Entry level jobs for the Disability sector
Job Title: Links Project Coordinator
Location: Mid & South Essex
Reports to: Links Project Lead
Salary: £27,397.50
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Hamelin exists to reimagine life for individuals with learning disabilities and autism, enabling limitless possibilities. Hamelin is seeking a confident coordinator to support our expanding Links Project. In this diverse role, you'll play a pivotal part in ensuring our individuals meet their goals and create a lasting impact in our communities as well as being the first point of call for new individuals accessing the service.
Links Project: This initiative focuses on enabling adults with learning disabilities to engage in community activities through befriending, mentoring, and peer-led programs, all supported by our dedicated volunteers. As the Project Coordinator, you will support the key administrative tasks that keep this project running smoothly.
The Project Coordinator will support referrals with specific aims and objectives within the project scope – for example traveling to meet a friend, accessing sports, increasing confidence and ensuring isolation is reduced.
In your day-to-day role, you will be striving to build, expand and strengthen the project whilst working closely with the Project Lead ensuring all key performance indicators and any project targets are met. The role is responsible for onboarding individuals into the project as well as completing ongoing assessments and gathering feedback.
This role is crucial in making sure we deliver exceptional service, stay compliant, and run our project efficiently— whilst ensuring our mission, vision and values are not compromised.
Project Skills:
- Support with the daily operations of the project scope.
- Adhere to the strategies to grow and enhance the projects, meeting the ever-changing needs of those we support.
- Awareness of resources and volunteer efficiency to ensure we get the best possible outcomes for the individuals we support.
Teamwork:
- Work in partnership with Hamelin’s Volunteer Manager.
- Ensure the project remains a motivated team that aligns with our values and goals.
- Report on the performance of the current project, providing feedback and support to ensure high standards of care and efficiency.
Compliance and Quality Assurance:
- Follow Hamelin’s policies and procedures to maintain best practices and regulatory standards.
- Implement and oversee quality assurance processes, including gathering feedback from project participants and colleagues to keep improving our service delivery.
- Engage with and become involved with continuing self-development.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Identify, build and maintain strong relationships with project participants, families, local and health authorities’ representatives, and other key stakeholders.
- Represent the Charity and service at meetings, events, and forums, advocating for the needs and rights of those we support.
- Work closely with other teams and services within the Charity to ensure a unified approach to care and support.
Business Development:
- Identify and exploit opportunities for expanding the service, from new partnerships and funding sources both inside and outside health and care to innovative care models.
- Prepare and present feedback and data when required to the project lead.
- Lead marketing and promotion of the service, boosting awareness, interest and attracting new project participants.
Other Requirements:
- Be ready to work flexibly, which could include weekends and bank holidays. You might also be asked to work in different services as needed.
- Complete all required training, whether through e-learning or in-person courses.
- Adhere to our published policies, procedures, and standards.
About you
It’s essential that:
- You have at least two years’ experience within a coordination/administration service for individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.
- You have a proven track record of successful project administration.
- You hold a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle.
- You can work flexibly across locations in Essex to fulfil the requirements of the role.
- We are a values-driven Charity, and it is essential that all our colleagues truly live out our core values which are - We think differently, We enhance lives, and We are community.
It’s desirable that:
- You have experience working in a Charity or Non-profit Organisation.
- You have links within community services.
- You have experience in IT systems.
- You’re familiar with the local community and relevant stakeholders.
*Interviews will take place the W/C 17th of November*
Defining care for a better future
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Finance Business Partner
Finance Business Partner – Enabling & Strategic Investments (18-Month Fixed Term Contract) London, Peterborough or Hybrid
At Mencap, we’re passionate about changing the lives of people with a learning disability. We’re looking for a proactive and insightful Finance Business Partner to support our enabling operational departments & strategic projects.
You’ll be part of a collaborative Finance Business Partnering team of eight, providing financial insight and support to Mencap’s enabling functions – including IT, People, CEO Office, and Finance – as well as key org-wide strategic projects. This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact by helping senior leaders understand their financial position, make informed decisions, and help deliver the charity’s objectives.
What you’ll do
- Partner with senior stakeholders and project managers to deliver clear, insightful financial analysis and reports.
- Lead monthly finance reviews with budget holders, providing expert advice and challenge to drive sound decision-making.
- Support the creation of accurate budgets and forecasts, ensuring financial plans are realistic and aligned to organisational goals.
- Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through critical review of results and proactive financial insight.
- Collaborate closely with the wider Finance Team to ensure strong financial control, compliance, and accurate reporting.
- Use your analytical and problem-solving skills to spot issues, improve processes, and drive continuous improvement.
What we’re looking for
- Experience in management accounting, business partnering, or financial planning and analysis.
- Strong Excel and data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret and present complex information clearly.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – able to build relationships and explain financials to non-finance colleagues.
- Ideally, part-qualified or working towards a professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or equivalent experience.
- Charity or not-for-profit experience, and familiarity with Power BI, would be an advantage.
Why join Mencap?
You’ll be joining a supportive, purpose-driven organisation where finance is at the heart of achieving social impact. Although this is an 18-month fixed term contract, there’s potential for the role to become permanent.
Apply now – applications close on Sunday, 9th November. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week beginning 10th November.
Benefits
Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.
Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!
About Mencap
Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.
At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.
Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.
- Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
- Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
- Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.
We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.
We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Support Worker at Plus Services
Are you a positive, engaging and caring person that wants to make a real difference to the world?
Do you think the greatest gift you can give is to make other people’s lives better?
Do you believe that people living with Learning Disabilities and Autism should have happy fulfilling lives, with access to the Community and enjoy the same things the rest of us take for granted?
If you answered “Yes” to these 3 Questions then Plus has an amazing role for you!!!!!
Who are Plus Services?
Plus is one of the most respected Learning Disability and Autism Charities in London with a proud history stretching back more than 30 years. We have an amazing team that is dedicated to supporting people to live their best possible lives and we have literally changed people’s worlds with the support we have provided.
Our Client Group is quite varied and during the recruitment process you would be specifically recruited to work with those that your personality, skills and experience would fit best with. Some have really challenging behaviour, but unless you had the capability to best serve those people you would be assigned to a different group. So, there is no need to worry about being out of your depth.
We also provide industry leading training and on-going support, so rest assured you will be ready for anything the job throws at you. I cannot promise you it will be easy, but I can promise you it will be worth it. And when you go home you will know you have made a massive difference and the world is a slightly better place as a result of your efforts.
Who are you?
You are a caring, compassionate and capable individual? You could be either already working within Social Care or are thinking about joining the sector. We recognise everyone, regardless of their personal history, talents, abilities and unique personal qualities
What does matter is you must care and you must want to enhance the lives of the people who we support and rely on us.
You will need to be comfortable spending large amounts of your day one-to-one with the Service Users, there is no leaping from client to client here with 15 minute blocks. You will need to be happy supporting people to learn new skills and become independent. And you will need to thrive on taking people out into the big wide world, expanding their horizons, bringing a smile to their faces and adding a spring in to their step.
To be considered for the role you will need to be able to:
• Do your share of weekend shifts, sleep-ins, waking nights and bank holidays.
• Be physically fit and able to move freely and physically and to support service users who may be physically dependent.
• Have a supportive attitude and want to help individuals to maximise their lives.
• You must be able to support people with Learning Disabilities who have different ways of expressing themselves
• Be eligible to work in the UK
In return we offer opportunities for professional development and real job satisfaction. We can help you to develop your professional skills and knowledge and progress toward recognised qualifications such as Diploma in Adult & Social Care levels 3/4/5.
We are reviewing applications on a regular basis as part of our ongoing recruitment process and we are committed to ensuring all candidates are treated fairly
Available positions:
Full time Support Worker (38 Hrs per week)
Locations: Lewisham, Southwark, Greenwich or Sutton
Pay: £27,367
Holidays: 28 days per Annum
Part time Support Worker
Locations: Lewisham, Southwark, Greenwich or Sutton
Pay: £27,367 pro-rata
Holidays: 28 days per Annum (Pro Rata)
Bank Support Worker (zero hours contact)
Location: Lewisham, Southwark, Greenwich or Sutton
Salary: £13.85 per hour.
Holidays: Based on hours accrued
Our benefits package includes:
• Pension contribution scheme
• Fully funded Learning and Development
• Company employee assistance programme service
• Sleep in allowance
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Policy Specialist (Children and Young People)
Are you interested in improving the lives of children and young people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!
We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners like the Disabled Children's Partnership.
This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of children and young people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers.
This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.
You will:
- Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.
- Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.
- Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability and their families.
- Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.
- Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.
- Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
You will bring to this role:
- Experience of working on public policy issues.
- Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.
- Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.
- The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.
- Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.
- Knowledge the issues facing children and young people with a learning disability and/or the SEND system, as well as the wider parliamentary system.
- Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability.
If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for children and young people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. This role will close on Monday 27th October. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 3rd November.
Benefits
Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.
Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!
About Mencap
Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.
At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.
Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.
- Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
- Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
- Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.
We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.
We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Brighton and Hove Speak Out is an innovative advocacy charity. We support people with learning disabilities to have a voice and choice and control over their lives by providing a range of advocacy services and community projects.
About the role
We are seeking to recruit an advocate for adults and young people (17+) with learning disabilities, who will:
- Deliver 1-1 advocacy casework on a broad range of issues that enables people with learning disabilities to express their views and wishes, understand their rights and options, communicate with professionals and address issues they face.
- Coordinate Speak Out’s Drop-in advocacy service, providing time limited 1-1 advocacy within drop-in sessions.
- Develop peer advocacy at drop-in sessions.
About you
The successful candidate will need excellent communication and organisational skills. They will be able to manage a complex workload and work independently within a framework of supervision. Experience of advocacy or work with vulnerable clients is essential. Experience of working with people with learning disabilities and knowledge of learning disability services is an advantage. A full induction and training will be provided as well as ongoing peer mentoring and support. It would be desirable for the successful candidate to hold the national qualification in independent advocacy, however this can be undertaken once in post.
If you are eager to make a positive difference in your next role this is a superb opportunity to join a charity making a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities.
For more information about Speak Out and the services we offer please visit our website.
Professional Development
You will have plenty of opportunities to develop in your role, through ongoing training, support and supervision.
Benefits:
· Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance.
· Holiday entitlement of 30 days, plus bank holidays
· Flexible hybrid working
· 3% employer pension contribution
· Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing support package)
· Committed to training and learning opportunities for continuous development
· A strong sense of purpose knowing your work makes a real impact
Equality and Diversity
Speak Out is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes, values and celebrates diversity. We encourage applications from all parts of the community and treat all on a basis of equality. We support all staff to meet their potential in their role.
How to Apply
An application pack and more information about Speak Out can be found on our website:
All successful applicants are subject to an enhanced DBS.
Important Dates:
Closing date for applications: Monday 10th November, 12.00 noon
Interview date: Wednesday 19th November
We look forward to hearing from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Finance Lead – Fundraising & Communications, Advocacy and Activism (CAA)
Are you ready to use your financial expertise to drive fundraising growth and help shape a more inclusive future for people with learning disabilities?
Join Mencap as our Finance Lead – Fundraising & Communications, Advocacy and Activism (CAA) and play a pivotal role in maximising the impact of our fundraising and advocacy work.
About the Role
As part of our collaborative Finance Business Partnering team, you’ll support fundraising, communications, advocacy, and activism across Mencap. You’ll provide clear financial advice, insightful analysis, and strong financial management to ensure our fundraising income is used effectively to benefit people with learning disabilities.
Over the next five years Mencap have big ambitions to significantly grow our fundraising income and increase our influencing and campaigning impact to ensure people with a learning disability can live life to the full.
This role is a full time permanent position.There is flexibility around where the role is based. We have large offices in London and Peterborough and smaller offices located throughout the UK. You will need to travel occasionally for meetings. However, this role will primarily be working remotely.
Key responsibilities include:
· Partnering with directorate teams to create robust budgets and forecasts, offering support and advice for realistic financial planning.
· Providing clear financial reports and analysis to help teams understand results, spot emerging issues, and make informed decisions.
· Supporting complex income forecasting (e.g. legacies), using scenario analysis to guide planning and assess risk.
· Delivering financial analysis and modelling to support investment decisions.
· Ensuring funding applications and management of restricted funds are accurate and compliant.
· Improving finance processes and reporting, including with our new Salesforce fundraising CRM system.
· Acting as key contact for external auditors and funders regarding fundraising financials.
· Ensuring accounting and financial compliance with Charity SORP and other relevant regulations.
· Managing and coaching an FBP team member, supporting their development.
What You’ll Bring
· Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
· Proven experience in finance business partnering, ideally within a charity or fundraising environment.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial data.
· Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
· Clear communication and influencing skills, able to explain financial information to others.
· Motivation to improve systems and processes.
· Commitment to improving the lives of people with a learning disability.
Highly desirable:
· Knowledge of Charity SORP and charity finance regulations.
· Experience with restricted reserves and external reporting to funders.
· Familiarity with fundraising bids, donor engagement, and business development.
· Salesforce and/or Power BI experience.
If you are passionate about using your financial expertise to create real, positive change for people with learning disabilities, we want to hear from you!
Applications close on Sunday, 9th November. If you're interested in this position, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Interviews will begin once suitable candidates are identified, and the advert may close early.
Benefits
Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.
Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!
About Mencap
Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.
At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.
Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.
· Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
· Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
· Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.
We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.
We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
About Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance
Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance is a national, user-led charity run by and for people with muscle-weakening conditions. We empower adults with neuromuscular conditions to live fulfilling lives through peer support, information, advocacy, and co-produced research and campaigns. Our work brings together lived experience and academic insight to influence health, social care, and disability policy.
About the Role
We are seeking a Research Officer to support a series of user-led research projects exploring:
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Access to social care and support
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Healthcare access and inequalities
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Sexual health and relationships for people with neuromuscular conditions
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge, lived-experience research that aims to improve quality of life and influence national policy and practice.
You will work closely with the CEO, Research Manager, and members of our lived experience research advisory group. You’ll be involved in all aspects of the research cycle — from design to dissemination — and will ensure that our research is ethical, inclusive, and grounded in co-production principles.
Key Responsibilities
Research Design & Ethics
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Support the design of research studies in collaboration with the lived experience team and academic partners.
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Support the preparation of ethics applications, participant information sheets, and consent materials.
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Develop interview schedules, focus group guides, and surveys.
Participant Engagement
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Recruit participants through Pathfinders’ network, social media, and partner organisations.
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Ensure accessibility and inclusivity in participant communication and data collection.
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Support co-production activities (e.g., advisory groups, workshops, testing materials).
Data Collection & Analysis
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Conduct qualitative interviews and/or focus groups with participants.
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Support data transcription, coding, and thematic analysis (using NVivo or similar).
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Maintain accurate, confidential records and data management systems.
Reporting & Dissemination
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Contribute to research reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed papers.
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Present findings to internal and external audiences, including at conferences or stakeholder meetings.
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Work with communications staff to translate research findings into accessible outputs for our community and policymakers.
Collaboration & Co-Production
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Embed lived experience leadership throughout the project lifecycle.
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Liaise with academic partners and other charities to strengthen our research and advocacy work.
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Contribute to a culture of inclusive, ethical, and participatory research practice.
Person Specification
Essential
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Experience managing or delivering a research project from start to finish (e.g., Master’s dissertation, PhD, or equivalent applied research).
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Strong understanding of qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis).
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Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.
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Commitment to co-production, lived experience leadership, and inclusive research practices.
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Awareness of issues affecting disabled people and/or people with long-term conditions.
Desirable
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Lived experience of disability, chronic illness, or neuromuscular conditions. Applications will be prioritised where they meet this criteria.
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Experience of working with disabled people or people with neuromuscular or muscle-weakening conditions.
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Familiarity with ethical approval processes (university or NHS).
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Experience with NVivo or similar qualitative analysis software.
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Experience working in a small charity or community-based research context.
What We Offer
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Flexible, remote working arrangements.
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A supportive, inclusive environment led by people with lived experience.
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Opportunities for co-authorship, conference presentations, and career development in inclusive research.
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The chance to shape evidence that can drive change in health and social care policy.
In your cover letter, please demonstrate with examples how you meet the person specifications in the job description.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Barnet Mencap is a charity based in Finchley that provides support and runs a multitude of projects for people with learning disabilities and/or Autism. We are dynamic, enthusiastic, diverse, and committed to equal opportunities and the safeguarding of children and adults at risk.
There is currently a vacancy within our Equality Housing Team for a focused individual to join our caring, passionate, and diverse team in supporting adults with moderate learning disabilities and autistic adults to live independently in housing situations of their choice. Please note that this position will require weekend availability. Please view the Job Description and Person Specification for a better idea of what the role entails and what we’re looking for.
The successful candidate will have:
- Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults in a community setting
- Understanding of the issues faced by people with learning disabilities and autistic people living independently and the skills to meet their practical, social and emotional needs
- A ‘Person Centred Planning’ ethos
- Providing support with personal care as required
- Excellent communication and record keeping skills
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.
Barnet Mencap is the leading charity for children and adults with a learning disability and their families in the London Borough of Barnet



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Organisation
This is a well-established national charity with an income in excess of £100 million, playing a vital role in supporting people affected by a major health condition. The organisation is values-driven, impact-focused, and undergoing continuous improvement in its financial operations. The Finance & Assurance directorate is a trusted partner across the charity, enabling better decision-making through high-quality financial insight and compliance.
The Job
As Financial Accountant, you'll lead a small team and report to the Head of Financial Accounting. You'll be responsible for producing accurate financial statements, managing audit deliverables, ensuring compliance with charity and company law, and driving improvements in financial processes and reporting. This is a hands-on technical role with leadership responsibilities, requiring collaboration across finance, systems, and planning teams to deliver a seamless finance function.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing statutory accounts and technical accounting adjustments
- Leading year-end processes and audit engagement
- Ensuring compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, and Gift Aid
- Driving system and process improvements
- Supporting and developing Associate Accountants
The Person
You'll be a qualified (or part-qualified with suitable experience) accountant with strong technical expertise in SORP/FRS102 and experience in a large, complex organisation. You'll bring a track record of producing high-quality financial reports, managing audits, and improving performance through data and collaboration.We're looking for someone who:
- Communicates confidently with senior stakeholders
- Builds high-performing, accountable teams
- Is resilient, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement
- Works collaboratively across departments and disciplines
- Champions inclusion and values-driven leadership
What's in it for You?
- A meaningful role in a purpose-led organisation making a real difference - Remote working with occasional office attendance
- Competitive salary in the region of £50,000-£55,000
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with service
- Up to 8% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance and income protection
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- A collaborative, high-support environment focused on learning and impact
What to Do Now
If you're a technically strong accountant who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, I'd love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Stepping Stones is a small, local charity based in Southwark, supporting adults with learning disabilities to live more connected, creative and fulfilling lives. We believe that everyone deserves a space where they feel seen, valued, and able to express themselves, and that community, creativity, and consistency are key to making that possible. Each week, we run a range of inclusive activities, including music, dance, art, gardening, drama and digital skills. Our sessions offer a fun, safe, welcoming environment where adults with learning disabilities can build friendships, grow in confidence, explore their creativity and feel a true sense of belonging. Many of our learners face social isolation, anxiety, or barriers to taking part in mainstream services. Stepping Stones provides a vital bridge of a consistent community space where people are encouraged, included, and celebrated.
We’re looking for a friendly, organised and proactive person to join us as our new Activities and Volunteer Coordinator. This is a hands-on, people-focused role. You’ll be the go-to person for keeping our weekly sessions running smoothly, supporting facilitators, welcoming learners, managing session admin and planning community events like our summer show and Christmas party. You’ll also take the lead on developing our volunteer programme by recruiting, inducting and supporting the amazing people who give their time to help make Stepping Stones such a special place.
You’ll be supported by our Charity Manager and work closely with a small, passionate team who care deeply about inclusion, wellbeing and creativity.
We’d love to hear from you if you:
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Have experience working with community groups and adults with learning disabilities (or similar settings)
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Are friendly, organised and calm under pressure
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Know how to manage volunteers with empathy and clarity
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Understand safeguarding, health & safety, and inclusive practice
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Are confident with admin, registers and MS Office programmes.
What we offer:
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A values-led, community-based charity where you can really make a difference
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A part-time, term-time role that could work around other commitments
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A supportive team and space to grow with the role
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Strong potential for extension beyond the first year
Please read the full job description and person specification, before sending us your CV and a 1-page cover letter outlining:
- Why you’re interested in the role
- How your skills and experience meet the person specification
Empowering adults with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling, connected lives through opportunities shaped by their ideas and aspirations.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Hybrid
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 – Dependant on experience
Contracted Hours: 37.5 hours per week (5 days)
Job Type: Permanent
About Newlife
As one of the UK’s leading charities providing essential specialist equipment to children with disabilities, Newlife is dedicated to making life better - for the families we serve, and for the people who help us to make that happen.
Through grants and emergency equipment loans, we ensure children get the vital equipment they need, when they need it, while our free nurse helpline offers crucial support and information – as well as a listening ear. Our campaigns help to give children with disabilities and their families a voice, advocating for change to benefit the families we serve. And we support adults with additional needs with volunteering and employment opportunities, providing an introduction to the workplace and a means for career development.
Across the whole of Newlife, our teams are crucial to our success – it’s not just a job; here you’ll be helping us to change lives every day.
The Opportunity
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping a growing program, increasing unrestricted income, and transforming the lives of disabled children across the UK.
We are seeking an Individual Giving Fundraiser to lead the delivery of our individual giving program, with a focus on multi-channel campaigns, appeals, and supporter journeys.
This role will project manage all areas of individual giving, from concept through to delivery and evaluation, working with colleagues across Fundraising, Communications and Supporter Care to maxmise income, deepen supporter engagement, and grow sustainable regular giving.
You’ll be responsible for delivering existing appeals (e.g. our Christmas Appeal and Grand Draw), developing new fundraising products, and ensuring that donors receive thoughtful and inspiring journeys.
At Newlife, we believe every child with disabilities deserves the best possible future. For over 30 years, we’ve been the UK’s leading charitable provider of specialist equipment for disabled children.
We offer an emergency response service, delivering vital items to family homes often within 72 hours. Alongside this, we run a free, nurse-staffed national helpline, provide sensory toys through our Play Pod loan scheme, and campaign for policy change.
Our unique model combines a recycling and retail operation that generates income, creates inclusive employment opportunities, and delivers significant environmental benefits. Along with Support from trusts, corporates, communities, and individuals through traditional fundraising channels.
Together, these raise c.£15m annually, with c.£4m directly funding our services. Demand continues to rise making fundraising growth more urgent and more important than ever.
We are now investing in our Fundraising team to build a sustainable, supporter-led program that sits alongside our thriving social enterprise as a core income stream.
Key Responsibilities
Individual Giving & Campaign Delivery
- Deliver the individual giving operational plan, managing all campaigns and appeals within agreed budgets and income targets.
- Lead the development and delivery of multi-channel fundraising campaigns (direct mail, digital, email, retail-linked activity etc.), ensuring integrated messaging and brand consistency.
- Support the delivery and operations of the charity lottery
- Ensure all activities comply with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice, and relevant legislation around data, privacy, consent and Gift Aid.
Donor Acquisition & Retention
- Generate and convert new donor prospects, meeting agreed acquisition and income targets.
- Design and implement a regular giving proposition to acquire and retain committed donors.
- Oversee and optimise donor journeys, ensuring excellent stewardship, cross-sell and conversion opportunities, and seamless progression across the giving pyramid.
Innovation & Insight
- Review and refine the current appeals portfolio, identifying opportunities for growth.
- Work with available data to ensure strategic decisions are evidence-based and data-driven, using segmentation and testing to maximise impact.
- Research, explore and pilot new products and approaches to widen our supporter base and increase lifetime value.
- Set and monitor KPIs, reporting on performance and return on investment.
Cross-Team Collaboration
Work closely with colleagues across fundraising to maximise income and supporter engagement.
Develop strong relationships across Newlife’s wider teams, embedding fundraising within the organisation and ensuring sensitive and thoughtful involvement of families where appropriate.
Why Join Us?
At Newlife, we offer a role that combines purpose with impact. You’ll be part of a dedicated team that’s committed to changing lives while enjoying the autonomy to shape your work and contribute to strategic outcomes.
Closing date for applications is 6th November 2025, first interviews will be taking place virtually week commencing 10th November 2025.
REF-224 521
The UK’s largest charitable provider of specialist equipment for disabled children.


In-Work Support Worker (Job Coach)
Salary: £15 p/h
Place of work: Various London locations
Reports to: Project Lead – Employment Development & Access Support
Contract period: Various hours as needed – zero hours contract (Bank Staff)
The Organisation
Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Disabled People’s Organisations. As we believe in the Social Model of Disability, our values and principles embrace inclusive and accessible ways of working both internally and in all our activities, seek the participation and contribution of our members, and encourage and respect diversity.
The organisation is a medium sized charity with a Board of Trustees, 24 staff and a strong ad hoc staff and volunteer base including many with direct experience of disability – all of whom are passionate about removing the barriers that disabled people face.
AoD provides five key services. These are: Youth, Employment, Welfare Benefits, Independent Living and Direct Payments.
AoD’s Employment Service
The Action on Disability Employment Service is setting the agenda for disability employment across London with great results. We have carved out a role, and reputation, for setting up and delivering supported internships for people with learning disabilities. We provide management, job coaching and employer engagement for over 50 young people with learning disabilities each year across our 6 internship sites.
We are looking to recruit a number of job coaches to support interns and graduates of these programs in their jobs.
Background
Action on Disability is the supported employment service partner on a number of supported internships for young people with learning disabilities around West and South London. They are looking to recruit a number of job coaches to support interns and graduates of these programs in their jobs.
The Post
The purpose of the job is to provide coaching, support and guidance to young people with learning disabilities (17+) within their workplaces. You will support interns/graduates to become independent in their roles and provide the necessary coaching, training and encouragement to enable them to succeed. You will work closely with the employer to ensure they are supported and can confidently manage and train their intern/employee once your support has been withdrawn.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- To carry out a detailed job analysis of potential jobs / work placements
- To carry out detailed job matching of service users and jobs
- To comprehensively learn jobs across different sectors – not restricted to but potentially including – Catering, Customer Service, Administration, IT and Retail
- To implement training/coaching plans which will enable the candidates to fulfil their roles to employer standards
- To conduct regular reviews to ensure candidates are progressing within their roles and to identify and meet new support needs
- To build up natural support within employers and taper off one 1:1 job coaching over time
- To negotiate and implement disability-related reasonable adjustments on an individual basis
- To identify client’s skills, strengths, interests and aspirations to inform an ongoing vocational profile
- To liaise with managers to discuss progress and respond to issues
Organisational responsibilities
- To work in accordance with Action on Disability’s Aims, Objectives and Values
- To comply with all organisational and departmental policies and procedures, and in particular to ensure safe, fair and responsible working practices through the implementation of AoD’s Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding and Confidentiality policies
- To promote the work of AoD and promote and implement 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 following consultation
- Any other task appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
Essential
- High expectations for the employment potential of young people with learning disabilities
- Experience of training, education or employment support delivery for marginalised groups
- Significant and demonstrable experience of supporting people facing complex barriers to achieve their goals
- An understanding of the needs of employers and the benefits to business of having a diverse workforce
- An understanding of the Social Model of Disability and its practical application
- Ability and willingness to learn and carry out all tasks within a variety of jobs, in order to be able to coach the client
- Demonstrable experience of success in building strong and positive relationships and rapport with a wide variety of people and organisations
- Demonstrable problem-solving skills and experience
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Demonstrable ability to communicate with a wide range of people
- Good organisational skills and ability to keep accurate records and case notes
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint and the internet and a good level of computer literacy.
- Being willing and able to travel easily within the boroughs of London relevant to the role
- To be available for work during some unsocial hours according to the demands of the work
Desirable
- Qualification in Advice and Guidance/Supported Employment/Youth Work or Training
- An understanding of the factors to be considered in supporting people with learning disabilities into employment
- Experience of working with disabled young people
Finally, Action on Disability positively welcomes applications from disabled people. Please identify any specific requirements you may have, or wish to bring, to ensure full access at your interview if you are shortlisted.
Deadline: Ongoing. We recruit for this role on a rolling basis with regular interview days.
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.
Action on Disability prides itself on being an accessible and equal opportunity employer.
No agencies please.
Job Profile
Job Title: Communications Specialist – South East
Directorate: Marketing, Fundraising and Communications
Reports To: Regional Communications Manager
Matrix Reporting To: None
Disclosure Check Level: None
Date created/last reviewed: April 2024
Overall Role Purpose
The Communications Specialist – South East helps people with sight loss to live the life they choose by driving the awareness and saliency of the Guide Dogs brand nationally and in their region by leading the development and delivery of central, regional and local integrated communications activity.
The role communicates the strategy and work of Guide Dogs, engaging key audiences both externally and internally (including service users, volunteers, staff, and supporters) to strengthen the brand and further awareness of the charity
Key Responsibilities
· Brand – Drive the awareness and saliency of the Guide Dogs brand nationally and in the region by bringing to life the brand positioning through all customer experience touchpoints.
· Champion the brand identity in the region, leading the implementation across all touchpoints. Lead the regional activation of all aspects of the brand campaign, working closely with the central brand, comms and digital teams.
· Communications & Digital – Lead the development, delivery and review of central, regional and local integrated communications & digital activity in the region to include print and broadcast media, social media, publications, advertising, events, direct marketing and internal communications as appropriate, ensuring objectives are set and measured. Create and edit key regional publications, as and when required.
· Case studies – Source and create local case studies, and work with Content Team to maintain the Chorus case study library with content to support local and national campaigns
· Media relations - Build strong and on-going relationships with national and regional journalists through proactive and reactive media relations, including dealing with issues and crises that are a risk to the organisation’s reputation.
· Work with all areas of the charity to story spot and develop compelling service user case studies that will engage journalists and turn into national news stories
· Generate region-based stories and articles for corporate publications
· Manage creative agencies to help deliver national and regional campaigns
· Volunteer management - Develop and maintain a network of volunteer media champions across all regions.
· Spokesperson - Be a key spokesperson on behalf of Guide Dogs for regional media and where appropriate nationally.
· Advice and training - Provide both strategic and tactical advice on communications activities and issues for staff and volunteers within the region. Provide media training and develop communication skills to staff and volunteers nationally and within your area and ensure they are adequately briefed for media interviews.
· To take part in an out of hours duty rota and respond appropriately in the event of a crisis.
· Quality - Work across departments and functions both at Central Office and within your region, to ensure that Guide Dogs online and print communication channels are up-to-date and reflects regional content and context.
Breadth/Scope of Accountability
People Accountability
Number of Direct Reports: None
Number of Indirect Reports: None
Number of Volunteers Supervised: Up to 10
Financial Accountability
Annual Income Accountability: None
Assets Managed: None
Budget Accountability: Up to £10K
Application of this Job Profile
All employees are required to carry out other such duties as may reasonably be required to fulfil their role and support functional and organisational objectives.
All employees must also:
· Comply with all organisational policies
· Promote the vision and values of the organisation
· Engage in continuous personal development
This job profile is accurate as at the date shown above. It does not form part of contractual terms and may be varied to reflect or anticipate changes to the role.
Working at Guide Dogs
As well as other services to enhance the lives of people who are blind and partially sighted, we breed and train guide dogs. Staff and volunteers in all our locations support this work. Therefore, all employees must be comfortable working in environments where dogs may be present.
Guide Dogs is a volunteer-involving organisation and as such all staff are required to support volunteers in their roles. This may or may not mean the direct supervision of volunteers but will require all staff to play a supporting role. From time to time you may be asked to support / volunteer your time at Guide Dogs events that take place outside of normal working hours. All employees will be expected to advocate for Guide Dogs at all times and be a fundraiser.
Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees and volunteers to demonstrate this commitment.
Guide Dogs will require proof of identity and the right to work in the UK.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
· A degree or an equivalent level qualification or equivalent experience.
Job-Related Experience
Essential
· Proven experience of creation and implementation of communications and digital campaigns and projects to meet business objectives, with experience of targeting different audiences through media channels.
· Proven experience of generating positive media coverage for a brand
· Understanding of measurement and evaluation, and knowledge of the latest techniques to measure the success and impact of a campaign against our strategic objectives
Desirable
· Experience of working in the third sector.
· Previous brand management experience.
Knowledge
Essential
· Up to date with best practice and innovation in brand marketing, communications and digital
· Awareness and understanding of the current media landscape and what journalists are looking for today
· Strong digital skills including a good knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, e.g. Word and PowerPoint.
Skills and Competencies
Essential
· Excellent written and communication skills, being able to adapt style to different channels or audiences.
· Excellent digital marketing skills.
· The ability to spot gaps and opportunities within a comms calendar and develop ‘news out of nothing’ by mining content from the organisation independently
· Able to give authoritative verbal advice and information on marketing, media and communications.
· Excellent organisational skills, working under pressure and to deadlines.
Behaviours
Our behaviours capture the essence of what it is to be Guide Dogs people, whether staff or volunteer. They describe the experience we expect everyone – the people we support, donors, partners, our volunteers and staff – to have while working with us. Guide Dogs people are:
• Person-centred - We are a group of people working to help each person affected by sight loss. We listen, and recognise that every individual is different in where they’ve come from and where they’re going. We are open, empathetic and inclusive. We place the person at the centre of every decision.
• Expert - We are specialists in what we do. We are committed to excellence and will never stop innovating. We respect our history, but seek out ways to adapt and improve, and are always willing to learn.
• Optimistic - We are relentless in our belief that people with vision impairment can lead the life they choose. We are passionate about helping each person, committed to challenging barriers, and proud of who we are and what we achieve.
So, we: -
• Partner - We only change lives when we collaborate. We build valued relationships with donors. We work together with our service users and colleagues, volunteers and partners – and our dogs, of course – to deliver great outcomes. We support and develop each other.
• Lead-by-example - We can all be a guide. We take the lead and then hand it over, empowering people to make progress independently. We gain trust by having faith in others, and influence by example. We do what we say we will.
• Engage - We cannot change lives if we look on from the side-lines. We get involved, take ownership, and feel responsible for all we do, think and say. We celebrate wins big and small, and we hold ourselves and each other to account.
We use competency-based questioning within our recruitment processes to assess the extent to which candidates demonstrate these behaviours – in ways appropriate to this role – in how they are at work and generally as people.
Safeguarding
If the role does or may involve working with children, young people or vulnerable adults, or supervising those that do, we’ll also be assessing ‘safeguarding competencies’ as part of the process. These are:
· Appropriate motivation to work with vulnerable groups;
· Emotional awareness;
· Working within professional boundaries and self-awareness; and
· Ability to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults and protect from harm.
Mobility
A flexible approach with a willingness to work outside of core hours and away from home when required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.