Learning disability jobs

Where Next is a well-established charity supporting adults with learning disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives. We are looking for a capable and reliable Finance Officer to lead our day-to-day financial operations and support the organisation as we continue to grow.

The Role

This is a hands-on role with responsibility for the smooth running of all core finance functions, including:

• Payroll, pensions, and statutory returns
• Purchase and sales ledger (including varied client income streams)
• Bank reconciliations and cashflow management
• VAT returns (including partial exemption) and Gift Aid
• Monthly management accounts and reporting

You will be the go-to person for finance, working closely with the CEO and senior team to ensure strong financial control and provide clear, practical financial information.

About You

You will:

• Have solid experience in a finance or bookkeeping role
• Be confident managing end-to-end finance processes
• Be highly organised, accurate, and reliable
• Be comfortable working independently and taking ownership
• Ideally have experience with Xero, payroll, and VAT

Experience in the charity sector or working with restricted funding is a bonus, but not essential.

Why Join Where Next?

• Flexible working – part-time or full-time considered
• Hybrid working available
• A varied role with real responsibility
• Opportunity to grow into broader financial and organisational responsibilities
• A supportive, values-driven organisation where your work has real impact

Apply

If you’re looking for a role where you can combine strong finance skills with meaningful work, we’d love to hear from you.

We are open to shaping the scope of this role around the successful candidate, depending on experience and working pattern.

ROLE OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

This is a specialist youth work role with two complementary areas of practice focus: (a) gender-responsive work with girls and gender-diverse young people experiencing or at risk of violence, harmful practices, exploitation, and coercive control; and (b) inclusive practice with neurodivergent young people whose support needs are routinely missed by mainstream youth provision.

VAWG specialism is the primary area of expertise for this role; SEN-aware practice is a complementary area of focus, supported by mentorship and consultation from Angel Shed Theatre and external SEN expertise where deeper input is needed. The role is designed to ensure that the cohorts most often underserved by violence-reduction provision — particularly neurodivergent girls — are reached and supported well.

The post holder will work within MGWT's trauma-informed practice framework, in close collaboration with the Dahlia Project on harmful practices, and within Andover's operational vision.

KEY AREAS AND OUTCOMES

Specialist practice — VAWG and gender-responsive work

• Lead on the design and delivery of a weekly girls and gender-diverse group at Andover, with structured progression and trauma-informed group work practice

• Provide 1:1 keywork to young people experiencing or at risk of gender-based violence, harmful practices (FGM, forced marriage, breast ironing), online and image-based abuse, and coercive control

• Hold a clear understanding of safeguarding pathways for harmful practices and serious youth-on-youth violence, working closely with MGWT's Safeguarding Lead and the Dahlia Project

• Support the wider Andover team to develop gender-responsive practice across all sessions

• Contribute to safety planning for individual young people in collaboration with the Safeguarding Lead

Specialist practice — SEN-aware and neurodivergent-inclusive work

• Co-design and deliver a sensory-aware parallel offer for neurodivergent young people, in partnership with Angel Shed Theatre

• Provide adapted 1:1 support to neurodivergent young people, including those with and without formal diagnosis

• Build and sustain referral relationships with SEN services, schools' SENCos, and partner organisations including the LYTP SEND project

• Support the wider Andover team to develop SEN-aware and trauma-informed practice across all sessions

Outreach, engagement, and youth voice

• Build and sustain trusting relationships with young people from the cohorts the role is designed to reach

• Lead on outreach and engagement activity to reach young people not currently accessing the service, particularly girls, gender-diverse young people, and neurodivergent young people

• Support the embedding of youth voice in the design and review of the specialist offer, with paid lived experience contributors where appropriate

Safeguarding and partnerships

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding pathways relevant to VAWG, harmful practices, and SEN-related vulnerability

• Identify and escalate safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead in line with policy

• Work in partnership with the Dahlia Project, Angel Shed Theatre, and external specialist organisations to maintain the quality of practice

• Participate in multi-agency meetings as needed for individual young people

Reporting and learning

• Maintain accurate records of 1:1 keywork, group sessions, and outcomes

• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the VRU Stronger Futures programme and other relevant funded streams

• Contribute to learning and reflective practice across the Andover team

This job description is a broad outline of your main responsibilities. Manor Gardens' employees may be required to undertake other work at times in order to provide flexible services. In addition, all employees are required to:

• Support the broader mission and objectives of MGWT and contribute to its overall strategy

• Contribute to the shared operational effectiveness of MGWT through attendance and contribution to organisational team meetings and working groups

• Ensure organisational data collection and reporting processes are completed as required

• Know and adhere to MGWT policies and procedures

PERSON SPECIFICATION

a)  Specialist knowledge and experience of working with women, girls, or gender-diverse young people affected by violence, harmful practices, exploitation, or coercive control

b)  An understanding of neurodiversity, with willingness to develop SEN-aware practice further through mentorship from Angel Shed Theatre and external training

c)  JNC qualification in youth work, social work, or a related qualification (or working towards), or equivalent specialist experience

d)  At least two years' experience of working with young people in a youth work, community, or specialist support setting

e)  A strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and the principles of safe disclosure

f)  Knowledge of the safeguarding landscape relating to VAWG, harmful practices, and exploitation, including referral pathways in Islington or comparable boroughs

g)  Experience of running group work for young people, including closed groups, with structured progression

h)  Experience of 1:1 keywork or casework with young people experiencing complex harm

i)  Strong relational and communication skills with young people whose trust is hard-won

j)  Ability to work flexibly across after-school and school holiday provision, including evening hours

k)  Lived experience of any of the issues this role addresses is welcomed and valued, although not required

l)  A mature, thoughtful, and reflective approach to equalities, diversity, and the intersection of gender, race, disability, and class

m)  Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records

n)  Willingness to engage in regular reflective supervision

Every day, Centre 404 works alongside people with learning disabilities and their families so they can live fuller, more connected lives. The voices, stories and impact behind that work matter — and we’re looking for a Senior Communications Officer to help make sure they are heard with care, clarity and purpose.

Centre 404 is a community‑rooted health and social care charity in North London, where values shape practice and communications are central to our impact. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of our communications across digital channels, campaigns and publications, shaping how Centre 404 is seen and understood.

Working closely with the Director of Children, Young People, Families & Engagement, the Fundraising Manager and colleagues across the organisation, you’ll play a key role in strengthening engagement, supporting fundraising, and ensuring lived experience sits at the heart of everything we communicate.

About the role

• Lead day‑to‑day delivery of Centre 404’s communications across digital channels, campaigns and publications
• Maintain an engaging, accessible and consistent presence across our website, social media and e‑communications
• Create high‑quality, audience‑focused content that brings our work and impact to life
• Handle stories and case studies sensitively and ethically, in line with safeguarding and confidentiality standards
• Maintain and develop Centre 404’s brand and tone of voice, ensuring warmth, clarity and consistency
• Deliver communications campaigns and key publications, including our annual impact report
• Work closely with fundraising colleagues to support supporter engagement and donor communications
• Provide light‑touch media and PR support, including drafting press releases when appropriate
• Act as a trusted point of contact for communications advice across the organisation
• Use feedback and insight to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of our communications
• Manage an agreed communications budget and ensure value for money

This is a standalone role with a high degree of autonomy, offering the chance to make a real difference in a values‑led organisation.

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience working in a communications role, delivering activity across multiple channels
• Is an excellent writer with strong editorial judgement and attention to detail
• Understands digital communications, including websites, social media and e‑communications
• Can translate complex or sensitive information into clear, engaging and appropriate content
• Has a strong understanding of accessible, inclusive and audience‑centred communications
• Is comfortable managing their own workload and priorities while working collaboratively
• Brings a thoughtful, ethical and emotionally intelligent approach to storytelling
• Shares Centre 404’s commitment to respect, inclusion, dignity and safeguarding

Experience in the charity, health or social care sector — particularly producing publications or supporting fundraising communications — would be an advantage, but is not essential.

Why work for Centre 404?

At Centre 404, values aren’t just words — they shape how we work every day. We offer a supportive, collaborative environment where your work will have a genuine impact on people’s lives. You’ll have the opportunity to shape our communications, grow your skills and contribute to a mission you can truly believe in.

Centre 404 is a warm, values‑driven organisation with a rich history of supporting people with learning disabilities for over 75 years. We are collaborative, ambitious, and committed to creating life‑changing impact for families across North London. We will provide a detailed induction and on-going training and support. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and we are looking to recruit people who share these values. All offers of employment are subject to a relevant DBS check, proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references covering a five-year period.

We are dedicated to providing a meaningful and rewarding work environment, as well as offering a range of perks and benefits for our staff to enjoy.

Centre 404 is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Charity ref number 299889

About Coram
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

Coram Family Lives is part of the Coram group.

About the role

This is a highly rewarding role for an Early Years Home Visitor to work with the ParentChild + Coordinator and to deliver ParentChild+ across Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea areas to deliver the home learning service to families to improve educational outcomes for the children and to improve their parenting skills. The postholder will work closely with Early Years Practitioners in the local authority.

Coram Family Lives is the only organisation licensed to deliver the ParentChild+ in England and has done so since 2017. The programme delivers a model based on a combination of weekly home visits and small group sessions.  Each family receives free toys, books and small group sessions over a period 37 weeks. The ParentChild+ team will deliver the home learning service to 200 children over a 4 year period. The programme also addresses a range of outcomes for parents whose children are at risk of starting school below the expected level, by modelling to parents how to create a rich home learning environment.

The successful candidate must have experience of working with pre-school children and supporting their parents. You should be able to build good relationships, have excellent organisational skills, be proficient in keeping records and entering data and have good written and verbal communication. Commitment to equality of opportunity is essential. Level 3 or equivalent qualification in childcare is desirable.

You will work flexibly and must be willing and able to easily travel around area of work with occasional travel to other areas in London.

To apply for this role, please click on the apply now  to complete the application.

Closing date: Sunday 24th May 2026. Interview date: week commencing the of 8th June 2026.

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

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 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 

We know job satisfaction, flexibility, work/life balance, and a great team are incredibly important. So, at Barnet Mencap, in addition to offering 30 days of annual leave per year (including Bank Holidays), we have a TOIL system to allow flexible working, and our team can benefit from other perks including the Blue Light Card. 

Please note that unfortunately we are unable to support with sponsorship.

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria on the person specification or fill in an application form which you can find on our website.   

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.   

Closing Date:  Thursday 14th May

Interview Date:   We will review applications as they come in and offer interviews to those who meet the criteria. 

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

Barnet Mencap has been helping people with learning disabilities and/or autistic adults in the London Borough of Barnet for over 50 years. We provide supported accommodation, leisure and learning activities, information, advice, and guidance, and so much more. All while being committed to equal opportunities and the safeguarding of children and adults.

We know job satisfaction, flexibility, work/life balance, and a great team are incredibly important.

So, at Barnet Mencap, in addition to offering 30 days of annual leave per year (including Bank Holidays), we have a TOIL system to allow flexible working. There will need to be face-to-face work as part of the job, but there will also be opportunities to work from home and/or have different working patterns as agreed by your manager. Any travel expenses can be claimed, at the agreed rate, for journeys that are necessary in the course of your work; and claims for additional expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our expenses policy. We also have auto-enrolment into a pension scheme with employer contributions in place, and all staff qualify for schemes like the Blue Light Card. 

We are looking for a focused individual to join our caring, passionate, and diverse team as an Autism Advisor, as part of our well-established and successful Autism Service. 

Our Autism Advisors offer a waiting well service, working to ensure that our Hub members are offered information, advice and guidance and other appropriate support as early as possible via our workshops and groups. 

This role gives challenge and satisfaction and will suit someone that has: 

• Knowledge and awareness of issues relating to autism 

• Awareness and understanding of mental health issues 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 

• Ability to work as part of a team 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification below for more information about the role. 

Applicants will need to deliver a 5-minute presentation on autism awareness specifically relating to Autistic people without a Learning Disability. 

To apply for this position, please send your CV and a supporting letter.

Closing Date:    Wednesday 13th of May 

Interviews:        Monday 18th and/or Tuesday 19th May

Barnet Mencap is committed to equal opportunities and the safeguarding of children and adults at risk.The successful candidate will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service form in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997. 

Barnet Mencap is a charity based in Finchley supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people across Barnet. Through our Bright Futures Employment Programme, we support individuals into meaningful employment, training, and long-term independence.

We are looking for a motivated and outcome-focused Employment Officer to join our team.

This role is centred on supporting individuals into sustained employment, managing a caseload of learners, and working directly with employers to create real opportunities.

The Role

You will:

• Manage a caseload of learners and support them into work
• Deliver 1:1 employability support and job club sessions
• Support CV writing, applications, and interview preparation
• Build relationships with employers and identify opportunities
• Support individuals in the workplace where needed
• Track outcomes and maintain accurate records

This is a results-driven role, focused on real job outcomes, not just engagement.

 The Candidate

You will have:

• Experience working with people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people
• Understanding of barriers to employment
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Ability to motivate and support individuals
• Experience delivering structured support (desirable: employment programmes)

 What We Offer

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata, including Bank Holidays)
• TOIL system and flexible working approach
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunity to be part of a high-impact employment programme

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria on the person specification.

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.  

Closing Date: Friday 15th May 2026

Interview Date: We will review applications as they come in and offer interviews to those who meet the criteria. 

We are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our organisation. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and the Global Majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single specification. If you’re excited about the role but your experience or qualifications don’t perfectly align, we encourage you to apply anyway. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups such as the global majority, LGBTQA+, and those with a disability and neurodiverse conditions.

The role:
Shakespeare's Globe is seeking a Learning Coordinator to join the Learning team which focuses on delivering a range of projects for young people, schools and teachers. This team is responsible for coordinating the delivery of the ground breaking annual Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank project; daily Lively Action workshops which bring Shakespeare to life for students from across the globe; high quality CPD for teachers, and a vast range of other projects, both revenue-generating and funded.

The Learning Coordinator will be responsible for planning and delivering day-to-day and project-based Learning activity. This is essentially a project management role that offers the opportunity to work with a positive and inspiring team of permanent colleagues and freelance creatives, and to have a wide-ranging impact on young people across the UK and beyond.

In the Learning team, we work with a diverse community of students from across London, the UK, and around the world. We want our team to reflect the breadth of perspectives and experiences within that community.

We are committed to building an inclusive recruitment process that attracts and supports talented people from a wide range of backgrounds, particularly those who are currently underrepresented in our team, including those from a global majority background. Our aim is to ensure that the people we work with can see themselves and their potential reflected in who we are.

We are looking for someone who is open to learning and is passionate about having an impact on young people’s learning and lives. If you feel that you do not meet all of the criteria, but could contribute to the team and the experience of the young people we engage with, we want to hear from you!

For principal responsibilities, please see the job description (downloadable from our website)

Work pattern: Full time, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, working from home 1 day per week.

The skills:

• A working knowledge of how schools and teachers function.
• A growth mindset - the belief that setbacks are learning opportunities that can help us improve.
• The ability to pick up new processes quickly, manage them independently and improve them further.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate diplomatically with a wide range of people at all levels from within and outside of the organisation.
• Strong organisational skills with proven ability to plan and prioritise a varied workload.
• Customer-focused with a professional approach to tasks.
• A supportive team member and good team worker.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
• Excellent administrative skills with a good working knowledge of Windows-based software (particularly Excel); some familiarity with digital meeting platforms (e.g. Zoom or Teams) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
• This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check

Applications:

For more information, please download the job description from our main jobs page.

To apply, please complete the online application form (on our main jobs page) by 10:00am on Monday 11 May 2026.

Tips for your cover letter (supporting info section of the application form):

• Be concise - no more than 2 pages, please!
• Focus on evidencing statements about your approach to work. If you are a team player, give us an example. If you are a problem-solver, give us an example.
• Remember, the main qualities we are looking for in this role are a growth mindset (see above), the ability to learn, and strong interpersonal skills. Examples of you demonstrating these qualities are what we are most interested in from your cover letter.

If you have any questions on the recruitment process or the online application form, please via our main jobs page.

Be the person who makes the system work for children and young adults

Circles Network is looking for a skilled, compassionate Keyworker to join the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Keyworker Collaborative, supporting children and young adults up to 25 with learning disabilities, autism, or both, who have complex needs and are at risk of admission to specialist hospitals or out‑of‑area placements.

This role exists because the system does not always work as it should. Your job will be to make it work better, by standing alongside young people and their families, coordinating support, challenging poor practice, and ensuring the right help is in place at the right time.

If you are passionate about rights, inclusion, trauma‑informed practice, and persistent advocacy, this role will give you real scope to make a difference.

What the role involves

As a Keyworker, you will:

• Work directly with children and young adults, and with those who support them, to reduce risk and improve outcomes
• Act as a consistent, trusted point of contact for families navigating education, health, and care systems
• Coordinate and challenge multi‑agency support, holding services to account when needed
• Contribute to Care, Education and Treatment Reviews and Dynamic Support Register processes
• Use creative, accessible communication to ensure children and young adults are truly heard
• Champion person‑centred, trauma‑informed approaches across the system
• Maintain clear, accurate records and share learning locally, regionally, and nationally

This is a role for someone who is organised, resilient, values‑driven, and comfortable working in complexity.

About you

You will have:

• Experience supporting children or young adults with learning disabilities, autism, or related needs
• A strong understanding of the education, health, and care system, or the confidence to navigate it quickly
• Excellent communication skills, including adapting your approach to different needs and situations
• The confidence to escalate concerns and advocate firmly but respectfully
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, and safeguarding
• The ability to manage your own workload while remaining responsive to families

Lived experience, professional qualifications, or knowledge of CETRs and the Dynamic Support Register are welcome, but what matters most is your values, curiosity, and commitment to doing the right thing.

About the Role

As an Advocate with us, you’ll support individuals in diverse circumstances to have their voices heard by health and social care professionals and other key stakeholders. Your work will help ensure people are empowered to make informed decisions about their lives and care.

The role involves travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes, and community settings. While some work can be completed from home, particularly administrative tasks, access to your own transport and a reliable home internet connection is essential.

As this is a newly funded project, the postholder will play a key role in shaping how SHOUT is delivered locally. This includes developing strong working relationships with schools, SEND teams, Transitions services and community partners, identifying unmet need, promoting the service, and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the project.

About You

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Ideally, you’ll have some experience in advocacy or in providing support, or welfare services to adults or young people - particularly those with learning disabilities and/or autism, communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or difficulties accessing support.

You may have worked or volunteered in health or social care, education, youth services, support services, or in advice and guidance roles. Above all, we’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference and supporting others to be heard.

How will you make a difference?

You’ll actively promote SHOUT within local communities and professional networks, helping to build awareness and increase access to early advocacy support.

· You’ll help young people to understand their rights, entitlements, and choices; providing clear, accessible information tailored to their needs.

· You’ll support young people to express what matters to them - or speak on their behalf when needed - ensuring their views, wishes, values, and beliefs are represented.

· You’ll promote self-advocacy and confidence-building at every opportunity, encouraging young people to speak up for themselves.

· You’ll work creatively and collaboratively to empower young people to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

· You’ll act in line with relevant legislation (including the Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguarding Children, Keeping Children Safe in Education, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act and Equality Act 2010), and you’ll constructively challenge professionals and services to uphold their duties.

· You’ll escalate concerns appropriately to safeguard individuals and contribute to improved service delivery.

To learn more about Advocacy and the services we provide, please visit our website.

Professional Development

We’re committed to helping our team grow. Whether you’re starting your career in Advocacy or looking to expand your expertise, we offer a range of development opportunities. We’re proud of our track record in supporting staff to build knowledge, skills, and experience across various advocacy roles.

Equality and Diversity

At Your Voice Counts, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. We value diversity, promote equality, and work to ensure everyone can reach their full potential.

We are a Disability Confident employer. Applicants who identify as disabled and meet all essential criteria will be offered an interview. If you require an alternative way to apply, please contact our HR team to discuss your needs.

Person Specification

We’re looking for passionate and committed individuals who can support people to be heard and make informed choices. Below are the qualities, experience, and skills we’re looking for in an ideal candidate.

Essential Criteria

Experience and Knowledge

· Understanding of SEND processes, including EHCP reviews and transition planning.

· Experience of working or volunteering in health, social care, education, youth services, support services, or advice and guidance.

· Understanding of the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

· Awareness of the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.

· Knowledge of health and social care systems, and how to support people to access services.

Skills and Abilities

· Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and adapt communication to meet individual needs.

· Ability to build trust and positive relationships with clients, professionals and partner agencies.

· A person-centred and empathetic approach to supporting others.

· Confidence in working independently, managing your own time and workload.

· Ability to write clear and accurate case notes and reports.

· Confidence using IT systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and experience of using contact or case management systems such as Charity Log.

Commitment and Practicalities

· Commitment to upholding the rights of individuals and promoting equality and inclusion.

· Willingness to travel across Newcastle, South Tyneside, and Gateshead to meet clients and professionals in various settings.

· Access to your own transport and a suitable home internet connection for remote working and admin tasks.

Desirable Criteria

· Experience of working with young people aged 14–18.

· Knowledge of safeguarding children procedures.

· Previous experience working as an Advocate or in a similar role supporting people to understand their rights and make decisions.

· Experience of supporting individuals with complex needs, including those who may lack capacity or have significant communication barriers.

· Familiarity with relevant legislation (e.g. Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act).

· Experiencing facilitating or co-facilitating peer groups or community-based sessions.

Role/Job Title: Head of Kent Services
Location: Pembury, with travel between services as required 
Contracted Hours Full time -37 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum FTE

Application Deadline Date:  Friday 24th May 2026 / Interviews to take place at Cornford Lane site (Pembury) on Wednesday 10th June
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

Equal Opportunity/Accessibility and Accommodations Statement:
As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. We actively promote the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our organisation. We are dedicated to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Aspens’ mission is to provide high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

We provide support and care to children, families and adults across Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Surrey and the London Borough of Bexley. Our services include registered care homes; supported living; community outreach; day services, including pathways to employment; children and young people’s groups and support; specialist support; and free online support for families and carers across the South-East.
 

About the role:
This is a tremendously exciting time to join Aspens. With our new Chief Operating Officer in place, we are actively shaping how we work to ensure we deliver the very best for the people we support. Her focus and ambition are centred on establishing consistent, high-quality practice across the organisation and ensuring that everything we do enhances, in a meaningful and measurable way, the lives of those we support.
 

The Head of Kent Services is a leadership role responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial oversight of services within Kent, currently residential services for adults with autism and/or learning disabilities, supported living services, and services for children and families across Kent.

The postholder will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, person-centred care and support that promotes autonomy, dignity, inclusion, and positive outcomes for individuals and families. The Head of Kent Services will lead and develop a small team of locality managers ensuring regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and continuous service improvement across the portfolio.

The Head of Kent Services will be a member of the Inclusive Executive Leadership Team, working in collaboration with other leaders to drive the best outcomes for the People we Support and the Charity.

 

Knowledge and Experience:

We’re looking for someone who brings a combination of the following experiences, whether gained through formal roles, lived experience, volunteering or other pathways.  We value diverse routes into leadership and welcome applications from individuals who may not have followed traditional career paths.

Essential Experience:

• Significant senior management experience in health and social care.
• Proven leadership experience managing CQC Registered Managers.
• Strong knowledge of autism and learning disability support models.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Demonstrable experience of regulatory compliance and inspection processes.
• Experience working with commissioners and local authorities.
• Experience managing large-scale change programmes.
• Significant experience in building team capability and managing complex employee relations.
   

Essential Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and operational delivery capability.
• Strong financial acumen.

• Experience overseeing impactful, outcomes-driven services at a strategic level.

• Strong project and programme management skills.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills.
• High-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage complexity and drive change.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships, with trust and integrity
  
  
   

Desirable:

• Relevant professional qualification in health or social care (Level 5 or above).
• Experience overseeing multiple residential and/or supported living services.
• Experience in service mobilisation or turnaround.
• Experience with Positive Behaviour Support at strategic level.
   

Core Values & Leadership Expectations:

• Commitment to person-centred, rights-based and autonomy approaches.
• Passion for inclusion, dignity, and empowerment.
• Dedication to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
• Evidence-informed decision-making.
• High levels of integrity, resilience, and accountability.

• Reflective, open to feedback and committed to continuous learning
• Brings authenticity, empathy and a collaborative spirit
  
   

What we can offer you:

• An exciting and rewarding role that you can really make your own
• An opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment, with formal and informal training and development initiatives.
• Member of the Inclusive Executive Leadership Team.
• Hybrid working
• Adjusted Hours or compressed working weeks
• Fantastic paid training and career progression opportunities (including recognised qualifications in health and social care)
• Paid DBS 
• Annual Leave / Pro rata dependent on hours. Annual leave entitlement increases with length of service
• Nest Pension and Death in Service Benefit
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Access to Mental Health First Aiders
• Aspens High Street Stores -20% discount on all items for Aspens’ staff
• Bluebell cafe- Discounted staff menu available
• Refer a Friend scheme, so you can earn up to £250 for every person you refer to work for Aspens
• Recognition schemes, including ‘Employee of the Month’
• Wellbeing initiatives such as: no email/meeting Fridays, no meetings over lunchtime to ensure people can take a break, encouraged not to read or reply to emails outside of working hours, and access to counselling

If shortlisted, we will contact you directly to schedule an interview. We strive to respond to all applicants; however, if you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe, please feel free to contact us for a status update or feedback (where available). After the interview, you will be notified of the outcome. If successful, you’ll receive a formal offer in writing. Upon acceptance, we’ll guide you through the onboarding process, providing you with all the details you need.

Please note, any offer of employment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks (which we will arrange on your behalf if you don’t already have one) and satisfactory employment references.

Are you a learning professional who believes that great care starts with great support?

​Freeways is a local charity that supports adults with learning disabilities.  We are passionate about helping people to become as independent as possible by supporting them to make choices, learn new skills and make links with their local community. 

We are looking for a creative and compliance-focused Learning & Development Lead to join our team on a flexible, part-time basis.

​The Role

​You will ensure our staff are confident, CQC-compliant and equipped with the specialist skills needed to provide truly person-centred care.

​What you’ll be doing

• ​Designing Learning: Creating engaging and blended staff training from hands-on workshops to digital modules.
• ​Leading Compliance: Overseeing our mandatory staff training (Care Certificate, Safeguarding, MCA) and keeping us ‘Inspection Ready’.
• ​Championing Specialist Care: Rolling out high-impact programs like the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.
• ​Empowering Teams: Working with Service Managers to identify skills gaps and supporting staff through NVQs and apprenticeships.

​ About You

​As an experienced Learning and Development Lead/Co-ordinator. You should have:

• ​Sector Knowledge: Experience in Adult Social Care and an understanding of CQC standards.
• ​​The Right Values: Values which align with social care including dignity and respect but also an understanding of the value of working in a charity
• ​Technical ability: Comfortable introducing a Learning Management System (LMS).

Why Join Us?

• ​Impact: You will see the direct result of your work in the quality of life of the people we support.

• 35 days annual leave entitlement including public holidays (pro-rata)
• Company sick pay

• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance cover of twice your annual salary (subject to rules of the scheme)
• Family friendly/work-life balance policies
• Free DBS check every 3 years
• Occupational health provision
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24 hour access to a counselling and legal helpline
• Ample free parking at our head office site.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. This role is subject to a Basic DBS check.

Job Details

As a support worker you enable people with learning disabilities to live safe, fulfilling, and dignified lives in supported accommodation or their own home.  We have positions available across a variety of services in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Camden, Islington, Southwark and Hammersmith & Fulham.

In each of our services we support approximately 5-10 people. We support people with a range of support needs from low to high; with old age/ dementia, profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), autism/mental health.  We also operate outreach services for people who live more independently. We work on a rota which includes working some weekends, early and late shifts. If you prefer to work nights, we also have some services with waking night shifts.

We currently only have vacancies in services where manual handling is an intrinsic and regular part of the job.

Download our job details which gives further information about the job, the benefits of working for LDN London, our locations, and the skills and knowledge we look for in a support worker.

Sessional work

If you don’t want to commit to a contract with you can opt for sessional work where you can decide when and where you work, you will also have the option of accepting or declining any work offered by LDN London.

How to apply

Please take the time to read the job details before applying.

To apply please submit your up to date CV to the address provided on our website.  please use the link provided below.

To be successful in this process you must uphold the values and standards we expect in the workplace, including being open and honest throughout and treating the people we support and our staff with dignity and respect. Any failure may lead to the withdrawal of any offer of employment or work.

Closing date: 4:30pm on Monday 4th May 2026 

Note: all successful applicants will be DBS checked and must be able to provide employment or professional references covering the last three years.

LDN London is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all groups.

Hours: 18.5 hours per week, Wednesday – Friday onsite

Contract: Fixed Term, 14 months

Salary:  £18,433 per annum (£31,617 FTE)

Location:North and East London

Reporting to:Enterprises & Training Manager

Our client Peter Bedford Housing Association (PBHA) is a housing association with charitable aims that create positive change in people’s lives. As well as homes and support, PBHA empower people to learn, access work and discover their creative talents. Based in Hackney, Islington and Newham PBHA work with people who are homeless, have mental health needs, learning disabilities and multiple needs. Their work enables people to move on and lead independent lives.

They are committed to an asset-based and psychologically informed approach to their work. Mutual support, participation and personal development for both staff and service users is key to this.

The role:

As Community & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator you will be assisting Peter Bedford Housing Association with its current strategic aims of making a difference for Tenants and Participants and achieving more through ambitious partnerships.

Situated within the housing association’s Enterprises & Training Team, you will lead the delivery of a specific project seeking to tackle food poverty and long-term development needs such as wellbeing and social connection.

You will work alongside the Pantry Coordinator to lead on developing a wrap-around service to enable access to skills training, IAG, and volunteering opportunities for PBHA’s tenants and local communities.

In this role you will develop partnerships to help Peter Bedford Housing Association listen to community needs collaborating with groups supporting global majority individuals to co-produce activities with wellbeing and community connection at its core. A key target of this important project is to work collaboratively to ensure Peter Bedford Housing Association activities and services are increasingly accessible and relevant to any local person who wishes to join.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Identify, build, and maintain relationships with organisations supporting disadvantaged adults to develop skills and build resilience.
• Work collaboratively with local partners to co-produce services which reflect community needs.
• Organise and deliver events, and workshops that develop community cohesion.
• Oversee the delivery of exciting new activities, groups and workshops for Peter Bedford Housing Association tenants and the local community.
• Recruit & Support 15 volunteers to support with delivery of services.
• Apply learning gained through collaboration to adapt and improve the organisation’s approach to engaging individuals from marginalised groups.
• Increase Peter Bedford Housing Association’s community presence to promote its activities & services across the community.
• Monitor and evaluate impact over the course of the 1-year project.
• Develop new relationships with organisations that can support the delivery of a wrap-around service including money advice, talking therapies, pro bono legal advice and learning & development.
• Manage a team of volunteers to support with the delivery of services such as digital inclusion, events and marketing & communications.

Person specification:

 Essential:

• At least 1 years’ experience working with services promoting learning & development, wellbeing and improving people’s outcomes.
• An understanding of community engagement, poverty reduction initiatives and improving outcomes.
• Experience of recruiting and managing volunteers.
• Experience of providing training and delivering engaging presentations in public.
• Good computer literacy including the ability to use Windows applications and word processing and database packages. This also includes the ability to use the Internet and to draft and send e-mails, marketing and communications for events.
• Experience of focusing on individuals’ strengths and of learning from mistakes.
• Experience of working in an outcomes focused way.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting social inclusion through collaboration and innovation.
• Can positively contribute and take initiative, good negotiation skills
• Able to constructively challenge and lead positive change- including with assumed constraints and the abilities of people with ongoing mental health needs.
• Promotes positive risk taking and supporting people to find their own solutions to engrained challenges.
• Good verbal, written & positive interpersonal communication skills, ensuring that stakeholders are treated with respect and dignity and are not judged.
• Organise work effectively by prioritising, planning and excellent time management.

Desirable:

• Holds a level 3 award in education and training, level 2/level 3 information, advice and guidance qualification or equivalent.
• Ability to make engaging presentations in public.
• Experience of forging working relationships with the voluntary and statutory sector.

Peter Bedford Housing Association offers in return:

• Pro rata 26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days with service
• Company pension scheme with employer contributions up to 5%
• Eye care vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced company sick pay

To apply, please register your interest and we will send you an application form to complete. Using an application form supports equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.

Peter Bedford Housing Association is an Equal Opportunities employer who supports an inclusive culture and diversity for their staff and those they represent. They are committed to encouraging further growth from diverse groups, and welcome applications from people of all abilities and under-represented groups. Currently, PBHA have an underrepresentation from men and disabled communities. As such, they particularly welcome applicants from these groups.

For more information about Peter Bedford Housing Association, please visit their website.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 11th May 2026.

 Closing date: 11th May 2026