Self Advocacy Team Leader

Self-Advocacy Team Leader

Learning Disability Voices Network (LDVN)

30 hours per week | Permanent
Starting salary: £30,258 pro-rata (actual salary: £27,664)

Location: Brighthelm Centre, Brighton, with some home working

Reporting to: CEO

Lead a project that helps people with learning disabilities have a stronger voice and greater influence

Brighton & Hove Speak Out is looking for an experienced, passionate and values-driven leader to manage and develop our flagship self-advocacy project, the Learning Disability Voices Network (LDVN).

This is an exciting opportunity to join a respected local advocacy charity at a time of growth and development. Thanks to new National Lottery funding, we are expanding opportunities for people with learning disabilities to build confidence, develop self-advocacy skills, influence decision-making and create positive change in their communities.

As Self-Advocacy Team Leader, you will lead the delivery of the LDVN project, support a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and ensure people with learning disabilities remain at the heart of planning, delivery and decision-making.

About the role

You will be responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of the Learning Disability Voices Network, including:

• Lead a team of 4 part-time project staff and volunteers across Brighton & Hove and West Sussex, supporting people with learning disabilities to identify issues that matter to them and take action to bring about change.
• Develop partnerships, local and national networks that strengthen self-advocacy opportunities.
• Support the LDVN steering group to plan and co-deliver self-advocacy events and training activities.
• Support and develop user-led self-advocacy groups, including support for an established user-led campaign group and the development of a new LGBTQ+ self-advocacy group.
• Oversee a weekly drop-in service in Brighton and the expansion of self-advocacy activity into West Sussex.
• Work with self-advocates to plan a learning disability-led regional conference
• Manage project budgets, monitoring systems, evaluation processes and funder reporting requirements.
• Work closely with the CEO to develop and strengthen the project's long-term impact and sustainability.

Above all, you will ensure people with learning disabilities are supported to gain the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to speak up, influence decisions and lead change.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about the rights, inclusion and empowerment of people with learning disabilities.
• Has experience leading projects, services, staff or volunteers.
• Understands the principles and practice of self-advocacy and person-centred support.
• Has experience of supporting people who may face discrimination, exclusion or barriers to participation.
• Can inspire and support others to develop confidence, skills and leadership.
• Has excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Is confident managing multiple priorities, monitoring outcomes and meeting targets.
• Can build effective partnerships with professionals, community organisations and stakeholders.
• Is committed to equality, inclusion, accessibility and safeguarding.

Experience of working alongside people with learning disabilities is highly desirable.

Why work for Speak Out?

As well as the opportunity to lead an innovative and impactful project, we offer:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible
• 3 % Pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• A supportive, inclusive and friendly team
• The opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities

About Brighton & Hove Speak Out

Brighton & Hove Speak Out is an independent advocacy charity supporting adults with learning disabilities. We believe people with learning disabilities should have the same rights, choices and opportunities as everyone else and should be supported to have their voices heard.

Our work is built on the principles of self-advocacy, empowerment, inclusion and respect. We work alongside people with learning disabilities to challenge barriers, influence services and bring about positive change.

How to Apply

Please download an application pack from the Speak Out website