Entry level jobs for the Disability sector

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) are seeking an External Affairs Manager to promote and protect the interests of the speech and language therapy profession in the Welsh Parliament and government departments.

Who we are

The RCSLT is the professional body for speech and language therapists across the UK. The RCSLT has over 24,000 members and employs around 65 staff predominately based in a London office. The RCSLT has offices in London, Belfast, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.

Our mission is to improve the lives of people with communication and swallowing needs by facilitating and promoting research, producing guidance, holding events, and influencing government. We aim to promote better education and training for speech and language therapists and provide information to our members and the public about speech and language therapy.

The role

We are seeking a policy and public affairs leader to drive influence, advocacy and campaigning in Wales. This high-profile role will represent the organisation at senior levels, engaging with Ministers, Members of the Senedd (MSs), officials and the media to champion speech and language therapy and those with communication and swallowing needs. 

You will lead the development and delivery of policy and campaigning strategy, building cross-party relationships, shaping national campaigns and supporting members to influence both locally and nationally in English and Welsh. The role also involves planning impactful events, strengthening partnerships and acting as a key spokesperson on policy and legislative issues. 

Working closely with colleagues and stakeholders, you will oversee policy development and responses, ensuring emerging legislation and policy are effectively analysed, influenced and communicated. You will also play a central role in promoting the profession, supporting members and networks across Wales and representing the organisation at a senior level to advance its strategic goals.

What we are looking for

We’re looking for a confident policy professional with strong political awareness and a passion for influencing change. Welsh speaking is desirable however not essential. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of health, social care and education policy, alongside knowledge of political processes, particularly within the Welsh Parliament and Government and an appreciation of the role of a professional body. 

The ideal candidate will have experience of influencing policy in health, education or social care, with a proven track record in lobbying or campaigning at local or national level. You will be skilled in developing policy initiatives from research, evidence and practice, and communicating complex findings to a wide range of audiences. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and influencer, confident in advising civil servants and politicians on sensitive matters and capable of leading or contributing to projects across a complex organisation. 
 

What we can offer you

• A competitive starting salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Excellent staff training and development opportunities
• Supportive and flexible working environment including, hybrid working arrangements
• Generous Pension scheme
• Life insurance cover 
• Season Ticket Loan scheme
• Eye care voucher scheme 
• Family friendly employer including enhanced maternity and paternity leave 
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and more!

How to apply

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, or for more details about the role, please contact the HR Team by email.

For more information and to apply, please visit our vacancies page. Applications must be written in English. 

Closing date: 9.00am on Thursday, 18 June 2026.

Interview date: Tuesday, 30 June 2026 (in our Cardiff Office - CF11 9SD).

There will be a task that will be needed to be completed prior to the interview which will be shared with shortlisted candidates. Some interview questions will need to be answered in Welsh. 

Please note, we can only accept applications from those who have working rights in the UK, we cannot offer sponsorship for this role.  

We are committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive recruitment process. All applications are handled with strict confidentiality to protect your privacy and encourage openness throughout the process. 
 
The RCSLT is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. We aim to embed equity, diversity, and belonging practices throughout our recruitment and selection procedures. We strive to ensure everyone is valued equally for their contribution, experience, knowledge, and skills. We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds.

About Pursuing Independent Paths

PiP works in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea communities to support adults with learning disabilities and autism to achieve their potential, move towards independence and live their best lives. PiP is a growing charity based in North Kensington that empowers adults with learning disabilities and autism to achieve independence and fulfil their ambitions.

The Role

The Office Manager role is vital for our organisation and forms a key part of our team by supporting organisational effectiveness, enabling us to be responsive to our students, staff and families and deliver high-quality services in a safe and well-managed environment. 

We are looking for someone with proven experience in administration across four key areas:

• HR Support
• Organisational and Board Support
• Facilities and Health & Safety
• IT and Systems

We need someone who is organised, able to work across a number of areas, can take initiative, enjoys being part of a friendly supportive and who wants to make a difference at a charity working to support some of society’s most vulnerable people. If you want to be part of a supportive and ambitious organisation where there will be opportunities for personal and professional development and growth, this role is for you.

What We Offer:

• You'll get 25 days holidays + bank holidays ever year. We're closed for Christmas but the rest of the year you may take leave whenever you wish.
• An extra day of annual leave for each year you've worked with us up to another 5 (30 in total)
• We offer a travel subsidy to help with the commuting costs.
• We provide a 4% pension contribution
• Free Employee Assistance programme 24/7 with access to counselling
• We offer regular team meals and socials - generally during work hours and they are optional.
• We offer a cycle-to-work scheme and as we're a charity, you'll get access to savings like charity and key worker discounts.

How to Apply

Please read the candidate pack carefully, to be considered for the role, you will need to send a Cover Letter of no more than 2 pages of A4 explaining why you would be suitable for the job and a CV.

Applications close on Friday 3rd July. We encourage you to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, and we reserve the right to close the advert sooner subject to finding suitable candidates. 

Hours:            12 hours per week

Base: Shipley office

Salary:            £32,000 – £35,050 (Full time equivalent)

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Wellbeing Service Manager to lead and develop our wellbeing offer for unpaid carers in Bradford. This service provides free counselling support delivered by student counsellors, offering vital emotional wellbeing support to carers. The service also trains volunteers to offer a compassionate listening service.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a relatively new part of the charity, ensuring high-quality delivery while contributing to its growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery & Coordination:

1. Manage referrals into the wellbeing service, including initial contact and triage of unpaid carers into the caring callers support offer or counselling offer
2. Assess needs and match carers appropriately with student counsellors/ volunteers
3. Monitor the progress and outcomes of counselling support
4. Support the coordination of wellbeing activities across all areas including staff wellbeing
5. Student Counsellor/Volunteer Recruitment & Support
6. Recruit student counsellors and volunteers in partnership with training providers
7. Deliver in house induction and training to students/volunteers
8. Provide ongoing support, guidance, and workplace supervision to student counsellors /volunteers
9. Ensure students are working within ethical and professional boundaries

Quality Assurance & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of service delivery
• Monitor service performance and outcomes
• Produce reports for internal use and funders

Service Development:

• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the service
• Identify gaps, opportunities, and innovations to better support carers
• Support the development of policies and procedures where needed

Funding & Sustainability:

• Contribute to identifying and securing future funding opportunities
• Support bid writing and reporting to funders

For an informal discussion, please reach out to: Dolly Dalton.

This is an opportunity to join a dedicated organisation that is committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of carers. If you are passionate about supporting others and making a difference, we encourage you to apply.

Carers’ Resource values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 28th June 2026

Proposed interview date: Tuesday 7th July 2026 (virtually)

Head of Finance | DFN Project SEARCH

Remote, with travel to London on average once a month plus occasional site visits | £51,500 – £61,500 | 9-day fortnight (after probation), flexible working welcome

DFN Project SEARCH is a national charity supporting young adults with a learning disability, autism, or both, into real, paid, lasting work. Last year alone, 431 young people started jobs through our programme. We work with around 200 employers, colleges and local authorities across the UK, and we've supported over 2,900 people since we started. We're good at what we do, and we want to do a lot more of it. Our aim is to support 10,000 interns by 2030.

We've grown rapidly, which is exciting, and this role has been newly created to make sure all the finance processes are set up so that we can continue to grow and scale properly. So, this isn't a steady-state job where you inherit clean processes and just keep them ticking. You'll be helping to build the structure as the charity grows around it.

That means we need someone who can lead and do. You'll own the finance function end to end: month-end, management accounts, statutory reporting, cash flow, controls. You'll also shape how all of it should work as we continue to grow. One day you're posting journals and reconciling the balance sheet; the next you're helping a budget holder who's never read a P&L understand their numbers, or modelling what reaching 10,000 interns actually means financially. You'll report to the Finance Director and line manage our Finance Administrator.

What your time will look like:

- Running the finance function day to day and ensuring everything is accurate, compliant and efficient, which means journals, reconciliations, month-end close, the monthly rhythm

- Producing management accounts and board-level reporting that people can act on, with clear commentary

- Working with the Finance Director on budgeting, statutory accounts, audit and VAT

- Strengthening cash flow forecasting, treasury, reserves and credit control

- Owning the controls framework, financial policies and procedures, and getting more out of Xero so we have real-time insight, not using out-of-date assumptions to make business critical decisions

- Managing restricted, designated and unrestricted funds, and reporting to funders properly and on time

- Supporting fundraising and bid colleagues with budgets for grant applications and tenders

- Overseeing payroll and pensions with our provider

- Helping non-finance colleagues across the charity get more confident in their own financial understanding

What we need from you:

- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)

- Solid charity finance experience. You'll know Charity SORP, restricted funds and grant reporting, and you're across the changes coming to SORP

- Someone happy with their hands on the controls: month-end, reconciliations, statutory accounts and board reporting

- Strong on Xero (or quick to get there) and advanced Excel

- The ability to explain numbers clearly to people who don't think in numbers

- Experience setting up or developing financial instructions, controls and processes in a charity

You don't need to tick every single box. If you've been part of a finance team that's been through this kind of change and you're ready to step up and lead it yourself, we'd still really like to hear from you.

But honestly, the most important element is you, and how you bring people along with you through a period of change. You'll be comfortable bringing structure and calm to an organisation that's still growing into its processes. We need someone who can be calm and measured when the numbers feel busy, who can be a steady anchor point for the team when a lot is changing, and who knows when to help and when to teach someone how to help themselves. You'll be relentless about making things better, but able to bring people with you rather than drag them. If you want to lead a change rather than just be part of one, this is for you!

The practical stuff: This is a remote and flexible role, and we mean it, but it isn't a "never-leave-the-house" role. The leadership team comes together regularly, on average once a month, plus occasional travel to sites and the odd away day. Travel is always planned in advance and we cover the costs. If you can reach London comfortably and you value time with the people you work with, you'll get the best of both.

- 25 days' annual leave, plus your birthday off and bank holidays on top, with the option to buy back additional leave

- 9-day fortnight after successful completion of probation: 37.5 hours worked across nine days, with the tenth day off

- Flexible working genuinely considered: job share, part-time (minimum 4 days), compressed hours

- Pension: 6% employer contribution

- Employee Assistance Programme and NHS top-up wellbeing support

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship, so you'll need the existing right to work in the UK.

It won't be a surprise that we're a Disability Confident employer. We share interview questions in advance, and if you need any adjustments to the process, or a different format for any stage, please just tell us.

If you're a charity finance person who wants their work to really mean something, and who fancies building something rather than just maintaining it, we'd love to hear from you.

Dates to note:

- Closing date: 16th June

- First interviews (remote): 24th–25th June

- Final interviews (London): 30th June

Finance Manager

Business Disability Forum is the leading business membership organisation in disability inclusion.

We are trusted partners, working with business, Government and disabled people to improve the life experiences of disabled employees and consumers, by removing barriers to inclusion.

• We work with over 600 Members and Partners employing over 5 million people in the UK, and a further 16 million people worldwide.
• We advise, support and encourage businesses (many of them global) to become more disability smart.
• We influence policymakers, informed by the experiences of business and disabled people – as employees and consumers
• We provide evidence-based thought leadership on how business affects the lives of disabled people.
• We help effect changes in business practices, products, services and policies that positively impact the life experiences of disabled people and also benefit business.

The role

Business Disability Forum has recently restructured its corporate services function.

The Finance Manager role will be a pivotal position in the newly formed Resources Directorate. This role will work closely with the Resources Director and lead on financial management.

In addition, the Finance Manager will have the remit to optimise and innovate our ways of working by embedding controls, automating processes (where feasible), optimising the use of our systems and streamlining financial reporting.

The requirement

• Strong knowledge and understanding of FRS102, Charities SORP, PAYE and VAT through experience and/or accountancy qualification.
• Experience of preparing monthly management reporting and year end accounts.
• Proven ability to prepare insightful management information packs including KPI’s and dashboards.
• Advanced use of excel formulas.
• Ability to work collaboratively with peers to deliver budgets, forecast and project level analysis.

For the full job description and person specification of this role and instructions on how to apply please visit our website below via the link on this page:

How to apply

Applications should be by CV and a supporting statement, of up to 400 words, detailing why you think you would be suitable for the role. If you require any adjustments to the application process please contact Barnaby Powell as set out below. Applications should be addressed to Barnaby Powell, HR & Office Manager, Business Disability Forum, Dowgate Hill House, 14-16 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2SU. If you are submitting your application by email please do so to jobs @ businessdisabilityforum .org .uk

• Closing date for applications: 22 June 2026.
• First interviews are planned for the week commencing 29 June 2026.
• Second interviews are likely to take place in the week commencing 6 July 2026.

Business Disability Forum is committed to ensuring that all its information, products and services are as accessible as possible to everyone.

If you wish to discuss anything in regards to accessibility or if you require alternative formats please contact Barnaby Powell by email a hr @ businessdisabilityforum .org .uk or by telephone on 020-7403-3020.

For further information on Business Disability Forum please refer to our website via the link on this page

Equal opportunities

We are committed to becoming disability-smart and an employer of choice irrespective of race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, or pregnancy and maternity. The ethical and business case of ensuring that our workforce is representative of wider society is at the heart of what we do. When we are recruiting, disabled candidates who meet all of the criteria will be offered an interview.

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

​

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

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

What you will do: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

• ​

To be a successful Shop Manager you will be: 

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

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

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

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

​

The full detailed job description is attached.

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

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

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

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

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

Your main base will be Claygate, with an expectation of regular travel and flexibility to cover other M5 stores as required.

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

What you will do: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

• ​

To be a successful Shop Manager you will be: 

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

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

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

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

​

The full detailed job description is attached.

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

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

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

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

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and driven Shop Manager to join our team in Worksop. This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week), working on a 7-day rota (Monday to Sunday)​

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

What you will do: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

To be a successful Shop Manager you will be: 

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

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

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

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

​The full detailed job description is attached

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

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

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

Are you an experienced care leader passionate about making a difference to the lives of autistic young adults?

St John's College is looking for a dedicated and compassionate Registered Care Manager to lead our residential provision across two houses, supporting autistic young adults with learning disabilities to thrive, develop independence and achieve positive outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate and supportive team within Ambitious about Autism, where you will play a key role in shaping high-quality, person-centred residential care.

About the Role

As Registered Care Manager, you will provide strong leadership to residential teams, ensuring services are safe, nurturing and compliant with CQC standards. You will oversee the day-to-day management of the residential provision, support staff development and drive continuous improvement across the service.

You will work closely with families, colleagues and multi-disciplinary professionals to ensure young adults receive outstanding care and support.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience managing residential care services
• Has extensive experience supporting autistic young adults with learning disabilities
• Has strong knowledge of CQC regulations and quality standards
• Can lead, motivate and develop teams effectively
• Is organised, resilient and passionate about delivering high-quality care
• Holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent)

Why Join Us?

At Ambitious about Autism, you will be part of an organisation committed to creating opportunities, improving outcomes and supporting autistic children and young people to lead fulfilling lives.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine impact while working within a collaborative and values-driven environment.

Recruitment Timeline

Closing date: Monday 15 June 2026
Application outcome: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 24 June 2026

Interviews will take place onsite at the residential houses / St John's College.

Are you someone who is excited about charity retail, fashion, who can use their initiative? Do you have experience managing a retail team? Yes, then please keep reading as we may have the role for you. 

We are excited to be looking for an Assistant Shop Manager to work in our Derby Crown Walk Shop for 37.5 hours per week,  on a permanent position. Shifts are worked on a 7‑day rota (Monday–Sunday). We’re flexible with days and happy to discuss what works best for you. We are looking for a passionate and motivated person to help our store reach full potential.

As an Assistant Shop Manager you will: 

• Help develop in store systems and promote donations and sales to maximise profits 
• Be representing Mencap as an efficient and charitable organisation by ensuring that your actions reinforce the Mencap aims and values 
• Strive to ensure stock is generated from the local area and donors 
• Sign up donors to the Gift Aid scheme and ensure maximum income is achieved through Gift Aid 
• Be responsible for achieving profit targets by ensuring sales are maximised and the cost are effectively managed 
• Maintain the store to a high standard of presentation throughout. 
• Build an effective volunteer team and provide training, development, work reviews and appraisals to paid staff and volunteers 
• Be responsible for all financial and cash handling and health and safety. 

To be a successful Assistant Shop Manager, you will be: 

• An experienced assistant manager or Supervisor  with the ability to maintain budgets and complete weekly income and banking sheets accurately, preferably with previous charity retail experience. 
• Have a flexible approach to working hours and days including working weekend and Bank Holidays as appropriate. 
• Willing to travel to occasional team meetings, training events and in the initial growth of the new retail train assisting with setting up other new stores. 
• Passionate about the Mencap values and will strive to ensure our Retail brand is successful.   

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

​

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applicants with disabilities to apply for all roles with us. To find out more about the scheme please visit the direct gov website. 

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

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

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

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and driven Shop Manager to join our team in Wyke on a permanent , full-time basis (37.5 hours per week) over 7 days.

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

What you will do: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

• ​

To be a successful Shop Manager you will be: 

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

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

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

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

​

The full detailed job description is attached

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

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

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

St John's College is an award-winning, Ofsted-rated Good autism-specific college for autistic young people aged 16–25. We are now seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Head of College to join our College Leadership Team (CLT).

About the Role

As Deputy Head of College, you will play a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the College. Working closely with the Head of College, you will drive the quality of education, ensuring that all learners receive a high-quality, ambitious and personalised curriculum that prepares them for adulthood.

You will lead on the continuous improvement of teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring strong outcomes for learners, and will contribute to the development and delivery of the College's strategic vision. This is a highly influential role, supporting the alignment of education, health and care provision while ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the strategic leadership and continuous improvement of the College, contributing to long-term planning and vision
• Lead on the quality of education, ensuring a well-sequenced, ambitious curriculum aligned to learner needs and EHCP outcomes
• Drive high standards in teaching, learning and assessment through effective leadership and performance management
• Oversee curriculum planning, timetabling and delivery, ensuring consistency across provision, including off-site learning
• Lead on external accreditation and RARPA, ensuring robust assessment, tracking and reporting of learner progress
• Monitor learner outcomes and use data to inform decision-making, interventions and improvement planning
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including families, local authorities and partner organisations
• Support safeguarding across the College, contributing to DSL responsibilities and a strong culture of safety and wellbeing
• Ensure effective operational management, including staffing structures, resource allocation and day-to-day systems
• Deputise for the Head of College as required

About You

We are looking for a confident and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for autistic young people.

You will bring:

• Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree (or equivalent)
• Experience of leading teaching, learning and curriculum development within a SEND or specialist setting
• Strong understanding of autism, SEND legislation, EHCPs and the SEND Code of Practice
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver high performance
• Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills
• A commitment to inclusive practice, equality and learner-centred approaches

You will be resilient, collaborative and driven to deliver continuous improvement, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational delivery.

Why Join St John's College?

• Be part of a values-driven, autism-specialist organisation with a strong reputation for quality and innovation
• Join a committed and supportive leadership team with a shared ambition for learner success
• Play a key role in shaping the future of education for autistic young people
• Access high-quality training and professional development opportunities

If you are an experienced leader with a passion for inclusive education and a commitment to excellence, we would love to hear from you. Only applications submitted online will be considered via the recruitment portal.

Informal visit to setting/main college site - Ongoing through June 2026

Candidates informed of application outcome - 01st July

Interviews - Tuesday 07th July 2026 

Start Date-  January 2027 or earlier 

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
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Documents

• Deputy Head - JD - St Johns - June 2026.pdf (0.57 MB)

Ascension Community Trust (ACT) is a much-loved community-based charity in Custom House, Newham.  We deliver a range of projects including Newham District Foodbank (a Trussell Trust foodbank), welfare benefits advice, ESOL classes, work with adults with learning difficulties, as well as work with children, young people and their families.

This an exciting time for the programme with a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school being build next door to our centre, and with established relationships with several care homes – we expect that this programme will go from strength to strength.

The programme currently consists of:

· Inclusive Art Group

· Supported Volunteering

· Weekly Community Meal

We are seeking a competent manager for a one year fixed contract to cover maternity leave.

You will have the leadership skills to support a small team of sessional staff. You will be at ease in relating to adults as well as their parents and carers. You will be passionate about the well being and integration of people with learning difficulties with an understanding of their needs.

Christian belief is not a requirement of the role; however, it is essential that the successful candidate will be comfortable working in sympathy with our values.

If you share our values and want to make an impact within Newham, then we look forward to hearing from you!

Position: Head of Experience
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based in London N4, with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £65,118 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 4

About Us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

The Head of Experience is a senior cross-organisational leadership role building and leading a new Experience function at the heart of the Engagement and Income Generation directorate.

It exists to change how the organisation understands and responds to the people it exists for. That means identifying where experiences can be improved and creating the conditions to act on it.

The postholder will drive cross-functional collaboration so that audience insight and data consistently inform strategic decisions. They will create the systems and governance that turn insight into action across the breadth of MS experience.

The postholder is accountable for driving measurable improvements in how audiences experience every interaction with us. This builds the conditions for integrated, audience-led engagement at scale, in service of delivering greater impact and sustainable income.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Thursday 18th June 2026

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people and or people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our recruitment and selection process 

• The first round of our recruitment and selection process includes an interview with competency-based questions.
• Our recruitment and selection process might also include extra tasks. For example, a written or Microsoft Excel test or making a presentation.  
• We’ll let you know what the selection process will include when we invite you to interview. You can ask for any more reasonable adjustments for the interview as part of the invitation.
• You might also be invited for a second interview. We’ll let you know about this during the selection process.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 39 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.