Jobs for the Disability sector

We're looking for a compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities Service located in Gravesend. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£26,227.50 per annum, working 37.5 hours per week.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Support Workers are responsible for supporting people with autism, learning disabilities and behavioural needs to live full lives, develop skills and maintain their wellbeing. The Pelham road Service will be 5 new self-contained flats, for customers with learning disabilities, Autism and Complex needs, and we are looking to build a staff team with an excellent value base to support the customer to build their new life and develop their skills as an independent person. Support Workers will need to be flexible and shifts will require some mornings, afternoons/Evenings and weekends.

What you'll do:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

• Supporting the customer to undertake a full timetable of preferred activities including sport and leisure activities, attending community groups, visiting local amenities, and introducing them to new activities to expand their horizons and networks;
• Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in all aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
• Enabling the customer to keep up with the important people in their life and to meet new people with shared interests;
• Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs, and communicating with them in a person-centred way;
• Supporting the customer to manage their anxieties and frustrations, using Positive Behaviour Support and Autism-specific approaches;
• Collating a range of behavioural data and essential paperwork to be analysed within our local management structure;
• Driving the customer to activities using the customer's vehicle, in rotation with the wider team;

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities and supporting them in line with a PBS framework

Desirable:

• Has some experience in Trauma Informed care
• Has some experience in working with people with Mental health
• Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties

About us:

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

We're looking for a compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities Service located in Tower Hamlets. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£18,470.40 per annum, working 24 hours per week.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

• • If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
  • Support customer's practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills
  • Participate in the support planning and risk management. Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed
  • Enable customers to make full use of leisure and learning-based opportunities in the service as well as in the community by providing support as directed e.g. Gym, swimming and visiting various public amenities

About you:

• Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2 in health and social care or equivalent .
• Experience of supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism, or a clear understanding of their needs.

Desirable:

• Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism
• Knowledge in Positive behaviour support plan.

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

• We focus on Excellence and innovation.
• We are Caring and Compassionate.
• We are Inclusive and Trusted.
• We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

In Work Support Worker
Salary: £15 p/h
Place of work: Various London locations
Contract Period: Various hours as needed 

About the Organisation

Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).  As we believe in the Social Model of Disability, our values and principles embrace inclusive and accessible ways of working, seeking co-production and co-design from our Disabled members and encouraging and respecting diversity.

AoD is a medium sized charity with a Board of Trustees, 24 staff, a strong pool of casual staff and volunteers, including many with lived experience of disability – all of whom are passionate about removing the barriers faced by Disabled people.

AoD provides four key services: Youth, Employment, Welfare Benefits, and Independent Living.

AoD’s Employment Service

The Action on Disability Employment Service is setting the agenda for disability employment across London with great results. We are at the forefront of setting up and delivering supported internships for Disabled young people. We provide an holistic service from management and employer engagement to hands-on, supervised support work across all sites.

Our Employment Service welcomes external referrals and offers support for Disabled people via our in-work support service.

We are looking to recruit several support workers to expand our pool.

The Post

The purpose of the job is to provide face to face support work and guidance to Disabled people within their workplaces. The post holder will provide the necessary support and encouragement to enable them to be successful, which will lead, eventually, to independence. The post holder will also work closely with, and take guidance from, their supervisor within AoD. They will work closely with the employer of the Disabled person to ensure the employer has the skills and confidence to manage and train their intern/employee.

Main duties and responsibilities

• To work face-to-face with individual Disabled people, under the guidance of their AoD Supervisor, in accordance with their personalised support plans
• To be fully cognitive of the workplace of the Disabled person to identify the requirements of key tasks
• To follow bespoke Support Plans plans which will enable the Disabled person to fulfil their role to meet the requirements of the employer
• To provide weekly feedback to their AoD Supervisor to ensure continued progression, identifying new areas in need of support, and advising on the amendment of support plans accordingly
• Together with their Supervisor, to plan, discuss and implement a timely reduction of support as and when the Disabled individual becomes familiar and competent with their role
• To negotiate note disability-related reasonable adjustments required for individuals and feedback to their AoD Supervisor
• To liaise with managers to discuss individual progress, respond to issues and implement next steps

Organisational responsibilities

• To work in accordance with Action on Disability’s Aims, Objectives and Values
• To comply with all organisational and departmental procedures
• To ensure safe, fair and responsible working practices, specifically AoD’s Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding and Confidentiality policies
• To promote the work of AoD and the Social Model of Disability
• To keep accurate records and provide monitoring statistics and evaluation information as required for internal and external purposes
• To participate in, and actively contribute to, individual Supervision, training, team and organisational meetings
• To work flexibly, being prepared to perform other duties commensurate with the role, which may include new areas of operation
• Any other task as directed by AoD management

Person Specification

Successful applicants must be:

• Professional
• Positive
• Motivated
• Dependable
• Flexible
• Patient
• Empathetic

Essential

• Successful applicants must have:
• Experience of disability
• Experience of training, education or employment support delivery
• Maths and English to GCSE Grade C or equivalent
• Be willing and able to undertake any specific training required for the role
• An understanding of the needs of employers and ability to articulate the benefits of having a diverse workforce in businesses
• An understanding of the Social Model of Disability and its practical application
• Ability and willingness to learn and carry out a variety of employment tasks to support the Disabled person
• Evidenced experience of success in building strong and positive relationships with a variety of people and organisations
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills and experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a diverse population
• Good organisational skills with an ability to keep accurate records
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint and the internet
• Be willing and able to travel easily within London
• To be available for work at unsocial hours according to the demands of the work (occasionally)

Desirable

• Support Work qualification or equivalent is preferred but not mandatory
• An understanding of pan disability and employment

Deadline: Ongoing. We recruit for this role on a rolling basis with regular interview days.

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

We welcome applicants from all walks of life.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from Disabled people and people with long term health and mental conditions. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme in that we will guarantee an interview to all Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. Please state in a cover letter if you wish us to consider you for this guaranteed interview scheme.

AoD is a Living Wage Foundation registered employer and all of our employees, casual workers and contractors are paid above the London Living Wage.

N.B: We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.

No agencies please.

Lead a Team. Shape Lives. Help Build the Future.

At Where Next, we believe that adults with learning disabilities deserve more than simply being cared for. They deserve opportunities, friendships, purpose and the chance to achieve their potential. For over 40 years, Where Next has supported adults with learning disabilities to develop skills, gain confidence, contribute to their communities and lead fulfilling lives. Many of the people we support have been part of the Where Next family for many years, and the trusted relationships they build with our staff are fundamental to their wellbeing, development and happiness. As we enter an exciting new chapter in our history, we are looking for an exceptional Site Manager – Learning Disabilities to help lead one of our services.

Headway Sussex 

Vacancy for Chief Executive Officer 

Part Time – 21 hours per week 

£50,000 (FTE) 

Based in Newick, East Sussex with regular travel to Eastbourne, Brighton and other areas around Sussex. Occasional travel to other Headway organisations around the country including Headway UK. 

Headway Sussex offers rehabilitation and support services for people living across the county with acquired brain injuries. Our services extend to their families and carers. People may be referred to us by the hospital or clinical services providing their medical care or by insurance companies where there is a legal claim in progress. Alternatively, our clients self-refer because they have an awareness of the services Headway organisations can provide. 

In whatever way our clients reach us, we strive to provide comprehensive rehabilitation and reablement services to support them and their families both practically and emotionally. We aim to raise awareness of the impact of brain injury and to be a lead service provider in Sussex. 

An exciting opportunity is now available to join this forward thinking and dynamic charity as Chief Executive Officer, to help shape and continue the successful development and implementation of our strategic plan. Our current delivery framework is based on a network of satellite hubs across the county offering a combination of outreach and community-based services to clients and their carers in locations close to their homes 

To achieve our plans, we are seeking a highly driven individual who can guide our organisation with determination, compassion and resilience. We need an effective communicator who is adept at building sustainable relationships with external stakeholders, cares passionately about the services we deliver and who will be a strong leader ensuring positive experiences for our clients, their families, our employees and our volunteer workers. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring good governance and compliance with charity commission requirements and our obligations to our funders. Leadership experience in the charity sector or in a service organisation supporting people with disabilities is essential. 

To read the full Job Description and Person Specification, please contact us.

Candidates must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK. 

Do you want to make a positive difference to the lives of others? 

Barnet Mencap has been helping people with learning disabilities and/or autistic adults in the London Borough of Barnet for over 65 years. We provide supported accommodation, leisure and learning activities, information, advice, and guidance, and so much more. All while being committed to equal opportunities and the safeguarding of children and adults. 

We know job satisfaction, flexibility, work/life balance, and a great team are incredibly important. So, at Barnet Mencap, in addition to offering 30 days of annual leave per year (including Bank Holidays), we have a TOIL system to allow flexible working, and our team can benefit from other perks, including the Blue Light Card. Please note that this is predominantly an office-based and community role, but there may be the possibility of home working, subject to the needs of the project. 

We are seeking two Deputy Managers to support adults with moderate learning disabilities and autistic adults to live independently. One post will lead the Shared Houses team, and the other will lead the Outreach team. 

  The role will suit you if you:  

• have two years’ experience of working with adults with a learning disability and autistic people in a community setting  

• have the passion to enable people with a learning disability and autistic people to participate fully in decisions that affect their lives  

• understand the issues faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people living independently and have the skills to meet their practical, social and emotional needs  

• have a good working knowledge of safeguarding issues  

• have experience of managing and supervising staff  

• have excellent communication and IT skills  

• are working towards (or would like to work towards) a management diploma/NVQ Level 5 

Please read the Person Specification and Job Descriptions for more details, and if you have any questions, please get in touch.

We are looking for a proactive and creative Marketing and Events Officer to join our award-winning charity. This is a varied and hands-on role suited to a marketing professional looking to progress their career in a dynamic organisation. Working across the charity and with our core operations, Outside the Box and Carers and Companions, you will deliver our day-to-day marketing activities. Creating and delivering compelling marketing, engaging content and creative communications as well as supporting a wide range of events, you will be a confident communicator, with a keen eye for design, strong writing and design skills and be highly organised, able to manage multiple projects across a range of areas. Great attention to detail and a passion for our work are essential!

Closing date – Tuesday 28th July 2026

Help build a more inclusive Cheshire East—by empowering people to lead change in their own communities.

Be part of a role where relationships, lived experience and local action create real impact.

As a Community Champion, you’ll be at the heart of community life—building trusted relationships, running conversations and awareness sessions, and helping people feel more included, confident and connected.

A key part of your role will be to find, train and support new Community Champions—people with lived experience who want to make a difference locally. You’ll help them grow in confidence to lead peer activity, share insight and shape what happens next.

You’ll also work with employers and community organisations to break down barriers, improve inclusion, and open up access to wellbeing support, volunteering, training and work. Along the way, you’ll gather real insight and help turn it into practical change.

We’re especially interested in people with lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions—but more than anything, we’re looking for someone who is approachable, proactive and committed to fairness. Someone who builds trust, listens well, and supports others to step forward.

If you want a role where you can see the difference you make in people’s lives and communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Support Worker -NDP Navigation Service

Salary £26,000 FTE,  28 hours per week, 6.6 weeks holiday   
Remote working with some travel to events across West Sussex

Are you passionate about supporting parent-carers of children and young people with ADHD, Autism and other neurodivergent conditions? 

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our rapidly growing caring charity with the benefits of flexible family friendly working (from home), generous holiday, pension scheme, travel expenses, laptop and phone provided.  

Reaching Families was established in 2008 to empower, inform and support parent-carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in West Sussex.  We achieve this through the delivery of our services providing information, training and peer support.

Our ND Navigation Service provides information, training and support to parent-carers of children and young people waiting on, undergoing or completed an assessment for ADHD, Autism and other neurodivergent conditions.

We are looking to recruit a skilled and motivated support worker to join our NDP Navigation Service
Working within the Outreach & Training team to provide information, advice, signposting, training and support to parents and carers of children and young people on the West Sussex Neurodevelopmental Pathway (NDP) who have been referred into the service. 

Person Specification (essential):

Knowledge
• ​Extensive knowledge and/or experience of the challenges faced by parent-carers and children and young people on the neurodevelopmental pathway 
• Extensive knowledge and/or experience of ADHD, Autism and other neurodivergent conditions 
• Working knowledge of the local SEND community in West Sussex 

Experience
•Experience of either advice giving preferably gained in the voluntary or statutory sector or experience of casework support  preferably gained working with families of neurodivergent children 
• Experience of working with parent-carers and families of neurodivergent children 
• Experience of undertaking outreach to disadvantaged communities
• Experience of using MS Office including SharePoint, Excel and Microsoft Teams 

Please see attached job description for further details and full criteria 

We welcome applications from all members of the community and value diversity in the organisation. Please contact us if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process due to any disability or health requirements. 

Activiely interviewing as suitable applications are received

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK 

Manager - Our Place and Our Voice
Pay: £37,650 - £41,250 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Part-time. 28 hours a week
Work Pattern: Spread across Monday to Saturday (mostly Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with occasional Saturday work to support events and projects)
Contract Period: Permanent
Location: AoD Our Place Project, Normand Croft Community School, Lillie Road, London SW6 7SR

About Action on Disability

Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). Guided by the Social Model of Disability, we work to remove barriers and promote equality, inclusion and choice for all Disabled people.

AoD is a medium-sized charity with a Board of Trustees, 27 staff, and a strong pool of casual staff and volunteers. Many of whom have lived experience of disability. We are proud that 100% of our Board and 54% of our staff identify as Disabled.

We deliver four key services: Young Lives & Families, Employment, Welfare Benefits, and Independent Living.

Purpose of the Role

The Part-Time Manager for Our Place and Our Voice leads AoD’s work on co-production, peer support, campaigning and community engagement. The postholder ensures Disabled people are actively involved in shaping services, influencing policy and strengthening their voice within the local community and beyond.

The role coordinates peer-led programmes, develops accessible training and events, and builds partnerships that promote inclusion and representation. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, the postholder ensures that AoD’s values of co-production and Disabled leadership are embedded throughout the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

1. Lead, plan and coordinate AoD’s Our Place and Our Voice programmes, including co-production, peer support and community engagement initiatives.

2. Develop and deliver accessible training, workshops and events that build confidence, skills and leadership among Disabled people.

3. Recruit, supervise and support volunteers, peer facilitators and freelancers to deliver activities safely and effectively.

4. Build and maintain positive partnerships with local authorities, VCSE organisations, health services and community networks to promote the voice of Disabled people.

5. Promote co-production practice across AoD’s services, working with other managers to embed user involvement in service design and review.

6. Ensure all activities are inclusive, accessible and aligned with the Social Model of Disability.

7. Monitor and evaluate project performance, including collecting data, feedback and case studies to evidence impact.

8. Manage budgets within agreed limits and support financial planning and reporting to the Chief Executive.

9. Prepare and submit funding applications and tender bids (in conjunction with the Chief Executive) to support programme sustainability and growth.

10.  Ensure compliance with AoD policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health & safety and data protection.

11.  Represent AoD positively at external meetings, forums and events, promoting our work and values.

12.  Work collaboratively with other AoD departments to promote shared learning and inclusive practice.

General Responsibilities

Work in line with AoD’s aims, values and the Social Model of Disability.

• Follow AoD’s policies on Equality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Confidentiality and Data Protection.
• Actively contribute to team meetings, supervision and training.
• Promote AoD’s services and values to partners, employers and the wider community.
• Be flexible and willing to carry out other tasks that support the smooth running of the service.

Organisational responsibilities

All staff share responsibility for upholding AoD’s values and ensuring that our work reflects the principles of the Social Model of Disability. In this role you will:

• Work in line with AoD’s aims, values and strategic priorities, promoting equality, inclusion and co-production in all aspects of your work.
• Follow AoD’s policies and procedures, including those covering Equality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Data Protection and Confidentiality.
• Promote and represent AoD positively to partners, employers, funders and members of the public.
• Contribute to organisational development, suggesting improvements and sharing ideas to strengthen our services.
• Participate fully in supervision, training, team and organisational meetings, and support colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Maintain accurate records and monitoring data, contributing to reports for funders, commissioners and internal use.
• Work flexibly across projects and departments when needed, supporting colleagues and adapting to new priorities.
• Ensure safe and responsible working practices in all aspects of your role, including the wellbeing of yourself and others.
• Uphold AoD’s commitment to being a DPO led by and for Disabled people.

In return we offer

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata), rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service
• Life Assurance (1x salary if enrolled in the auto-enrolment pension)
• Company sick pay (2 weeks after 6 months’ service; 1 month after 12 months)
• 2 weeks Disability Leave pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

Additional Information

• Some evening or weekend work may occasionally be required.
• An enhanced DBS check will be required.
• Travel across Greater London will be required; travel expenses reimbursed according to policy.
• Managers are expected to work on-site for at least four days per week (full-time equivalent); for part-time staff this will be proportionate to their hours.

Closing Date: 24th July
Interview Dates: 4-6th August
N.B. We reserve the right to interview and close the deadline early should a suitable applicant apply

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website where you can complete your application for this position.

We particularly welcome applications from Disabled people, as they are currently under-represented in leadership roles across the wider voluntary and community sector. As a Disabled People’s Organisation, we believe lived experience brings valuable insight and leadership to this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments at all stages of recruitment and employment.

No agencies please.

At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), we enrich lives through the unique bond between people and horses. Each year, we support over 39,000 disabled children and adults through activities including riding, carriage driving, and equine assisted programmes such as Quiet Corners and Tea with a Pony. We are pioneers in the therapeutic use of horses, leaders in disability sport, and the only major UK charity focused specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together.

We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. With 24% of the UK population classified as disabled, we make a lasting impact through the therapeutic power of horses.

We are looking for an Equine Care Assistant to help us continue our work at Lowlands Equestrian Centre, in Warwickshire. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Equine Care Assistant

Reports to:  Centre Manager

Based at: Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire

Hours: Full Time 40 hours – Sunday to Thursday

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £27,436

Role Purpose

The Equine Care Assistant supports the day-to-day care and management of equines, ensuring high standards of welfare, cleanliness, and organisation across the yard and Centre. The role involves practical hands-on duties and contributing to the efficient running of daily routines.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Equine Care

· Carry out routine yard duties to maintain a clean, safe, and organised environment.

· Undertake mucking out, ensuring stables are hygienic and comfortable.

· Provide and distribute hay and feed as directed.

· Undertake general field maintenance, including poo picking to support pasture hygiene and safety.

· Assist with grooming of horses to maintain health and presentation.

· Clean and maintain tack and equipment to a high standard.

· Exercise the equines to keep them at appropriate fitness levels required for their workload

Horse Preparation

· Prepare horses for sessions, including:

o Grooming and basic health checks

o Tacking up and untacking

o Ensuring horses are ready and suitable for their planned activities

Routine Oversight

· Follow and support established daily routines for feeding, turnout, and stable management.

· Monitor horses for any changes in behaviour, condition, or health and report concerns promptly.

· Assist in maintaining consistency in care routines across the yard.

General Support

· Work collaboratively with the wider team to ensure efficient yard operations.

· Maintain high standards of health and safety at all times.

· Support additional equine-related tasks as required.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

· Basic experience working with horses in a yard environment.

· Knowledge of standard yard duties and equine care practices.

· Confidence in handling horses safely.

· Ability to carry out physically demanding tasks.

· Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions.

· Good awareness of health and safety in an equine setting.

Desirable Criteria

· Relevant equine qualification or training (e.g., BHS Stage 1 or equivalent).

· Experience preparing horses for lessons, therapy sessions, or similar activities.

· Understanding of equine behaviour and basic health indicators.

Personal Attributes

· Positive and hardworking attitude.

· Attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards.

· Team player with good communication skills.

· Calm, patient, and welfare-focused approach to working with horses.

· Willingness to learn and develop skills

Manager - Young Lives & Families
Pay: £37,650 - £41,250 per annum
Hours: Full-time. 35 hours a week
Work Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm 
Contract Period: Permanent
Location: Action on Disability Centre for Independent Living, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Attlee Court, London SW6 7BF

About Action on Disability

Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). Guided by the Social Model of Disability, we work to remove barriers and promote equality, inclusion and choice for all Disabled people.

AoD is a medium-sized charity with a Board of Trustees, 27 staff, and a strong pool of casual staff and volunteers. Many of whom have lived experience of disability. We are proud that 100% of our Board and 54% of our staff identify as Disabled.

We deliver four key services: Young Lives & Families, Employment, Welfare Benefits, and Independent Living.

Purpose of the Role

The Manager for Young Lives & Families and Independent Living Advice & Support provides operational leadership and coordination across both departments.

The postholder supervises project leads, ensures effective, person-centred service delivery, and maintains quality, compliance and accountability in line with AoD’s values and the Social Model of Disability.

Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, the Manager supports planning, performance monitoring, budgeting and partnership development to ensure services for Disabled children, young people, adults and families are delivered to a high standard and meet contractual outcomes.

Main Responsibilities

1. Provide clear, supportive day-to-day leadership across both departments, ensuring that services meet organisational and contractual requirements.

2. Supervise and support the project leads for Youth, Supported Internships (H&F and K&C), Welfare Benefits Advice and Direct Payments Support.

3. Coordinate delivery to ensure that all activities are inclusive, accessible and informed by the Social Model of Disability.

4. Oversee compliance with statutory, contractual and safeguarding requirements, maintaining accurate monitoring and quality-assurance systems.

5. Manage departmental budgets within agreed limits and contribute to forecasting, reporting and value-for-money reviews.

6. Prepare and submit funding applications and tender bids, in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring proposals are evidence-based and aligned with AoD’s strategic priorities.

7. Lead regular team meetings, supervision and appraisals; set clear objectives and support staff development.

8. Build and maintain effective partnerships with local authorities, schools, colleges, employers and community organisations to strengthen outcomes.

9. Support project leads with data collection, outcome reporting and evaluation (including use of Salesforce or other systems).

10.  Promote co-production and participation by Disabled people in service design, delivery and review.

11.  Contribute to planning and service improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance delivery and efficiency.

12.  Represent AoD positively at external meetings, networks and events, promoting our vision, values and expertise.

13.  Work collaboratively with other AoD departments to encourage cross-organisational learning and shared practice.

General Responsibilities

• Work in line with AoD’s aims, values and the Social Model of Disability.
• Follow AoD’s policies on Equality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Confidentiality and Data Protection.
• Actively contribute to team meetings, supervision and training.
• Promote AoD’s services and values to partners, employers and the wider community.
• Be flexible and willing to carry out other tasks that support the smooth running of the service.

Organisational responsibilities

All staff share responsibility for upholding AoD’s values and ensuring that our work reflects the principles of the Social Model of Disability. In this role you will:

• Work in line with AoD’s aims, values and strategic priorities, promoting equality, inclusion and co-production in all aspects of your work.
• Follow AoD’s policies and procedures, including those covering Equality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Data Protection and Confidentiality.
• Promote and represent AoD positively to partners, employers, funders and members of the public.
• Contribute to organisational development, suggesting improvements and sharing ideas to strengthen our services.
• Participate fully in supervision, training, team and organisational meetings, and support colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Maintain accurate records and monitoring data, contributing to reports for funders, commissioners and internal use.
• Work flexibly across projects and departments when needed, supporting colleagues and adapting to new priorities.
• Ensure safe and responsible working practices in all aspects of your role, including the wellbeing of yourself and others.
• Uphold AoD’s commitment to being a DPO led by and for Disabled people.

In return we offer

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata), rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service
• Life Assurance (1x salary if enrolled in the auto-enrolment pension)
• Company sick pay (2 weeks after 6 months’ service; 1 month after 12 months)
• 2 weeks Disability Leave pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

Additional Information

• Some evening or weekend work may occasionally be required.
• An enhanced DBS check will be required.
• Travel across Greater London will be required; travel expenses reimbursed according to policy.
• Managers are expected to work on-site at AoD for at least four days per week (full-time equivalent).

Closing Date: 24th July
Interview Dates: 4-6th August
N.B. We reserve the right to interview and close the deadline early should a suitable applicant apply

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website where you can complete your application for this position.

We particularly welcome applications from Disabled people, as they are currently under-represented in leadership roles across the wider voluntary and community sector. As a Disabled People’s Organisation, we believe lived experience brings valuable insight and leadership to this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments at all stages of recruitment and employment.

No agencies please.