s profile and reputation by identifying the stories, insight and opportunities that show what good support looks like in real life.

You will work closely with the Head of Communications, fundraising, business development and operational colleagues to turn external communications priorities into practical plans, content and opportunities.

This is a delivery role with real influence. You will be expected to bring ideas, advise colleagues, shape practical plans and turn opportunities into action.

What you will do

You will:

• develop proactive external communications activity that raises awareness of FitzRoy’s work, expertise and impact
• spot opportunities for FitzRoy to contribute constructively to sector conversations
• identify realistic opportunities for media, sector press, partner or local coverage
• gather stories, photos, video and quotes that help people understand what good support looks like in real life
• use social media, website content, audience insight and analytics to strengthen FitzRoy’s external profile

About you

You may come from charity communications, PR, journalism, public affairs, stakeholder communications or another external communications background.

You do not need to have worked in social care before, but you will need to be interested in people, willing to learn quickly and able to handle stories about people’s lives with care, respect and good judgement.

We are looking for someone who is:

• an excellent writer and editor
• confident developing clear, accessible content for different audiences
• warm, curious and able to build rapport quickly
• able to spot strong stories, ideas and opportunities
• confident creating social media and website content shaped by audience insight
• comfortable working independently and managing competing priorities
• able to think strategically about audiences and influence, while being practical about what can be delivered in a small team
• confident gathering content including photos, videos and quotes
• willing and able to travel to FitzRoy services and meetings as needed

A full clean driving licence and access to a car for work travel are required, as some services are not easily accessible by public transport.

Working at FitzRoy

You will join a small, friendly communications team with big ambitions. This role will suit someone who enjoys a mix of planning, writing, relationship-building, story-gathering and hands-on delivery.

You will help us show the difference good support makes – and help ensure the voices, experiences and achievements of people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs are seen and heard.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application and a covering letter.

We do not expect your covering letter to address every point in the person specification. We would like you to tell us:

• what interests you about this role and FitzRoy
• three things you would bring to the role
• a piece of communications work you are proud of and why
• how you approach using social media, website content and audience insight to build external profile
• how you would approach telling stories about people’s lives with care, respect and good judgement

If you are using AI tools to write your application, please use them with caution. We are looking for your own voice and writing style.

Transform Lives Through Dog Training
Train high quality assistance dogs by providing support and appropriate training throughout all stages of the dog's development using positive and reward-based training methods. 

Make a tangible difference and build meaningful partnerships in your community.

About Canine Partners
At Canine Partners, we breed, train, and support expert assistance dogs to create loving, life-changing partnerships with disabled people. Across the UK, we support people with a variety of physical disabilities and their families, carefully matching them with a dog that suits their needs, personality, and lifestyle.
Our dogs bring confidence and independence, love and companionship, reducing reliance on carers and giving people the freedom to live life their own way.

The Role
Position: Dog Trainer
Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Location: Homebased covering West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, East Sussex and Kent
Travel: This role will involve regular travel within the geographical area which you will cover (Kent, London and parts of Surrey and East Sussex). Travel is usually by car however there may be some use of public transport (e.g., to London). Occasional regional travel and overnight stays. 

You'll play a vital role in training assistance dogs to a high standard whilst supporting volunteers, partners and the wider team to ensure the health, wellbeing and successful placement of the dogs throughout their working career. 

What You'll Be Doing

• Train Canine Partners dogs at all stages of their training, using positive and reward-based training.
• Tailor training programmes to suit individual partner needs during the matching process.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all dogs in training.
• Deliver partnership placement courses, supporting both the partner and dog through the transition. 
• Participate in volunteer recruitment activities, including events, social media campaigns and community outreach. 

About You

• Strong practical and theoretical experience in dog training and behaviour. 
• Ability to handle and train dogs at all ages, using positive and reward-based training methods.
• ABTC-ATI or similar qualification could be beneficial but not essential. If you do not have a qualification, the willingness to complete it.
• Good communication and coaching / teaching skills.
• Good self-motivation and initiative. 
• ICT skills, Microsoft Office, Salesforce (desirable but can offer training), email, internet etc.
• Full UK clean driving license and use of a vehicle for work that is suitable to safely transport a dog if required.
  
  

Most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative impact that our assistance dogs provide to our beneficiaries.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are excited about this role, don't hesitate to apply! We welcome applicants who bring unique perspectives and would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply online with a comprehensive CV and supporting statement explaining how you believe you match the requirements of the role.

Please note if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advertisement prior to the closing date so apply now to ensure you don't miss out! Please be assured that we contact all candidates regarding the outcome of their application, this may take longer if we receive high volumes of applications.

Closing date: 5th July 2026

We recognise the benefit of diverse experience and welcome and encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are a disability confident committed employer.

REF-229 052

Are you passionate about retail and ready to take on a new challenge that will make a real difference to the lives of people with a learning disability.

​

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and driven Shop Manager to join our team in MORLEY on a 37.5​hour contract.

As a Shop Manager you will be responsible for the day to day running of our store by leading an inclusive team of paid colleagues and volunteers to maximise sales income and to minimise costs. You will have the passion to drive your store to be the best in the area.

What you will do: 

• Drive sales in the store to meet expected budgets and KPI’s 

• Run a high-density shop, ensuring that the shopfloor meets retail merchandising standards and that stock is rotated onto the shopfloor daily. 

• Ensure that stock is generated over the door and that donors are signed up for Gift Aid.

• Ensure that the high standard of customer service that is expected by Mencap is delivered at all times.

• You will be an inclusive leader developing your team, paid and volunteers, through training and performance reviews.

• Be responsible for all financial, cash handling, security, safeguarding and health and safety in the store. 

• ​

To be a successful Shop Manager you will be: 

• An experienced manager with the ability to drive sales and meet KPI’s, ideally within a fashion retail environment. 

• Ability to lead and support a team from varying backgrounds. 

• Ability to meet the needs of the customers to generate and increase the sales of the store.

• Have a flexible approach to working hours and days, including weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. 

​

The full detailed job description is attached.

Applications close on 2 July 2026, with interviews taking place from 18 June 2026 onwards. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we may close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications or identify suitable candidates.

We are an equitable, diverse and inclusive organisation and we particularly welcome and encourage disabled applicants and those from the Black and Asian communities to apply for the role as they are under-represented within the workforce. 

If you are passionate about leading high‑performing teams and delivering exceptional store standards, we’d love to hear from you.