Entry level jobs for the Disability sector

Learning Disability Practice and Projects Lead

Is now the right time in your career to make a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities, whose behaviours may be described as challenging, across the UK? Do you have leadership skills and experience of co-production?

Join a small and friendly mission driven team as a Learning Disability Practice and Projects Lead and be part of the vision to change the lives of children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges, and their families.

Position: Learning Disability Practice and Projects Lead

Location: Chatham, Kent (hybrid or remote working considered)

Hours: Part-time, 30 hours per week 

Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 (£35,000- £40,000 FTE)

Contract: Fixed - term until 30 April 2031

Closing Date:  Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.  Please apply by 8th April to be considered for initial interview dates.

Interview Date: Initial dates 21 and 28 April and please state if you are unavailable for either of these.

The Role

We are looking for a Learning Disability Practice and Projects Lead to lead a flagship new UK wide project (Making it Matter) to increase direct engagement with young people who have been historically excluded from engagement activities. You will drive change and improvement in learning disability practice through raising awareness of and leading the team that implements co-produced training workshops and promote best practice in support for people with severe learning disabilities.

You will also contribute to the leadership of the charity as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT).

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading a five-year project to increase direct engagement with young people who have been historically excluded from engagement activities because they do not communicate using speech and/or are assessed as not having capacity
• Drive change and improvement in learning disability practice through training workshops
• Build on well-established relationships to promote best practice
• As a member of the Senior Management Team

If you are clear that all behaviour is a way of communicating something, but are frustrated by a system which fails to recognise that then we want to hear from you!

About You

You will have empathy for individuals with severe learning disabilities and their families, with a deep understanding of the challenges they face. With strong team work and leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively and get the best out of people, you will have experience of:

• Co-production and partnership working with family carers and people with learning disabilities
• The issues facing children, young people and adults with severe or profound learning disabilities, whose behaviours may be described as challenging and their families
• Best practice in supporting people with learning disabilities whose behaviours may be described as challenging
• Management and/or leadership experience relevant and transferrable to this role including people management, project leadership, experience of contributing to and representing organisational objectives and budget management

You will also have good IT skills, proficient in Office 365 applications including PowerPoint and SharePoint and able to learn and adapt to new applications

To fulfil the role, you must have the right to work in the U.K.

About the Organisation

This is a varied role in a friendly and supportive small national charity focussed specifically on the needs of children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges, and their families. There is no statutory funding and the organisation relies on voluntary income to fund its work.  Income is sourced primarily from Trusts and Foundations to maintain independence. Benefits include 25 days annual leave (plus public holidays) and an Employee Assistance Programme.

As an equal opportunity employer, the organisation would particularly welcome applications from people with an ethnic minority background or those with a disability, as they are currently underrepresented in the workforce.

You may have experience in other roles such as Learning Disability Outreach, Partnerships, Learning Disability Engagement Lead, Learning Disability Support.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Role/Job Title: Head of Income Generation
Location: Pembury, Kent / Battle, East Sussex
Travel to other locations in the South-East as required
Hybrid working arrangements available

Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum, dependant on experience

Closing date for applications: Monday 20th April 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Interview Date: Wednesday 29th April 2026 at Cornford Lane, Pembury, TN2 4QU (Please ensure availability for this date when applying)

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.

About Aspens:
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. 

As we continue to grow and strengthen our impact, we are looking for an ambitious and strategic Head of Income Generation to play a key role in securing our long-term financial sustainability.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Paid Training and opportunities for career progression, including recognised qualifications in health and social care
• Paid DBS Check (we will recover the cost should your employment terminate for any reason, other than redundancy, before passing your probation)
• Flexible Work Arrangements with the option to take on additional bank shifts
• Annual Leave (including Bank Holidays) pro-rated based on your hours, with additional leave accrued with length of service
• Nest Pension and Death in Service Benefit
• Access to a Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• 20% Discount at Aspens High Street Stores for all staff
• Discounted Menu at the Bluebell Café (Pembury) for employees
• Refer a Friend Scheme – earn up to £250 for every successful referral
• Employee recognition programmes, including ‘Employee of the Month’

The Role:
The Head of Income Generation will lead the development and delivery of a sustainable, multi-year income strategy to support Aspens’ future growth and impact.

Working as part of the Inclusive Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership across fundraising, partnerships, marketing and trading activity. You will strengthen existing income streams while identifying and developing new opportunities including major donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and social enterprise initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of income generation within a purpose-driven organisation making a real difference in people’s lives.

Key Responsibilities:

You will:

• Develop and deliver a multi-year income generation strategy aligned with organisational goals
• Lead annual income planning, budgeting and performance reporting
• Grow income from trusts and foundations, securing significant multi-year funding
• Develop and implement a Major Gifts strategy, cultivating high-net-worth donors
• Establish and grow legacy and in-memoriam giving programmes
• Build and manage corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities
• Oversee community fundraising campaigns and events
• Provide strategic oversight of retail, café and trading activity to maximise net income
• Identify and develop social enterprise opportunities that balance impact with financial return
• Strengthen impact measurement and CRM systems to support effective reporting and donor engagement
• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing income generation team

We are looking for a strategic and commercially minded leader with a strong track record in fundraising and income generation.

You will bring:

• Significant senior-level experience in income generation within the charity or social impact sector
• A proven track record securing major gifts, high-value partnerships and six-figure grants
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting capability
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• The ability to translate impact and operational data into compelling funding narratives
• Experience using CRM systems and pipeline management to drive fundraising performance
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, including at Executive or Board level

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is required and essential for this role.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to help us ensure that every person we support lives a fulfilling life with dignity and independence.

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.

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

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

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

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

Responsibilities:

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

This role is ideal for someone who:

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

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential: GCSEs level 4+ in Maths & English.

Desirable: Qualification in business or project management.

Essential experience:

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

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

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

•Contract negotiation with local authorities/NHS partners

•  Social value commitments and ethical practices.

•  Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.

•   Strategic thinking, analysis and project management.

Desirable experience:

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

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

• Co designing social impact models

Why Join us?

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

•Full Induction, training & Development programmes.

•Leadership development program recognised by Chartered Management Institute. 

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

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

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

•Bonus birthday holiday after 5 years’ service.

•Company events and fun days out.

•Discount at Catering Outlets.

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

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

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

•Refer a friend recruitment scheme.

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

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