Entry level jobs for the Disability sector

If you seek a fresh and rewarding challenge, look no further than Open Country! Seeking to help disabled people to access and enjoy the countryside, we embrace a wide range of fundraising methods, so this role could be adapted to suit either full-time or part-time work. We are also able to cater for your particular skill set, though core duties would likely include: 

• Researching and writing grant applications to charitable trusts, grant-making bodies and other funders.
• Developing and delivering new and imaginative community fundraising activities.
• Encouraging appropriate corporate sponsorship and fundraising.
• Developing and delivering Open Country fundraising events and third-party events.

This is a hands-on, dynamic role requiring creativity, insight and panache, coupled with great communication and relationship-building skills.

You will work collaboratively with our Finance and Fundraising Manager at our Head Office in Harrogate, though an element of home working can be considered.

Appointment to this post is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

Location: Options for role to be site-based (Buckinghamshire or East Yorkshire) or a hybrid contract with regular UK travel for donor meetings and team events.
Salary: £60,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, whose mission is to see a time when no deaf person feels alone, is seeking a Principal Gifts Manager responsible for identifying, cultivating and stewarding high-value donors to the charity giving £100,000 plus.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has been creating life-changing partnerships between hearing dogs and deaf recipients since 1982. As well as acting as an ear to their partners and alerting them to sounds, the charity’s clever and expertly trained dogs help deaf people to live life with confidence and independence, whilst providing love, companionship and emotional support.

Following a strategic review, the charity is now looking to build a new Income Generation Directorate to enable it to transform many more lives across the UK. This role will be critical to help Hearing Dogs reach their goals to significantly grow and diversify income.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, the post-holder will work closely with senior leaders, trustees and senior stakeholders to solicit high-value gifts, typically of six and seven figures, and to build and deepen long-term relationships between donors and the charity. You will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of potential and current principal-level donors, as well as delivering exceptional stewardship journeys that demonstrate the impact and value of donor support.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in securing major gifts at the six-figure level or above, ideally in a principal or transformational giving context. You will be skilled at building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals, as well as being experienced at developing and delivering complex donor strategies and bespoke giving propositions. Finally, you must be a collaborative team player with strong project management and communication skills.

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a leading role in scaling transformational philanthropy at a charity which is changing people’s lives every day, where you have the flexibility of working remotely or spending time at Hearing Dogs’ stunning bases in Buckinghamshire or Yorkshire, with friendly and passionate staff and their four-legged friends.

If you want to lead the pack and help deaf people live well with hearing loss, please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 6th April, 9.00 am. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Pure Innovations in a pivotal role where you’ll help shape the future of our charity’s relationships and service growth, driving meaningful impact across Greater Manchester’s communities.The Relationship & Growth Manager will lead Pure’s business growth by successfully building strategic relationships with commissioners, funders and stakeholders, which will develop firm foundations for new business, transforming these into tangible new business ventures for Pure Innovations.

The role requires an understanding of the Greater Manchester health and social care landscape, including local authority commissioning teams, NHS Greater Manchester, Adult Social Care, VCFSE networks, and place based partnership structures.

The postholder will draw upon existing networks to expand Pure’s influence and identify opportunities, leading the bidding lifecycle, ensuring all submissions are accurately costed, high quality, and effectively project‑managed through to submission.

We’re seeking a well‑connected leader from the Greater Manchester health, social care, or VCFSE sector who can unlock opportunities, forge strong partnerships, and drive the growth of innovative, high‑impact services.

Responsibilities:

• Work across the organisation to ensure a proactive business growth vision.
• Lead on the delivery of new business by continually horizon scanning for opportunities, exploring tendering options and reviewing trend data.
• Develop relationships with Greater Manchester health, social care, statutory and VCFSE organisations to create business opportunities aligned with strategic priorities
• Use GMCA strategies and commissioning plans to Co-design responsive provision or develop viable business propositions.
• Represent Pure within Greater Manchester commissioning forums, VCSE networks and partnership groups.
• Produce and present outcome focused reports including a Business Growth Dashboard.
• Deliver innovative and creative outcomes supporting organisational growth.

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Has worked in a senior role within business development for a social care provider, supported employment service, NHS partnership team, or Greater Manchester VCFSE.
• Understands how to navigate adult social care commissioning, NHS community pathways, or specialist provision to generate business opportunities.
• Has a network that may include strategic commissioners within health, education social care and community organisation’s.
• Passion for improving outcomes for people with disabilities, learning differences, autism, long term health conditions, or those at risk of social isolation in Greater Manchester

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential: GCSEs level 4+ in Maths & English.

Desirable: Qualification in business or project management.

Essential experience:

•Minimum 2 years business development experience within the Greater Manchester health, social care, VCSE, or supported employment ecosystem.

•Understanding of Greater Manchester devolution priorities and how they influence commissioning priorities, for local health and care agendas

•  Bid writing for health/social care contracts (£500,000+)

•Contract negotiation with local authorities/NHS partners

•  Social value commitments and ethical practices.

•  Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.

•   Strategic thinking, analysis and project management.

Desirable experience:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a Senior business development role within the Greater Manchester health, social care, VCSE, or supported employment ecosystem.

• Existing relationships with commissioners, Greater Manchester Combined Authority,  local authorities, Integrated Care Systems (NHS GM), or social care providers.

• Co designing social impact models

Why Join us?

•Rewarding career pathways and progression opportunities with an award-winning organisation, which puts people first (not profits).

•Full Induction, training & Development programmes.

•Leadership development program recognised by Chartered Management Institute. 

•Flexible working hours (subject to the needs of the service).

•  22–30 days holiday after 5 years’ service (pro rata - part-time staff) + Bank Holidays.

•  Health Benefits including Simply Health cover, dental treatment plan cover or gym membership. (after completion of probationary period).

•Bonus birthday holiday after 5 years’ service.

•Company events and fun days out.

•Discount at Catering Outlets.

•  Employee Assistance Programme- 24-hour helpline for support and advice.

•Nest pension Scheme-salary sacrifice basis. Pure makes a scheme % contribution.

•Mental Health at work first aiders to offer guidance and Support when required.

•Refer a friend recruitment scheme.

Pure Innovations is an equal opportunity employer and a proud supporter of the Disability Confident scheme and the Armed Forces Covenant. If you have a disability or are a member of the armed forces community, please let us know, and you will be automatically invited to interview, provided you meet the essential criteria.

Additionally, please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or support with the recruitment process.

Operations and Finance Officer

Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance
18 hours per week | £16–£17 per hour
12-month contract (with potential to extend)
Flexible / Remote working

Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance is a user-led national charity supporting people with muscle-weakening conditions. We provide peer support, advocacy, research and campaigning to improve quality of life and drive systemic change.

We are now recruiting an Operations and Finance Officer to strengthen our internal systems and help ensure the smooth and sustainable running of the organisation.

About the Role

This is a key Officer-level role supporting financial administration, governance processes, HR coordination and organisational systems. You will work closely with the CEO and support the trustee board.

You will not hold financial sign-off authority, but you will be responsible for ensuring processes are accurate, organised and compliant.

Key Responsibilities

• Setting up supplier payments for CEO approval

• Importing and reconciling bank statements in accounting software

• Supporting budget tracking and financial record keeping

• Inputting payroll data and liaising with payroll providers

• Collating and submitting DBS applications

• Tracking HR processes (supervisions, appraisals, probation reviews)

• Organising trustee and staff meetings

• Maintaining policy review schedules and compliance deadlines

• Improving and documenting internal systems and processes

About You

We particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of neuromuscular conditions or other long-term disabilities. Reasonable adjustments will be provided throughout the recruitment process and in the role.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in administration, finance or operations

• Is highly organised and detail-oriented

• Is comfortable using spreadsheets and digital systems

• Can manage multiple deadlines and confidential information

• Is confident escalating queries where needed

• Shares our commitment to equity, co-production and inclusion

Experience in the charity sector is welcome but not essential.

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements

• A supportive, values-driven team

• The opportunity to shape and strengthen a growing national charity

• A genuine commitment to lived experience leadership

To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining why you are interested and how you meet each criteria.

Interviews will be held on Monday 13th April

The main purpose of this role is to write persuasive funding applications to secure the income needed to enable Cerebral Palsy Plus to continue its work.

The postholder will build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing supporters and contribute to the development of all areas of fundraising.

The part-time fundraiser will also work with the Director to contribute to the development and implementation of Cerebral Palsy Plus’s Income Generation & Fundraising strategy.

Join our dedicated Reproduction Team and bring your veterinary expertise to a programme built on ethics, compassion and exceptional welfare standards. This is your chance to play a vital role in ensuring every puppy begins life with the very best foundations.

As our Canine Reproduction Specialist, you’ll work hand‑in‑hand with our Veterinary Surgeon to support successful, welfare‑focused breeding outcomes. Your insight and care will help maximise conception rates and litter sizes, while safeguarding the physical and emotional wellbeing of every breeding dog.

You’ll champion best‑practice reproductive care, influence high‑quality decision‑making, and help ensure that long‑term comfort, health and happiness remain at the heart of every breeding choice we make.

Based at our National Breeding Centre near Leamington Spa, you’ll work 35 hours per week between 8am and 6pm, Monday–Friday. You’ll also participate in a 1 in 4 weekend rota, ensuring continuous, outstanding care for our dogs.

If you’re passionate about canine welfare and want your work to have a lasting, positive impact, we’d love to hear from you!

What You’ll Do

• Carry out key reproductive duties, including cytology, progesterone testing and supervising matings, ensuring the highest standards of welfare and outcomes.
• Support clinical care for breeding dogs, applying your knowledge of canine anatomy, physiology and behaviour.
• Maintain accurate records, analyse reproductive data and contribute to continuous improvement across the breeding programme.
• Develop skills in ultrasound and reproductive techniques, including artificial insemination, under veterinary direction (full training provided).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and external partners, representing the breeding programme professionally.

What You’ll Bring

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
• Significant experience working in a veterinary practice.
• At least one year’s experience in a scientific or laboratory setting, with the ability and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of canine anatomy and reproduction, gained through academic study and/or practical experience.
• Strong understanding of canine behaviour, temperament and reproductive health.
• Good understanding of laboratory processes and equipment.
• Confident dog‑handling skills.
• Physical dexterity to safely supervise matings.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.

What We Offer

No two people with sight loss are the same — and none of our people are either. That’s why we’re proud to offer a range of person‑centred benefits designed to support each member of staff in the ways that matter most.

Our flexible benefits package includes a generous holiday allowance, a matched contributory pension scheme and access to discounts and cashback, giving you the freedom to choose the options that work best for you. It’s our way of showing how much our people mean to us and helping you feel supported both in and outside of work.

About Us

How to apply 

Further details on the full role are attached below. When you are ready to apply, submit an online application form via this page.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, our friendly recruitment team is ready and waiting to help.

As part of your application ensure you provide evidence and examples of how your skills & experience meet the criteria as set out in the attached job description. You will also be asked to complete a few job-specific questions as part of this application process, so please be prepared to write your answers to these questions.

If you want to know more about the teams who work at Guide Dogs, you can find it on our Careers Page

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud, whenever possible, to offer an interview to all candidates that meet our selection criteria, and who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident interview commitment. For more details, visit our careers site.

If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK via our digital ID checking supplier; in addition, we cannot offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Safeguarding

Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.

At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.

Guide Dogs follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the vulnerable people we work with. As part of this, we require a full work history with any gaps accounted for & a minimum of 2 professional referee details fully covering the past 5 years. If you are applying for a disclosure role, please note that you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign up to the DBS update service.

For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.