Entry level jobs for the Disability sector

At Thrive, our Practitioners work with plants and people to improve an individual’s physical and psychological health, social interaction. skills and confidence.

We’re looking for a Specialist STH Practitioner with qualifications in Horticulture and a Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement who can deliver, primarily, our City & Guild Level 1 Practical Horticulture Skills for our Pathways programme. There would be some flexibility required to provide other Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) programmes for adults in our gardens in Battersea Park and outreach settings.

Working alongside volunteers this role will support people with learning disabilities, autism, long term health conditions or disabilities to move into their next step in their life whether is further training or employment.

Based at Thrive’s London Centre in Battersea Park. The role will involve some work undertaken off-site in London and occasional travel to the Thrive Centres in Reading and Birmingham.

Appointment to this post will be subject to receipt of 2 references and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check. Thrive complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an individual from working for Thrive.

We are a small, dynamic charity delivering community-led projects and initiatives that seek to both empower and improve the lives of family carers living across Wales.

The Finance and Governance Officer is responsible for the day-to-day financial management, governance support, and administrative oversight of the charity. This role ensures accurate and timely reporting of financial data, effective management of budgets, and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements for finance and audit. Additionally, the postholder provides key governance support, facilitating the smooth running of the Board of Trustees, maintaining company records, staff records, and ensuring HR policies are reviewed and adhered to.

This position is crucial for maintaining the charity’s operational integrity and supports strategic decision-making by providing robust financial insight and governance expertise.

The role will also play a key role in identifying/sourcing funding for enabling sustainability, by working alongside the Director in drafting proposals/bids.

The post will also work closely with the Project and Engagement Coordinator and Policy & Impact Officer to help support the successful delivery of our projects through budget management and supporting the production of evidence of impact reports.

This is an integral role within the organisation that brings together key organisational, financial and people skills to enable us to continue to make a meaningful impact for families across Wales.

Purpose of the role:

Back Up courses are a vital part of what we do and have been transforming lives for almost 30 years. You will play a critical role in making this fantastic service work as well as supporting the wider team.

You will be the main support and liaison for participants, buddies and care team volunteers, ensuring that everyone feels supported and knows what to expect. You will ensure courses run smoothly and effectively through an effective, efficient administration service.
 

Key stakeholders:

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their families; professionals and organisations working with people affected by SCI; Back Up staff

The Tower Project is an East London based disability charity that delivers a wide range of innovative services for children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism.

At the forefront of its innovative services delivery is the award-winning Tower Project Job, Enterprise, and Training (JET) Service, East London’s leading provider of supported employment and training services for young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism.

As Job Coach, you will empower adults of all ages with learning disabilities and autism to build real workplace skills through our paid accessible apprenticeship programmes. You will deliver focused, hands-on coaching to help apprentices succeed on their apprenticeships and progress into sustained employment, whether with their placement host or another employer.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Job Coaching

You will provide hands-on workplace coaching that enables clients to develop competence, independence and resilience, supporting successful progression into sustained employment.

• Deliver in-work coaching, breaking tasks into manageable steps and systematically fading support.
• Conduct detailed job and task analysis to ensure clarity of role expectations.
• Support apprentices to develop technical skills, workplace behaviours and professional standards.
• Produce in work communication passports for apprentices and identify and implement reasonable adjustments in partnership with employers.
• Support apprentices to manage workplace anxiety, communication differences and confidence barriers.
• Develop natural workplace supports, including peer mentors and team-based assistance.
• Provide structured travel training to promote independent commuting.
• Monitor progress against apprenticeship goals and employment outcome targets.

Employer Partnerships and Placement Support

Maintain professional, positive relationships with employers and placement hosts secured through the JET employer engagement strategy.

• Act as the key day-to-day contact for employers once an apprentice is placed.
• Support employers to implement inclusive practices and reasonable adjustments.
• Provide guidance on supporting employees with learning disabilities and autism.
• Identify progression opportunities within existing employer partnerships.
• Escalate new employer development opportunities to the Employment Support Team.

Advice, Guidance and Development

You will deliver structured, person-centred support that enables clients to clarify their employment aspirations and take practical, achievable steps towards sustained paid work

• Develop vocational profiles identifying strengths, aspirations and support needs.
• Deliver structured one-to-one sessions reviewing progress and updating action plans.
• Support development of employability skills including CV preparation, interview techniques and workplace communication.
• Encourage independence, resilience and self-advocacy.

Monitoring & Reporting

• You will ensure accurate tracking of client progress and contribute to demonstrating service impact.
•  Maintain accurate and up-to-date digital records and action plans.
• Track outcomes and contribute to performance data and reporting requirements.
• Contribute case studies and evidence demonstrating sustained employment outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and health and safety policies.
• Support employers with completing workplace risk assessments prior to placement start.

Professional Responsibilities

• You will uphold high professional standards while contributing to the overall success of the service.
• Work towards agreed KPIs relating to sustained employment and progression.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal and ongoing professional development.
• Maintain knowledge of supported employment practice and inclusive workplace standards.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• Represent the service professionally with employers and partner organisations.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support effective service delivery

Project Officer - Active Journeys, Schools

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Project Officer - Active Journeys, Schools

England South

£29,235 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Ref: 108REC

Part time 30 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working

Base: Hybrid working across Surrey 

Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2027

ABOUT THE ROLE

Team: Active Journeys

As the Project Officer, you will work directly with schools and local communities across Surrey, identifying ways to transform streets and public spaces into safer, more welcoming environments for active travel.

What you’ll be doing:

• Plan and deliver behaviour change projects and activities that promote walking, wheeling, and cycling within schools and local communities.
• Build strong, effective relationships with local leaders, authorities, and other key stakeholders.
• Work with schools to develop or improve their School Travel Plans to promote active and sustainable travel.
• Supervise and mentor colleagues and volunteers involved in project delivery.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys planning and delivering fun activity sessions with children and young people, and helping build projects that help get people active, improving health and wellbeing and the environment!

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

• Experience of planning and delivering activity sessions, and a willingness to learn and share new practical skills like bike maintenance.
• Proven experience of delivering work packages as part of a project or experience of managing small clearly defined projects.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience of connecting with different audiences and adapting your approach.
• A proactive problem‑solver who effectively manages priorities and workload.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and mentor others while collaborating effectively to build strong, positive working relationships.
• Experience of working with children and young people.

This role will require travel and work at locations as necessary to undertake projects on behalf of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

LIVING OUR VALUES

At the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, we’re a values‑driven organisation. We’re looking for people who are:

Always Learning – curious, open‑minded and committed to continuous improvement.

Championing Equity – inclusive, respectful and focused on ensuring everyone has a voice and fair opportunity to succeed.

Taking Ownership – proactive, responsible and empowered to make things better.

Delivering Together – collaborative, transparent and motivated by shared success.

Through our values we make it possible for more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely, healthily and joyfully.

WHAT WE OFFER

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life.

Wellbeing Support

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees
• Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about
• Free, confidential support service available 24/7
• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme

Financial Benefits

• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
• Bike, computer and season ticket loans
• Discount benefits
• London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 per annum for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London).
• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary 

Family Friendly Policies

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Application deadline: 23:59, 15 March 2026
• Interviews will be held online via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 23rd March. To apply, please complete our online application form.
• We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.

• Adjustments are available throughout the application process.

Want to explore more roles?

You can find full details about all our current job openings at:

Community Engagement Assistant (Part-Time, Flexible)

Location: Swindon & surrounding community

Are you passionate about your local community? Do you love meeting people, building relationships and making a real difference?

At Dressability, we believe clothing should never be a barrier to dignity, comfort or independence. Every year, we support adults and children with disabilities, older people, and those facing physical challenges by providing specialist clothing alterations and adaptations that truly transform lives.

Now, we’re looking for someone from Swindon to help us take that mission even further.

�� Why This Role Matters

This isn’t just a job — it’s an opportunity to:

• Be the external face of a respected local charity
• Build meaningful partnerships across Swindon
• Help people access life-changing support
• Raise awareness of disability challenges in our community
• Connect local people with ways to give back

You’ll be out and about — at community groups, GP surgeries, care homes, faith groups, fetes, disability events and networking meetings — spreading the word about the incredible support Dressability provides.

�� What You’ll Be Doing

As our Community Engagement Assistant, you will:

✨ Develop relationships with local organisations, health services and community leaders
✨ Deliver talks and presentations that inspire and inform
✨ Represent Dressability at community events and fairs
✨ Organise pop-up clinics in local venues
✨ Promote referrals through GPs, OTs and care settings
✨ Help attract new clients, volunteers and supporters
✨ Support social media content and community marketing

You’ll also work closely with our friendly team, and receive ongoing training and support.

�� Who We’re Looking For

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Know Swindon well and have strong local connections
• Have experience in community engagement, outreach or partnership working
• Understand disability issues (or have lived/worked experience in this area)
• Are friendly, confident and comfortable speaking to groups
• Are self-motivated and organised
• Have a driving licence and access to your own vehicle

Most importantly, you’re someone who genuinely cares about people and wants to make a difference close to home.

�� Why Join Dressability?

• Flexible, part-time hours
• Meaningful, purpose-driven work
• A supportive and welcoming team
• The chance to make visible change in your own community
• A role where no two days are the same

This is your opportunity to be a connector, a champion and a changemaker for people across Swindon.

�� Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re based in Swindon and want to use your skills, personality and local knowledge to help others live with greater dignity and confidence, we would love to hear from you.

Join Dressability — and help ensure clothing never limits anyone’s life.

About us

Join our team at the MPS Society, one of the leading rare genetic disease charities in the UK aiming to transform the lives of individuals and their families affected by MPS, Fabry and other related lysosomal diseases.  This is a rare opportunity to join our Support & Communities teams who provide direct support, practical guidance and other patient focused activities to over 1500 members and their families, UK-wide. 

Our Support Team raise awareness both within the MPS community and external agencies, offering information, advice, support, and advocacy in a range of areas including clinical management, health and social care, housing, education, transition, independent living, palliative care, and bereavement.  

Ideal candidate

As a Senior Support Officer, you will primarily be responsible for raising awareness and providing a high-quality support and advocacy service to our members and their families.   You will be a relationship builder who cares about the community we serve and ensures that the individual (or family) remains at the centre of support.  You will have experience in multi-agency working and an in-depth understanding of the needs of those with disabilities, their families and carers.  Demonstrable experience and knowledge of health and social care, education and relevant assessment processes are essential. 

As deputy safeguarding lead officer for both shildren and vulnerable adults you will take the lead in the absence of the safeguarding leads and be confident sharing your knowledge with new recruits through mentoring.

You will have excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to uphold best practice, challenge poor policy and inappropriate decisions.  Excellent IT skills and the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver to tight timescales are essential.  You will be self-motivated and highly organised, juggling many strands of work. 

As part of a small, dedicated team, you will have a positive attitude and a willingness to work collaboratively with your colleagues and external parties to raise awareness, advocate for our membership, as well as supporting the delivery and development of services for the MPS Society community.

Whilst a relevant qualification within health & social care, education or a related field is desirable, other knowledge and work experiences may be equally as valuable in this role. Prior knowledge of MPS and related conditions is not required however a special interest in neurology and working with individuals with neurological disabilities is advantageous.  In-depth support and training to develop expertise in MPS and related conditions, and the needs of those affected by these progressive, life-limiting conditions will be provided.   

What we can offer you

Join us and you will be working for a caring charity offering:

• A competitive salary
• Generous annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time hours)
• Extra leave between Christmas and the New Year
• Pension
• Life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme)
• Employee assistance programme offering support 24/7

Further information

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the UK.

This is a full-time role (35 hrs per week) however part time hours, with a minimum of 28 hrs per week may be agreed for the right candidate.  Salary will be pro-rata for part-time.

The main duties, responsibilities and essential requirements of this role can be viewed on the attached job description.

This is an essential car user post. The applicant must hold a current UK driver’s licence, with no more than 6 points, have access to a car and be able and willing to drive UK wide as required.

This role is offered on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in our Amersham office each week. As part of the role, UK wide travel is necessary. This may on occasion include early morning and/or evening working and sometimes overnight stays.  You may also occasionally be required to attend evening or weekend conferences and events. We have policies in place to ensure that any unsociable hours worked are fairly compensated.

We encourage candidates to visit the MPS Society website to learn more about us and the community we serve.  Alternatively, if you would like an informal chat about the role or the work of the MPS Society, please contact Bethanie Pentecost.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)

The MPS Society is a charity that provides a range of care, support and activities for children and adults at risk throughout the UK. This is provided through our dedicated support and advocacy service, telephone helpline, clinical research, online activities and forums, annual events, patient expert meetings, focus groups and conferences.  MPS staff, trustees and volunteers may be asked to be involved in the delivery of its regulated services and activities. 

This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  Due to the sensitive nature of the duties undertaking, the post holder will be expected to undertake a DBS check as part of the recruitment process and for this to be reviewed on a regular basis. 

Next steps: 

Applications:  Please provide your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 750 words) outlining your understanding of how rare, complex and progressive conditions such as Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), including their neurological impacts, can affect individuals and families across the life course. In your response, please describe the experience, skills and approaches you have developed that would support you to carry out the Senior Support Officer role, including (where relevant) supporting people with complex needs, working across health, education and social care systems, and providing advice, advocacy or casework support.

Kindly note, applications received without a supporting statement will not be considered. 

Closing Date:   Whilst we have an initial closing date of 20th March, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview and assessment.

1st interviews:  Initial virtual interviews will be held end March/early April.

2nd interviews: Final face-to-face interviews and assessments will be held on 16th & 17th April at MPS House, Amersham.

Shop Manager

Permanent, 35 hours

Starting full-time salary £23,581.58 a year.

1 Cheapside, Lancaster, LA1 1LY

Join Our Community

Would you like to work at the heart of your local community? Are you motivated to inspire and support a team of volunteers? Do you have retail experience and are ready for the next step in your career?

If so, this could be the opportunity for you.

The role

Permanent, 35 hours a week.

35 hours a week. Permanent

Shop location - 1 Cheapside, Lancaster, LA1 1LY

As Shop Manager of Scope’s Lancaster shop, you’ll have the autonomy to run the shop with creativity and flair. Every day is different

In this role, you’ll lead a team of paid colleagues and volunteers, offering clear guidance, encouragement, and development. Using your experience and management skills, you’ll help grow sales while making sure every customer and donor enjoys a welcoming and inclusive shop experience. In this role you will:

· Ensure shop sales performance is maximised, actively seeking ways to improve the shop’s performance on a continuous basis.

· Manage all aspects of stock collection and preparation; ensuring that stock processing levels are sufficient to achieve required shop floor density, encouraging stock donations at all times. Also support our online selling with identifying suitable items and listing on online selling platforms

· Recruit, manage and develop paid colleagues and volunteers within Scope’s HR and operational policies and procedures and build a strong team

· Work collaboratively with the Assistant Shop Manager

About you

We’re looking for someone who has:

· Previous experience as either a Retail Shop Manager, Assistant Manager, or a Supervisor looking to step up, ideally in retail or charity shops.

· Commercially aware and able to spot opportunities

· Be able to lead and support people

· Customer-focused, with a can-do attitude

· A team player with strong work ethic

· Accurate and detail-oriented

· IT literate and numeracy skills

Please make sure you explain in your application, with examples, how you can meet these important skills.

We ask you to show an appreciation of Scope’s values and our ambition of an equal future for disabled people.

Working in Our Shops

Our shops are the face of our retail brand, run by dedicated, creative, and passionate teams. We focus on sustainable fashion, engage with local communities, and lead volunteers to deliver a great experience for colleagues and customers. Funds raised support Scope’s mission of achieving equality for disabled people and their families.

Shop Hours

Scope shops are open every day. Some weekend and Bank Holiday cover is needed.

Full-time: 35 hours per week, five days out of seven

Part-time: Weekly hours on a seven-day rota

Additional Information

In line with UK legislation, we are only able to accept applications from individuals aged 18 or over. This is because the role may involve working alone in the shop without other staff present.

You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Scope is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Anonymised applications

We use an anonymised shortlisting process as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. All advertised vacancies require a CV and the completion of a short application form.

Our values

Pioneering, Courageous, Connected, Open, Fair.

We trust each other and give colleagues freedom to be creative, push boundaries, and change minds.

Our promise to disabled people

We are proud to be a charity that stands for disability equality. We welcome applications from disabled people and anyone with an impairment, condition, or access need. We want our team to reflect the communities we serve.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we promise to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential requirements for the job. To do this, tick the box in your application to say you are applying under the Offer an Interview Scheme (this used to be called the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

If you need any changes or support during the recruitment process, please email us via our website.

Important to know

You must meet all the essential requirements listed in the job description.

If lots of people apply, we may need to limit interviews to a fair number of disabled applicants who best meet the criteria.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

EDI is a priority at Scope. We welcome applications from people of colour and other underrepresented communities. We aim to create a culture where everyone feels they belong, treating all with dignity and respect. As a disability equality charity, accessibility and inclusion come first. We listen, learn and continuously improve.

You can find out more about our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on the Scope website.

Scope benefits

We believe hard work deserves reward and recognition. We offer a wide range of benefits including:

· 35 days annual leave

· flexible working (where we can)

· company pension

· excellent training and career development

· strong colleague networks across disability, LGBTQ+, race equality, carers, women and young colleagues

· Wellbeing incentives like a discounted gym membership, cycle to work scheme, and much more

One in four of us in the UK are disabled and we are a diverse, proud, and vibrant community. We’re here to create an equal future with all disabled people. We campaign to transform attitudes to disability, tackle injustice and inspire action. We are creating a powerful movement of disabled people, allies, organisations and businesses.

Together we will be unstoppable.

Apply via our website

We welcome all applications by 11:59pm GMT on Thursday 12 March 2026.

Please note that successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

You will be instrumental in the quality and impactful implementation, delivery and retention of our sites. You will oversee the delivery of exceptional outcomes in support of the charity's mission. You will work as part of a Regional team to deliver outstanding programmes across your geography, establishing and leading partnerships throughout the life of a programme.    

Regular travel throughout your geographical location will be required, with occasional travel to other areas of the UK.  Please stipulate where you are based when applying.

In addition, occasional international travel may be required, such as the opportunity to attend the annual conference in the United States.  

You will report to the Regional within the Delivery & Partnerships team or the Associate Director of Business Development.

• We will conduct selection throughout Thursday March 26th and Friday March 27th – with a multi-stage process taking place across the 2 days.

Key Responsibilities  

· You will be accountable for the retention and outcomes of your portfolio of programmes.  

· You will work closely with colleagues in both the Delivery & Partnership team and the Quality & Impact team to pursue quality delivery of programmes that adheres to model fidelity.  

· You will hold partners and stakeholders to account for their key responsibilities in the delivery of quality programmes.  

Application Instructions

• We will conduct selection throughout Thursday March 26th and Friday March 27th – with a multi-stage process taking place across the 2 days.

We will review applications as they come in and close when we have sufficient numbers

Database Officer

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Database Officer

England South

£29,235 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Ref: 132REC

Full time 37.5 hours per week – we are happy to talk flexible working

Base: Bristol hybrid

Contract: Permanent

ABOUT THE ROLE

Team: Fundraising and Supporter Engagement

As the Database Officer, you will take responsibility for the administration of financial transactions from various internal and external sources. You will take the lead on import processes, working with stakeholders to ensure requirements are captured, tested and reviewed. You will be involved in the implementation of integrations between the platforms we use and our supporter database, from recommendations to testing.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing the  BACS Direct Debit processes, from processing BACS cancellations to preparing payment requests and processing payments,  maintaining accurate  reconciliations.
• Overseeing all aspects of Gift Aid processing and ensuring accurate record‑keeping.
• Managing and improving data imports across multiple platforms, ensuring accuracy, ongoing monitoring, reconciliation, and correct income coding.
• Producing data‑integrity reports, run routine audits, investigate issues, and recommend corrective actions to stakeholders.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on improving processes, enjoys collaborative problem‑solving, and uses SQL, Excel and Power BI to drive smarter, more efficient ways of working

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

• Proven experienced in working with customer relationship management (CRM) systems
• Experience of processing direct debits, financial information and importing/exporting data
• Good experience and knowledge of applicable legislation and ethical codes of practice, BACs, Gift Aid and information security principles and relevant data regulations.
• Good experience of using SQL query and Power Bi.

LIVING OUR VALUES 

At the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, we’re a values driven organisation. We’re looking for people who are: 

Always Learning – curious, open‑minded and committed to continuous improvement. 

Championing Equity – inclusive, respectful and focused on ensuring everyone has a voice and fair opportunity to succeed. 

Taking Ownership – proactive, responsible and empowered to make things better. 

Delivering Together – collaborative, transparent and motivated by shared success. 

Through our values we make it possible for more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely, healthily and joyfully. 

WHAT WE OFFER

We want you to feel supported, valued, and empowered in your role. That’s why we offer flexible working, a positive team environment, and benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances, and family life.

Wellbeing Support

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees
• Option to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Paid volunteer days to support causes you care about
• Free, confidential support service available 24/7
• Access to cycle-to-work schemes through Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme

Financial Benefits

• Up to two extra days of paid leave (pro rata for part‑time colleagues) when travelling sustainably for holidays
• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
• Bike, computer and season ticket loans
• Discount benefits
• London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 per annum for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London).
• Death in Service benefit – 3 x annual Salary 

Family Friendly Policies

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Application deadline: 23:59, 11 March 2026
• Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the 24th or 25th March 2026. To apply, please complete our online application form.
• We are committed to being a truly inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everyone from all parts of the community.
• Adjustments are available throughout the application process.

Orchard Vale Trust is a Registered Charity founded over 40 years ago to support adults with learning disabilities; we currently provide Residential, Day and Community Services. This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and well organised individual to join our vibrant central team and raise vital funds for the individuals we support. 

It is our vision that adults with learning disabilities are valued as leaders and peers and are supported to achieve their goals and live life to the full. The role of the Trust Fundraiser is essential in building our capacity to ensure the delivery of our vision.

The Trust Fundraiser will work with the CEO in developing a high quality fundraising strategy and raising funds against agreed targets that support the work of Orchard Vale Trust. They will use this to manage projects - from application of funding to delivery, including on-going evaluation and reporting.

They will work with the senior management team to ensure service users are supported in accordance with the ethos, policies and practices of Orchard Vale Trust and with current best practice as set out by Care Quality Commissions (CQC) regulations, the Charity Commission and other relevant legislation and guidance.

Main Duties

1. To develop and implement a fundraising strategy for the Trust

2. To develop and sustain partnership working with a range of external stakeholders

3. To work with the CEO in the delivery of the Trust’s communication strategy

4. To work with the CEO in the funding and promotion of the Trust’s Social Enterprise

5. To ensure fundraising activities are safe and compliant with regulations and Orchard Vale Trust’s Policies

Person Specification

Essential

Qualifications/ Experience

• A track record of successful fundraising in an organization or a relevant recent qualification

• An understanding of supporter acquisition and growth

• Understanding of developing existing and new fundraising opportunities

• Experience of working to tight deadlines and prioritization.

• Knowledge or experience in working with communications and media teams as required

Role: Commercial Manager
Location: Hybrid working with a minimum 2 days per week in the Thame office
Salary: £50,000.00 - £53,000.00
Hours: 37.5 per week
Contract: Permanent
Reports to: Commercial Director
 
Making growth work – sustainably and responsibly

Affinity Trust is a values-led social care charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and other assessed needs to live their lives, their way.

We’re growing - and with that growth comes a clear responsibility: to ensure our contracts, services and partnerships are commercially viable, operationally strong, and true to our social purpose.

We’re looking for a Commercial Manager who brings commercial rigour as well as curiosity - someone who can improve performance across existing contracts as confidently as they develop new opportunities.

This is a pivotal role, working closely with the Commercial Director, Finance, Operations and senior leaders across the organisation.

About the role

As Commercial Manager, you’ll play a key role in strengthening the financial sustainability and commercial performance of Affinity Trust.

You’ll focus on:

• ensuring existing contracts and services are commercially viable,
• identifying and delivering efficiency and value-for-money improvements, and
• developing strong, evidence-based business cases for growth, diversification and partnerships.

You’ll work across the organisation to turn insight into action - balancing ambition with realism, and growth with long-term sustainability.

What You’ll Do

• Strengthen commercial performance by reviewing contract viability, improving profitability, and leading value-for-money and efficiency initiatives.
• Develop robust business cases for growth, diversification, and partnerships, working closely with Operations and Finance to assess affordability, risk and return.
• Support sustainable growth by identifying new commercial opportunities and carrying out early-stage due diligence on partnerships or acquisitions.
• Use insight and data to track performance through clear KPIs and dashboards, informing senior decision-making.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure commercial decisions are operationally deliverable, person-centred and values-led.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll bring:

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience improving contract performance or commercial efficiency.
• Proven experience developing and evaluating business cases and financial models.
• Understanding of commissioning, contracting and funding in social care, health or housing.
• Confidence working across teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
• A practical, analytical mindset - able to spot risk, challenge assumptions and find solutions.

How You’ll Make an Impact
You’ll help shape sustainable, person‑centred growth by aligning colleagues, ensuring commercial efficiency, and turning strategic ideas into real results.

What will we do?

• We offer hybrid working (min. 2 days/week in Thame)
• 31 days’ annual leave (inc. bank holidays), rising with service
• Health cash plan, Pension, Life assurance, Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Card, option to buy extra annual leave
   

Inclusion, accessibility and our commitment to diversity
Diversity is key to what we do. Life would be dull, and change slow, if we all thought the same way. We want colleagues who bring different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences, and we know this makes us stronger and better for the people we support. 

We are committed to being Disability Confident and we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. 

We’re also committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage, for example, accessible formats, support with the application form or adjustments for interview, you can tell us in your application or contact our recruitment team to discuss what you need.

Ready to join us?

If you’re ready to drive new commercial opportunities that make a real impact, connecting with colleagues to build strong relationships, making a real difference in a values-led charity, this could be your next role.

If you are offered the role, you will be required to have a DBS check at the relevant level, which we’ll cover the cost for.

The Role
We are looking for a Supporter Acquisition Lead - Face to Face to drive forward our ambitious direct dialogue supporter recruitment programme, recruiting 100,000 new supporters a year so that we have the funds we need to reach every deaf child.
 
 
What you'll do
 

• Establish relationships with and onboard new direct dialogue recruitment agencies 
• Manage supporter acquisition campaigns, sustaining relationships through challenges
• Report on and optimise campaigns, with a view to customer experience and lifetime value
• Be a valued source of knowledge, advice, coaching and support for the Acquisition and Supporter Care teams
• Take an active role in, and further develop, our programme of agency visits and mystery shopping

 
What you'll need
 

• Extensive experience of working with direct dialogue recruitment
• Genuine enthusiasm for Face to Face fundraising and its role in the fundraising mix
• Able to build and sustain great relationships in the face of challenges
• Coaching and mentoring skills to help develop others in the team
• Strong digital skills and a sound understanding of agile values & principles.
• A criminal record check / DBS disclosure (if offered the position).

What you'll get

• Home-based working with flexible hours.
• 25 days holiday - plus an additional 3 days at Christmas (& bank holidays).
• Pension (5.5% employer contribution).
• Healthcare Cashplan.
• Annual performance-based salary increase.
• Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programmes.

 
What we do
 
The National Deaf Children's Society are the leading charity for deaf children. We give expert support on childhood deafness, raise awareness and campaign for deaf children's rights, so they have the same opportunities as everyone else.
 
 
Pre-employment checks
 
As part of our commitment to creating a safe and trusted environment for the children, young people and families we support, all offers of employment are subject to background checks. These include Right to Work verification, Criminal Record Disclosure, and ID and address verification.
 
To complete an online Right to Work check, you will need a valid UK or Irish passport, or a government share code if you are not a British citizen. If an online check is not possible, we’ll need to verify your documents in person at our London office. Please be aware that travel time and expenses for this appointment cannot be reimbursed.
 
 
Disability Confidence
 
We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to offering interviews to candidates who request to be considered under the disability confident scheme and meet the minimum requirements of the person specification. Please contact us with any accessibility or reasonable adjustment enquiries.
 
The National Deaf Children’s Society is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 1016532 and in Scotland no. SC040779.

To navigate the collaboration between BDEF and Adult Social Care (Bristol City Council), making sure that people with lived expertise lead decisions about the services they rely on, guided by the Co‑Production Policy and Disability Equality principles. Please see the attachments for full Job Description and Person Specification, including links to definitions and relevant policies.

Co‑Design and Co‑Production Worker

Hours: 28 hours per week.  Must be flexible and be available for occasional work outside of usual work hours.

Salary: £30,229.28 pro rata (depending on successful completion of the Probationary Period). For the hours, this would work out at £24,183.43 annually. Point 7 on BDEF Pay Policy.

Purpose: To navigate the collaboration between BDEF and Adult Social Care (Bristol City Council), making sure that people with lived expertise lead decisions about the services they rely on, guided by the Co‑Production Policy and Disability Equality principles.

Reports to: Director of BDEF.

Based at: Chelsea Room, Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AW. However, we support flexible working arrangements and hybrid working as we are committed to supporting our workers to meet their needs. If this is relevant for you, this can be discussed.

Contract: This is a fixed term contract until March 2029.

Access: We are a Disabled people led organisation. This role is for Disabled people to apply for. As such, support to make reasonable adjustments and/or support to apply for Access to Work will be embedded from the start of working with us.

 As an organisation, we also use Social Model Identity First language such as ‘Disabled people’ and ‘impairments’ or ‘health conditions’.

We know there are Disabled applicants who will have faced many barriers in developing their careers. When you read the job description and person specification, think about your potential to meet the requirements.

If there are items on the person specification where you feel you don't strictly meet the skills or experience listed but you already have strategies, support, or technology to meet these skills in a way that works for you (or you feel with the right support you could excel at) then please apply.

Co-Design and Co-Production

BDEF’s Director previously supported Bristol City Council Adult Social Care to create a Co‑production Policy. This policy was developed because there was no clear, fair, or consistent way for the Council to involve people with lived experience of using Adult Social Care services.

The policy:

• Is designed through co-production between Disabled people, Carers, Community and Voluntary Sector workers and council officers.
• Clearly defines consultation, engagement, co‑design and co‑production.
• Sets expectations for inclusive, equitable involvement.
• Has been fully adopted and approved by Adult Social Care.
• Is intended to guide all future Adult Social Care work.

Following feedback, Bristol City Council has now contracted BDEF, a Disabled‑people‑led organisation, to take this work forward. This, as part of this contract, role will focus on supporting, embedding and putting the policy into practice, ensuring that people with lived expertise are meaningfully involved in shaping Adult Social Care services.

The role will work closely with people with lived expertise of Adult Social Care services (Disabled people and carers among others), Bristol City Council Adult Social Care officers, community and voluntary organisations and BDEF colleagues. The role holder will work directly with BDEF Director who will offer advice and support.

The main duties will include:

1. Planning and delivering agreed co‑design and co‑production projects (up to three per year, or fewer larger projects). This will involve working jointly with the Council and people with lived expertise throughout each project. There will be a need to make sure that projects follow the Co‑production Policy.

2. Facilitating quarterly sessions of the Co‑production Policy Advisory Group who are the people who helped create this policy. Their remit is to offer advice to council officers on how best to use the Co-Production policy within their work.

3. Building and maintaining relationships between community members, the Co-Production Policy Advisory Group, community and voluntary organisations, Adult Social Care at Bristol City Council, and BDEF (Bristol Disability Equality Forum).

4. Supporting Disabled people and others with lived expertise to take part fully and confidently and help people to understand their role and how their input influences decisions. This will also mean identifying and connect with new people with lived experience who want to be involved.

5. Making sure that all projects involve people with a diverse range of experiences, identities and cultures and who are representative of Bristol’s communities.

6. Monitoring progress and report impact, tracking the progress of co-design and co-production work. This would include producing clear, accessible reports at the end of each project.

7. Where possible and appropriate, support Council officers to work in a co‑productive way. This would include promote correct usage of co‑production language and definitions.

8. To make sure that the right range of support available is accessible and that people with the widest range of impairments and differences are included. 

9. To implement BDEF’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and to develop and share anti-discriminatory practice and to challenge any systemic oppression, discrimination, prejudice and stereotyping amongst Disabled people and in other organisations.

10.To work within BDEF’s safeguarding policies and to develop best practice in safeguarding and supporting adults at risk.

Any other tasks corresponding with the post, as required. Whilst this summary is detailed, it does not necessarily specify every task or activity required to achieve these outcomes.

General Accountabilities:

So far as reasonably practicable, the post-holder must promote safe working practices with regard to both themselves, volunteers and anyone else in the office or at meetings. 

Work within the Codes of Conduct, Constitution and all other policies of BDEF.

Make sure that output and outcomes (quality of work) are of a high standard and comply with current standards.

Undertake any other duties, determined by the Director and trustees, as required.

Context:

BDEF is a voluntary sector charity of, and for, all Disabled people who live, work or study in the Bristol area.  It seeks to engage with Disabled people in the Bristol area in identifying and addressing equalities issues of concern to both our existing and potential members.

Deadline:

Please return the application (in whatever form you choose) by 5pm on Tuesday 24th March 2026.