Jobs for the Disability sector

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

Due to the success of our delivery we are looking for Advocates to join our team in the North Ayrshire area. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About the role 

This is an exciting opportunity for Advocates to join and shape this service covering North Ayrshire area. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About you 

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing support. 

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference? 

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support. 

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.  

Benefits  

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service  

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution  

Salary sacrifices pension scheme  

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)  

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc  

24/7 Employee Assistance programme  

Access to remote counselling service  

Paid Disability Leave  

Paid compassionate Leave  

Home Working Allowance   

Flexible working 

How are staff supported to work remotely?  

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.  

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).   

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.  

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options. 

How to apply 

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.  

Important Dates: 

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 14 May 2026, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date. 

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate. 

As an Internal Auditor, you will carry out detailed financial audits across a wide range of social care settings, including residential care, supported living, and extra care services. This is a hands‑on, varied role that involves significant national travel and provides the opportunity to directly observe and influence financial practices in frontline services, both safeguarding and empowering the people who we support.

Working largely independently during service visits, you will review financial records, assess financial controls, identify areas of concern or risk, and support services to improve their governance and compliance. You will act as a trusted advisor to managers and frontline staff, offering guidance, problem‑solving support, and training where required.

Your work will help ensure that individuals receiving financial support, each with different levels of capacity, experience safe, empowering, and well‑managed financial care.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct planned and unplanned financial audits nationwide, typically completing three audits per week (including occasional overnight stays).
• Produce clear, detailed audit reports outlining findings, risks, and required improvements.
• Identify financial irregularities, risks, or non‑compliance and recommend corrective actions.
• Escalate potential fraud or financial mismanagement in line with organisational procedures.
• Support investigations into financial concerns or discrepancies.
• Provide practical advice, coaching, and on‑site problem‑solving support to service teams.
• Deliver training to staff on financial responsibilities, procedures, and best practice.
• Analyse patterns and trends to contribute to wider policy, system, and training improvements.
• Represent the Internal Audit function in meetings and share key insights.
• Assist with financial incident management processes.
• Work proactively, managing your own schedule while providing regular updates to your line manager.
• Adhere to Creative Support’s values, policies, confidentiality standards, and Equal Opportunities Policy.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised, proactive, and confident working independently
• Able to travel regularly across the country, including overnight stays.
• Skilled at analysing financial information with strong attention to detail
• An excellent communicator who can build rapport and offer supportive guidance
• Committed to safeguarding, fairness, and high‑quality practice
• Motivated by making a positive difference to both staff and the people we support
• Enthusiastic to contribute to our collaborative and consultative team culture, where we strive for continuous improvement by harnessing individual’s strengths and interests.

Experience in auditing, financial governance, or social care is advantageous, but we welcome applicants from a range of professional backgrounds who can demonstrate the right skills and values.

Vacancy Reference Number: 88366

Applications for this role must be submitted via the Creative Support website using the above vacancy reference number

Benefits of working with Creative Support include a probationary bonus, pension contributions, 28 days Annual Leave and company paid enhanced DBS.

We are a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organization – Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Gold awarded.

Applications are reviewed as they are received, we do not provide feedback for unsuccessful applications. We can only accept applications from candidates who are located in and eligible to work within the UK – This post will not be open to Sponsorship under the UKVI scheme, and we are unable to accept applicants with Skilled Worker Visas.

An exciting opportunity is now available at Crantock Drive for a Service Coordinator offered either as one Full-Time position or 2 Part-Time positions. 

This role is to help shape, inspire and lead a team as well as positively impact and make a difference to the lives of the people we support. 

Working with individuals with learning disabilities we are a busy 8 bed residential service. The successful applicant will need to be enthusiastic, to adapt quickly and lead a diverse team in different and challenging situations.

We are looking for someone who is organised, pro-active, can multi-task and work on their own initiative, proficient in IT systems (or quick learner!), as well as working in a person-centred way.

The successful Service Coordinator will include overseeing care packages for the people we support (liaising with professionals and families, creating and updating support plans and risk assessments, etc), line managing staff (including but not limited to supervisions, role modelling, wellbeing check-ins, following policies and protocols, etc,).

You would be working as part of a small team where good verbal and written communication is essential. Other essential skills include the capacity to work within professional boundaries, yet meet individuals with empathy, and the ability to have difficult conversations while creating good working relationships with colleagues.

The position is full time, worked over 5 days and will require you to work regular weekends. You will be based at Crantock Drive, however an element of the position will require you to be able to get to other locations for training, meetings, etc.

Experience in a leadership role is not essential; if you have the skills identified within our advert to bring to the post, you will be considered. Support and training will be available.

Here at Milestones Trust we recognise that without the hard work, commitment and passion of our staff, we wouldn’t be the charity we are today. That’s why we are committed to rewarding you with a competitive pay and benefits package including:

• 34 days’ annual leave, including recognised public holidays
• Learning and development to support your career growth
• Nationally recognised qualifications, from entry‑level care to management
• Flexible working, with rotas provided in advance
• Occupational Sick Pay after two years, increasing with service
• Health Cash Plan after probation, offering at least £695 cashback for health treatments (dental, optical, therapies, maternity/paternity, prescriptions)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Free enhanced DBS check
• Dayforce Wallet, giving you access to your earnings before payday
• Employee referral scheme with financial rewards
• Employee Assistance Programme from day one, offering confidential 24/7 support
• Company pension scheme to help grow your retirement savings

We are opening a new children's residential home and supported living service, and we are looking for a Registered Manager to lead it. This is a rare opportunity to establish a service from the very beginning — building the team, embedding the culture, and setting the standards that will shape the experience of every child who comes through the door.

If you are an experienced Registered Manager, or a Deputy ready to step up, who genuinely cares about the lives of children with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs — we would love to hear from you.

About Us

Striving For Independence Care Solutions (SFI) is a values-driven provider of care homes, supported living, and domiciliary care services across Brent, Harrow, and the surrounding areas. We are now expanding into children's residential and supported living provision for children and young people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs.

Our focus is simple: to deliver high-quality, person-centred care that empowers children and young people to live safe, fulfilling, and meaningful lives. We specialise in supporting individuals transitioning from family homes, hospital settings, assessment and treatment units, and other specialist placements — creating stable, nurturing community environments.

The Opportunity

As Registered Manager, you will:

• Establish and shape a brand new children's home and supported living service

• Lead and develop a high-performing, child-centred team

• Drive quality, compliance, and outcomes for children with complex needs

• Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections, with the aim of achieving and maintaining Good or Outstanding ratings

• Work closely with senior leadership, with real influence over service development and growth

This is a key leadership appointment with progression potential to Responsible Individual or Operations Manager as the service grows.

What You'll Do

Lead with vision and integrity

• Create a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic home culture

• Be a strong advocate for children and young people

• Empower your team to deliver child-centred, outcome-focused care

• Embed therapeutic approaches such as Positive Behaviour Support and trauma-informed care

Own Ofsted compliance and readiness

• Register with and act as the Ofsted Registered Manager

• Ensure full compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards

• Lead and prepare for Ofsted inspections

• Drive continuous improvement to achieve and maintain Good or Outstanding ratings

Champion safeguarding and care excellence

• Lead safeguarding practice and promote a strong safeguarding culture

• Oversee care planning, risk management, and reviews

• Ensure safe medication practices and accurate record keeping

Build, develop, and retain your team

• Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing staff team

• Conduct supervisions, appraisals, and performance management

• Support staff development including Level 3 and Level 5 pathways

• Build a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture

Operate the service effectively

• Manage rotas, ensure safe staffing levels, and oversee budgets

• Monitor KPIs, service quality, and outcomes

• Build strong relationships with Local Authorities, Commissioners, families, and professionals

• Participate in the on-call rota (shared across the leadership team)

What You'll Bring

Essential

• Experience as a Registered Manager or Deputy Manager in a children's residential setting

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards)

• Strong, current knowledge of Ofsted regulations and Children's Homes legislation

• Proven leadership and team management experience

• Strong safeguarding knowledge and instinct

• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Experience supporting children with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs

• Track record of achieving or maintaining Good/Outstanding Ofsted ratings

• Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma-informed practice

• Experience of opening or developing a new service

What We Offer

• Salary £35,000 – £40,000 (depending on experience)

• Discretionary performance bonus linked to Ofsted outcomes, occupancy, staff retention, and service quality — taking total package potential to circa £45,000+

• Clear progression path to Responsible Individual or Operations Manager roles

• 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

• Ongoing training and funded qualifications

• Supportive senior leadership team and direct access to the Director

• Referral bonus scheme

• The genuine opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up

Our Values

We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to:

• Quality and continuous improvement

• Compassion and child-centred care

• Dignity and respect

• Trust, teamwork, and accountability

Safeguarding

SFI is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment processes.

Ready to apply?

Click "Apply Now" to submit your application. Please include a CV with full employment history and a cover letter explaining your interest in this role and what you would bring to a brand new service.

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis — early applications are encouraged. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 18 May 2026.

Join us in shaping high-quality children's services and making a lasting difference.

Are you passionate about the therapeutic power of the outdoors? Key Enterprises is looking for an energetic and adaptable Adventure Facilitator to lead our service users on new journeys. Whether it is paddle-boarding and forest school skills or maintaining our bicycle fleet and heading out on rides, you will help adults with learning disabilities, autism, and other mental health needs step out of their comfort zones, improve their physical health, and tackle isolation. If you have an infectious enthusiasm for nature and the outdoors with a commitment to inclusive support, we want to help you build a program that plays to your strengths that also achieves outcomes for our service users.

This is a full-time role for 5 days a week (Monday – Friday 08:30 – 16:30) but we are open to flexible working arrangements or a part time position if you are the right person for the job.

Please take a look at our social media to see what we’ve been up to recently, you can follow us on Instagram @keyenterprises83 or search us on Facebook.

Essential Criteria:

Expectations of the facilitator includes a range of the below skills (but is not limited to these either and we’d work with the successful facilitator in developing a program that suits their strengths).

• To facilitate outdoor adventure activities using Key Enterprises in Benton, North Tyneside as a base with the goal of achieving outcomes and promoting wellbeing through outdoor pursuits.
• Competent in the instruction of physical exercises
• Experience of supporting adults with additional needs and the different approaches to communication, engagement and activities that maximise benefit
• To run activities that are accessible to a range of abilities and co-ordinate volunteers to support.
• To be able to motivate service users to take on new challenges (ranging from learning to ride a bike, engaging with exercise for the first time to bigger adventures in the outdoors such as rock climbing, overnight camps and longer hikes/walks/expeditions)
• To maintain and service a small fleet of bicycles
• A knowledge of areas in the North East that would be suitable for outdoor pursuits including hikes, nature walks, camping and bike rides. We’re in close proximity to Newcastle upon Tyne, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, Gosforth and wider areas around Northumberland, South Tyneside and County Durham.
• Can facilitate activities along our coastline including such activities as paddle boarding, kayaking, and doing cold water dips.
• A knowledge of nature and wildlife and an infectious enthusiasm that can be shared with service users for getting into nature
• Adaptability for times of inclement weather to keep our service users entertained and engaged with indoor activities in our dedicated space.
• Comfortable driving a van/minibus
• Take advantage of the latest technology to support the role both internally and in reaching out to stakeholders within the community (smart device use, location sharing, using GPS, planning sessions using Microsoft Office packages and communicating comprehensively through Microsoft Outlook and Teams.
• Knowledge in engaging with health and safety procedures and policy including writing risk assessments for activities.

Desirable Criteria:

• A passion for looking after our environment, reducing carbon, and helping service users engage in “green” activities.
• Has an enthusiasm for “forest school” and survival type skills, campfires etc.

Salary: £27,787.50 (Permanent, Full-Time)

Impact: Directly improving the lives of adults with additional needs

Variety: Every day is different—from coastal paddle-boarding to forest school skills

Environment: Join a supportive, charity-led team dedicated to unlocking potential

Hours: Monday – Friday 08:30 – 16:30)

Benefits: Generous annual leave allowance which increases after 5 years service, time off on bank holidays, pension scheme, employee healthcare cash plan through Sovereign Healthcare which can help cover the cost of dentistry, optical and physio cost (and more) and an employee assistance portal which includes access to counselling and 24 hour support lines for employee wellbeing, even when the issue isn’t work related.

To discuss this role, please contact our Service Manager, Robert Steer

APPOINTMENT IS SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY REFERENCES AND A DBS CHECK

SCiA is a values‑driven social care organisation delivering high‑quality, person‑centred support across Hampshire. We have an exciting opportunity for an outstanding leader to join our Executive Leadership Team in the role of Director of Social Care.

This is a senior, executive‑level role with overall accountability for the quality, safety, performance and sustainability of all regulated care services. Acting as CQC Nominated Individual, you will provide visible regulatory leadership while shaping strategy, driving continuous improvement and supporting future growth.

About The Role

As Director of Social Care, you will:

• Provide executive leadership across all regulated care operations
• Act as the organisation’s CQC Nominated Individual, holding statutory accountability
• Lead and support Registered Managers to deliver consistently high‑quality services
• Drive operational performance, quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance
• Work collaboratively with local authority commissioners, NHS and ICB partners
• Contribute to organisational strategy, business planning and service development
• Champion a values‑led, inclusive and high‑performing workplace culture

This role offers significant influence at board and system level and the opportunity to shape care delivery across multiple services and communities.

What We’re Looking For

You will be an experienced senior social care leader with:

• Substantial leadership experience within regulated social care services
• Previous experience as a Registered Manager and/or CQC Nominated Individual
• A demonstrable track record of achieving Good or Outstanding CQC outcomes
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, regulation and statutory compliance
• Experience leading multi‑site or multi‑service care operations
• Confidence working with commissioners, NHS partners and external stakeholders
• Excellent leadership, communication and decision‑making skills
• A values base aligned with person‑centred, accountable and compassionate care

Essential Qualifications and Requirements

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
• Full UK driving licence and access to transport
• Right to work in the UK
• Enhanced DBS and CQC Fit and Proper Persons assessment

What We Offer

• Competitive executive‑level salary (£60,000 – £70,000)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Birthday day off
• Pension scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Investment in leadership development and professional learning
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a values‑led organisation

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

SCiA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourage applications from candidates under‑represented in senior leadership roles.

How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and a supporting statement outlining how your experience and values align with this role.

Closing Date: Friday 8 May

We look forward to hearing from you.

At St. John's, we have a proud history of making a positive difference to the lives of young people. We are now looking for amazing Learning Support Workers to support us in continuing that impact. Could that be you?

Why join our inclusive team?

St. John's is one of the largest employers in Brighton and Hove.

What can we offer you?

• £27,976.00 FTE for 52 weeks (Your actual salary will be £25,286.00 as your contract will be term time only). 
• 32-days paid holiday (plus bank holidays) - 32-days are taken outside of term time
• Fulfilling and meaningful work – make a difference!
• Career development plans that are tailored to you
• Discounts across businesses in the local community.

Who are we?

St. John's is a non-maintained specialist provision, working with autistic people, the majority of whom also have learning disabilities. Some of our learners have co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, hearing or visual impairments, or mental health needs. We also support autistic learners who have an additional profile of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) syndrome. We have a team built up of support workers, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, PBS practitioners, assistant psychologists, and more, to support us in our holistic approach to development.

Each learner's curriculum is shaped by their individual strengths, interests, and challenges. St. John's is awarded with Autism Accreditation by the National Autistic Society (NAS). We support our learners to develop their skills in the NAS's four focus areas of:

• Difference in social communication and interaction
• Self-reliance and problem-solving
• Sensory
• Emotional Well-being

What are we looking for?

We've been doing this long enough to know that, whilst desirable, experience is not everything! Our amazing learning and development team and our passionate managers have coached people new to this field into support working roles. We know that if you have, the passion and desire to learn, and the want to empower others, you already have the foundations of an outstanding support worker. We are looking for drivers to support our young people to access the community, but having a licence isn't essential.

Sound like you? Then keep on reading!

What will you be doing?

• Supporting the young people in a classroom setting and during breaktimes
• Implementing the learner's behaviour support plan and risk assessment
• Working within a team of multidisciplinary professionals across the charity
• Tracking the progress of individuals and reporting to the teacher, care manager, and/or parents at review meetings.

Exciting opportunity? We think so! Click apply to start your journey as part of the St. John's College family as a Learning Support Worker

Please note that interviews will be arranged progressively as suitable applications are received. Early application is therefore advisable.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship, renewals or transfers. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

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

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

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

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Documents

• Learning Support Worker- Recruitment Pack 2026.pdf (1.42 MB)

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.

Shine supports a community of over 15,000 members living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, including 5,000 children and young people (0–25).

You will be delivering high-quality support and creating opportunities for children and young people living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and their families/carers. Supporting Shine members to lead healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives by improving condition management and fostering connections within the Shine community. 

This role will focus on children and young people (0–25), you will be primarily working within the Children, Young People and Families team. However, there will be occasions when you will work across age groups to ensure the best outcomes for our members. 

The role is home-based but you will be required to attend regular clinics in London including GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital). Other travel across Southern England including Bristol, Devon and Hampshire may be required. There will be occasional travel required across wider areas and nationally including attendance at events, conferences and meetings at our head office in Peterborough. 

Benefits: 

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027 

• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)   

• 3% pension contribution 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year 

• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’ 

• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 

• Broadband allowance for home-based roles 

• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment   

• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders  

• Support to learn and develop  

How to apply  

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job.  

If you would like to discuss the role please email Gill Valentine, Deputy CEO, to arrange a convenient time for a call.  

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria.

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted* 

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application, but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications.  

Closing date:  Monday 17th May 2026 at 11pm  

Interviews:  Tuesday 26th May 2026  (Virtual) 

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible.  

Please see full details on the Job Description and Person Specification document below and on our website.

About Us

West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF) is an independent organisation for the parent carers of children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  We support parent carers by providing information, signposting, and training that equips them in their lifelong caring role and empowers them to participate in shaping services for their children and young people.  WSPCF is hosted by local Sussex based charity Amaze. 

About the job

This is a great opportunity for a proactive and passionate person who lives in the mid/north of the county to empower and amplify the voices of parent carers across West Sussex. You will help deliver events and activities, encourage parent carers to get involved, especially those whose voices are less often heard, and provide friendly, accessible information and signposting to families. You will be a ‘people-person’ with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and able to plan and prioritise your own work.

 This is a part‑time, flexible, hybrid role where lived experience really matters.

We are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe having a diverse workforce at all levels allows us to represent the communities we serve.

We want to employ staff who have lived experience of disability themselves and/or as a parent/carer of a child, young person or adult with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), and have an excellent understanding of the issues faced by SEND families

We particularly welcome applicants from Black Asian and minoritised ethnic communities. 

Our benefits

Some of the benefits of working for WSPCF, hosted by Amaze • Hybrid working out of WSPCF’s Pulborough office, with some homeworking • + 5% pension, pro-rata 26 days a year, + extra 3 days at Christmas + Public Holidays • Flexible, family and carer-friendly working • Support for staff health and wellbeing including an employee assistance programme • Commitment to learning and development • Access to charity worker discounts scheme • See full benefits policy

To support your application, please visit the Amaze website and read:

WSPCF Participation Officer Job Description

Staff benefits policy

Terms and conditions

Please visit the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum to read more about our work.

To apply

The closing date for applications is midnight 6th May 2026 and the provisional date for interviews is w/c 11th May 2026.

You are warmly encouraged to contact us for an information discussion about the role.

About Us

The West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF) is an independent organisation for the parent carers of children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). We support parent carers by providing information, signposting, and training that equips them in their lifelong caring role and empowers them to participate in shaping services for their children and young people.

About the job

This is a great opportunity for a proactive and passionate person who is committed to collaborating with education, health and care partners, to strengthen co production and drive service and system change in West Sussex. You will be an excellent, persuasive communicator and have had demonstrable success at partnership working. You will be confident in strategic leadership, skilled at amplifying parent carer voice and knowledgeable and organised in managing a wide brief which includes overseeing delivery. You will lead a dedicated team motivated by improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and be supported by Amaze who host and provide back-office support to WSPCF. This is a part time, flexible, hybrid role where lived experience really matters.

Our benefits

Some of the benefits of working for WSPCF, hosted by Amaze • Hybrid working out of WSPCF’s Pulborough office, with some homeworking • + 5% pension, pro-rata 26 days a year, + extra 3 days at Christmas + Public Holidays • Flexible, family and carer-friendly working • Support for staff health and wellbeing including an employee assistance programme • Commitment to learning and development • Access to charity worker discounts scheme • See full benefits policy

Skills and experience required

• Parent carer of a child or young person aged 0-25 years old, living in West Sussex with a special educational need or disability (SEND) • Strong understanding of the SEND landscape, including the needs and experiences of parent carers and children/young people with SEND • Experience of overseeing delivery of multiple projects or workstreams • Experience using monitoring, evaluation and feedback to shape priorities, demonstrate outcomes and assess impact • Experience in strategic leadership • Experience of partnership working with senior leaders across local authorities, health, education, VCSE sectors • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Strong organisational skills • Confidence in IT and financial oversight • Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to empowering parent carers • Ability to lead staff and volunteers, including providing supervision and support • Creative, innovative and reflective approach to problem solving

To support your application, please visit the Amaze website and read: West Sussex Parent Carer Forum Strategic Lead Job Description, Staff benefits policy, Terms and conditions. Please visit the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum website to read more about them.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 6th May 2026 and the provisional dates for interviews is w/c 18th May 2026. You are warmly encouraged to contact us for an information discussion about the role.