Jobs for the Disability sector

As our Services’ Manager, you will oversee some of our most impactful delivery, including our Courses service, Vocation service, Digital services, and our award-winning Mentoring service. You’ll be just as comfortable working alongside the team to problem solve as you are working with the leadership team on our business plans and budget management.

Reporting to the Head of Services and working with the Outreach & Engagement Manager, you will play a key role in the services leadership team.

You will be naturally driven to achieve the best outcomes for people affected by spinal cord injury. Above all, you will be passionate about being able to demonstrate the impact of what we do, and you will see for yourself how Back Up quite literally transforms lives every day.

A brilliant opportunity as Head of Communications and Engagement. You will be excited to take on a brand new position; shaping and delivering a new comms strategy, developing a narrative which helps the charity be more influential in the sector and advocate for the people they support.

This is a part-time, role, working 3 days a week, and is offered as fully remote.

The charity offers bespoke, expert care and support for individuals with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs across England and Wales. As the social care sector faces continuous and new challenges, the charity is looking for an experienced Communications professional who can shape and drive both internal communications and engagement but also develop their external platform for voice and help to position them within the sector as a strong advocate for reform.

 Your experience:

- Demonstrable senior level experience working in communications and marketing. 

- Understanding of media requirements and capacity of a non-profit organisation.

- Understanding or experience of advocacy in order to represent seldom heard voices.

- Understanding or experience working in the social care sector is highly desirable!

• Location- Home based within the UK, with requirement to travel to regional offices ad-hoc
• Part time, permanent (3 days per week)
• Salary £35,000 for 3 days a week. (Full-time equivalent is £58,333)

I’d love to tell you more about this fantastic role and organisation. Please apply now for more information! Firm closing date 9am Monday 19^th May

Interviews to take place online, w/c 26^th May

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate, and resilient Specialist Behavioural Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities service in Newham.

£29,110.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

This is a female only role.

The shift pattern for this role is 07:00-15:00 or 14:00-22:00 on rotating patterns. Weekend and bank holiday work required.

Specialist Behaviour Support Workers are responsible for the customer's emotional, psychological wellbeing as well as providing support to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs. At Stratford Road, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional, and social care. They will work with customers to promote social inclusion and independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.

As co-production is at the heart of our work, we believe it is important to involve our customers when recruiting for their support staff. Our customer says:

"Hi, I'm S. and I am a 43-year-old woman who lives in a supported living accommodation in Newham since 2022.

I am generally a happy and sociable person who enjoys being with those around me and makes friends quickly. I have a good relationship with my family and enjoy spending time with them at their house when I can.

I enjoy activities like arts and crafts, spending time on YouTube, dancing and going to the café. I also enjoy looking after myself and getting my nails and hair done and shopping for nice clothes (but I might need prompting to put outfits together to look nice and I enjoy staff telling me I am looking well and giving me positive feedback).

I like to be surrounded by people who are very proactive and can be creative and patient when engaging me in tasks and activities - and are confident supporting me in building safe relationships. I enjoy and respond well to positive affirmations and recognition of my progress.

I might experience difficulties managing my emotions and behaviours at times, particularly when I am feeling low or can't do something I want to do. People working with me must be able to support me in such challenging situations through Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies as detailed in my support plan.

I am looking for a proactive, caring and bubbly individual to support me with my daily living skills, building and maintaining safe relationships, keeping myself and my home safe but also to help me develop my skills to live more independently, to share my hobbies and interests and to explore new activities.

I am looking for someone who is a good and clear communicator, is assertive, has good IT skills and shares my enthusiasm for what interests me.

Look Ahead ensures I am treated with dignity and respect, and only staff who can live up to the organisational values become part of my support team."

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values: We focus on Excellence and innovation. We are Caring and Compassionate. We are Inclusive and Trusted. We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

We are looking to appoint an exceptional individual to join our team of six Strategic Partnership Advisors across England. In this role, you will support key partners, including Active Partnerships, National Governing Bodies of Sport, local authorities, and leisure providers to become more effective in their role of enabling more disabled people to be active.

You will possess a strong understanding of the sport and activity sector, including its operations, and be able to advocate for improvements that help more disabled people become active. Additionally, you will be aware of the broader systems and barriers that disabled people encounter in sports and activities, as well as organisations such as disabled people’s user-led organisations and various charities, to build relationships and foster effective cross-sector partnerships.

We are looking for an individual with experience of working strategically at a place based and/or locality level within the South West region. Someone who can positively influence local developments, systems and investments to tackle the inequalities disabled people face in sport and activity through inclusive practice.

The successful candidate will work remotely from home and be based in the South West region. This role will involve travel across the region and occasional travel to our Loughborough and Manchester offices.

This role is full-time (36 hours) and permanent.

We offer 26.5 days of annual leave, including birthday leave, plus bank holidays. Activity Alliance also closes between Christmas and New Year which means that employees are not expected to work during this time and they are not required to use their annual leave allowance to have this time free from work.

Activity Alliance currently offers the following benefits:

• Hybrid working
• Time off in lieu
• A contributory pension scheme (employee 6%, employer 9%)
• Childcare vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eye care
• Employee engagement initiatives such as away days
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Menopause policy
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Group Income Protection
• Death in service
• Training and development opportunities

Make a meaningful difference to the lives of D/deaf and disabled people in Islington.

Disability Action in Islington (DAII) is a local, user-led Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation (DDPO) supporting disabled residents to live independently, access their rights, and thrive. Our advice and advocacy services are free, trauma-informed, and rooted in the social model of disability.

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Information & Advice Services Coordinator to lead the delivery of our community advice service. This role is ideal for someone who brings both frontline advice experience and the confidence to support a small team working with people facing multiple barriers.

You’ll play a key role in shaping how we deliver rights-based support across welfare benefits, housing, health and social care — and help us prepare for Advice Quality Standard (AQS) accreditation.

About the Role

As Information & Advice Services Coordinator, you will:

• Co-ordinate the day-to-day delivery of DAII’s advice and information service
• Provide direct support to clients with complex or ongoing needs
• Support colleagues and volunteers in dealing with multi-issue casework
• Ensure records are kept accurately and support monitoring and reporting
• Build partnerships with statutory and voluntary services to provide joined-up support
• Lead on quality assurance work as we prepare for AQS accreditation
• Contribute to a positive team culture rooted in reflection, care, and inclusion

Who We’re Looking

For This is a hands-on role for someone who is organised, empathetic, and committed to justice and inclusion. You’ll need to balance coordination with frontline delivery, while supporting others to grow.

Essential:

• At least 18 months’ experience in advice, advocacy or support work
• Knowledge of key issues affecting disabled people, including welfare rights, housing, and social care
• Excellent digital and administrative skills, including using case management systems
• Experience working with people with complex needs and navigating multi-agency support
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to the values of equality, inclusion, and the social model of disability

Desirable:

• A relevant qualification (e.g. Level 3 in Advice and Guidance) or lived experience
• Experience supporting or coordinating a small team or service
• Familiarity with AdvicePro or similar systems 
• Understanding of trauma-informed and person-centred approaches

What We Offer

• A supportive, values-led working environment
• The chance to shape and improve an essential community service 
• A small, dedicated team where your voice and will make a difference
• Training and development opportunities
• A work culture rooted in trust and wellbeing
• Employee Assistance programme 
• Employee Discount Scheme 

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Children and Young People's Service Co-ordinator to lead on the delivery of our services for children and young people with additional needs (SEND). This includes:

• Afterschool Club (Monday–Thursday)
• Weekend and School Holiday Playschemes/Teen Sessions
• Evening Youth Sessions

The role involves planning and delivering inclusive, engaging, and structured activities within a fun, safe, and supportive environment. You’ll be key in mentoring staff, ensuring quality service delivery, and championing the voice and rights of young people with a learning disability and autistic young people.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Organisation

· Collaborate with the Team Leader to manage bookings and allocate places across sessions.

· Support with recruitment and line management of Group Leaders, Deputy Group Leaders, and sessional staff, working with the Head of Services and Talent Acquisition Manager.

· Develop creative, inclusive session plans in partnership with Group Leaders, ensuring activities meet the needs and interests of participants.

· Procure resources for sessions including sensory toys, arts and crafts materials, baking supplies, etc.

· Ensure session documentation and CRM records are accurately maintained.

· Maintain excellent communication with parents, carers, social workers, schools, and internal teams.

· Identify and coordinate training needs within the team, taking part in relevant professional development.

· Liaise with the Office Manager to ensure all spaces used are clean, safe, and hygienic.

· Work with the Marketing Manager to share impact stories, quotes, and photos (with appropriate consents).

Session Delivery & Quality

· Oversee the delivery of all sessions, ensuring they are age-appropriate, engaging, and meet the needs of young people with SEND.

· Supervise and coach staff during sessions, providing guidance on behaviour management and inclusion strategies.

· Ensure every session promotes fun, safety, and a sense of belonging.

· Support staff in session planning and resource management, ensuring spaces are left tidy and ready for the next use.

· Plan and coordinate meals/snacks for afterschool sessions, ensuring adherence to food hygiene standards.

· Foster independence in young people, supporting them to develop social, communication, and life skills.

· Provide hands-on support where needed, including personal care, eating and drinking, mobility, or emotional regulation.

· Implement a simple outcomes framework to measure impact and track progress.

Safeguarding, Incidents & Compliance

· Ensure all safeguarding policies and procedures are followed, maintaining a vigilant and proactive approach to child safety.

· Record all incidents and accidents using CPOMS and escalate urgent concerns appropriately to the Head of Services and Quality and/or CEO (Designated Safeguarding Lead).

· Model professional curiosity and promote a culture of safeguarding awareness ("It could happen here" mindset).

General Responsibilities

· Comply with all LinkAble policies and procedures, with a focus on safeguarding, equality and diversity, and health and safety.

· Attend relevant training and contribute to a continuous learning culture.

· Support team collaboration by assisting colleagues during peak times or staff absence.

· Represent LinkAble’s values in all interactions with staff, families, professionals, and the wider community.

· Undertake additional duties as reasonably required to support the evolving needs of the service.

·

Equal Opportunities Statement:
LinkAble is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We are especially keen to hear from individuals with lived experience of disability or neurodiversity.

Linkable, an ambitious local charity is seeking a Head of Children's Services to directly lead on the delivery of our afterschool club, weekend and holiday playschemes for chlldren and young people with addtional needs.  The successful candidate will also oversee adult services. The role is offered on a 4 or 5 day per week basis.

LinkAble supports people with a learning disability and autistic people to create the life they want to live by providing opportunities that develop skills, confidence and lasting friendships. We operate from our accessible centre, The Link, in Woking, and within the community.

After a period of growth, we are forming a Senior Management Team (SMT) to guide our next phase of development. We are seeking a Head of Services (HoS) and a Head of Finance and Operations (HFO) to work alongside the CEO.

Overall Aim

We are looking for an exceptional individual to join our SMT as HoS. Working with the CEO and HFO, you will shape strategy, inspire positive change, and lead service delivery teams, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.

You will ensure services meet local authority contract targets, internal KPIs, and deliver outstanding outcomes for the people we support. You will drive continuous quality improvement and create fair, transparent processes that value and support staff.

About the Role

The HoS will lead on Children’s Services and oversee Adults’ Services, supported by an Adult Services Manager, CYP Services Co-ordinator and two Team Leaders. You will directly lead Children’s Services, including playschemes, social groups, teens sessions and afterschool clubs and oversee Adult Services.

Key priorities

Include building a skilled, motivated team of playworkers and sessional staff through training, coaching, and support. You will also oversee financial management of services with the HFO, ensuring sustainability and compliance with local authority contracts. You’ll gather data and feedback to evidence our impact and report on KPIs to the CEO and Trustees.

You will work with the Office Manager to embed our Health and Safety Framework and identify resources to enhance service user experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Inspire a culture of continuous improvement.
• Contribute to strategic planning aligned with LinkAble’s mission to ensure sustainability of services
• Report quarterly to the Board on service improvements.

Services Management

• Oversee all services, leading the services management team.
• Directly manage Children’s Services and oversee Adult Services.
• Ensure clear communication, accountability, and staff development.

Team Development

• Work with the Talent Acquisition and Retention (TAR) Manager to recruit and support staff.
• Ensure robust induction, training, and coaching for playworkers and sessional staff.
• Promote equality, diversity, and career progression.
• Monitor staff retention and engagement.
• Ensure health and safety practices are followed.

Service Quality

• Drive continuous improvement and person-centred support planning.
• Develop diverse activity programmes for service users.
• Embed co-production to meet service user needs.
• Implement inclusive communication strategies and crisis intervention training.
• Conduct observations and audits to enhance quality.
• Incorporate feedback from service users, families, and staff.

Financial Management

• Develop and monitor service delivery budgets with the CEO and HFO.
• Support fundraising by identifying projects and developing funding proposals.
• Ensure income and expenditure align with contract requirements.

Contract Management

• Ensure compliance with local authority contracts.
• Build relationships with Commissioners and stakeholders.
• Support tender applications for new contracts.
• Collaborate with health and social care professionals.

Compliance and Best Practice

• Keep service-related policies up to date.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and quality standards are maintained.
• Implement evidence-based practices like Positive Behaviour Support and Active Support.

General

• Follow LinkAble’s policies and procedures, with a focus on equality and diversity.
• Undertake training for continuous professional development.
• Support fundraising events and other duties as needed.

About You

We seek a caring, driven leader with experience managing teams in health, social care, or charity settings. You should have a strong track record in both strategic planning and hands-on service delivery.

The ideal candidate will understand high-quality, person-centred care and bring excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills.

A flexible, ‘can-do’ approach, coupled with a commitment to LinkAble’s values, vision, and dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion, is key.

The is offered on a 4 or 5 day a week bases and the post holder will need to work in school holidays and occasional weekends. Working pattern to be discussed at interview

Make a real difference in the lives of D/deaf & disabled people in Islington.

At Disability Action in Islington (DAII), we are a user-led Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation providing free, independent advice and advocacy. Our work is rooted in the social model of disability and focused on empowering people to overcome barriers, access their rights, and live independently.

We are looking for a compassionate and skilled Advice Worker to join our small, committed team. You’ll support disabled residents with advice and advocacy on key issues such as welfare benefits, housing, health, and social care—helping people navigate complex systems and secure the support they’re entitled to.

What you'll do

• Provide one-to-one advice and casework on a range of social welfare issues
• Support clients with applications, reviews, and appeals
• Advocate on their behalf with agencies such as the DWP, housing providers, and the council
• Keep clear case records and contribute to service improvement
• Work closely with the Advice Services Coordinator and wider team

What you'll bring

• At least 1 year’s experience in advice, advocacy or support work 
• Knowledge of welfare rights, housing, social care, and health systems
• Excellent communication and case management skills
• A client-centred, trauma-informed, relational and inclusive approach 
• Confidence working with people facing complex and multiple barriers

Why work with us?

• Be part of a values-led, user-led organisation rooted in community
• Deliver life-changing support in a role where your work is truly valued 
• Join a collaborative, supportive team with a strong sense of purpose

Digital Manager, 0.8 FTE

Business Disability Forum is the leading business membership organisation in disability inclusion.

We are trusted partners, working with business, Government and disabled people to improve the life experiences of disabled employees and consumers, by removing barriers to inclusion.

• We work with over 600 members employing over 20% of the UK workforce and an estimated 8 million people worldwide.
• We advise, support and encourage businesses (many of them global) to become more disability-smart.
• We influence policymakers by representing the voice of employers and disabled employees.
• We provide evidence-based thought leadership on how business affects the lives of disabled people.
• We help effect changes in business practices, products, services and policies that positively impact the life experiences of disabled people, and also benefit business.

The role

Business Disability Forum is a business membership organisation with an ambitious digital strategy. We have invested substantially in the last few years to upgrade three of our digital products (website, Knowledge Hub and a self-assessment management tool for our Members).

We are looking for an experienced, confident Digital Manager to lead on delivering our digital strategy and roadmap, continually improve our digital products, ensure accessibility is integral to our digital offer and manage the development of new digital products. You will also line manage our Digital Content Officer.

The requirement

• Experience working as a Digital Manager, preferably in a business facing organisation.
• Professional experience maintaining a WordPress Content Management System with an understanding of using CSS.
• Experience of monitoring SysOps - hosted server, CPU, storage, servers, domains, DNS, monitoring and acting quickly on critical issues.
• Experience delivering websites and digital products that are accessible to disabled people with outstanding knowledge of digital accessibility and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
• Experience of managing the development of complex digital products from a third-party supplier from start to finish.

For the full job description and person specification of this role and instructions on how to apply please visit our website below via the link on this page:

How to apply

Applications should be by CV and a supporting statement, of up to 400 words, detailing why you think you would be suitable for the role. If you require any adjustments to the application process please contact Barnaby Powell as set out below. Applications should be addressed to Barnaby Powell, HR & Office Manager, Business Disability Forum, Dowgate Hill House, 14-16 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2SU. If you are submitting your application by email please do so to hr @ businessdisabilityforum .org .uk.

• Closing date for applications: Monday, 5 May 2025.
• First interviews are planned for Thursday, 15 May 2025.
• Second interviews are planned for Tuesday, 20 May 2025.

Business Disability Forum is committed to ensuring that all its information, products and services are as accessible as possible to everyone.

If you wish to discuss anything in regards to accessibility or if you require alternative formats please contact Barnaby Powell by email at the address above or by telephone on 020-7403-3020.

For further information on Business Disability Forum please refer to our website via the link on this page

Equal opportunities

We are committed to becoming disability-smart and an employer of choice irrespective of race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, or pregnancy and maternity. The ethical and business case of ensuring that our workforce is representative of wider society is at the heart of what we do. When we are recruiting, disabled candidates who meet all of the essential criteria will be offered an interview.

You’re passionate about supporting volunteers and creating a positive experience for those who give their time to make a difference.  You thrive in a role that brings people together and ensures they are set up for success.

As Operations Volunteering Experience Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that volunteers in operations-based roles feel valued, prepared, and supported throughout their journey. Working closely with internal teams, you’ll coordinate recruitment, training, and engagement efforts that enhance the volunteer experience and contribute to the smooth running of essential services.

You’ll oversee the flow of volunteers into operations-based roles, ensuring they are matched effectively to support Guide Dogs’ canine, children, and adult services. Working in collaboration with service and volunteering colleagues, you’ll support planning and resource allocation to ensure volunteer programmes align with national and local needs.

By ensuring volunteers receive comprehensive training and induction, you’ll help them build confidence in their roles. You’ll coordinate face-to-face and virtual induction sessions, facilitate ongoing training opportunities, and provide regular communication to ensure volunteers remain engaged and informed.

A key part of your role will involve monitoring and evaluating the volunteer journey, gathering feedback and insights to improve processes and experiences. You’ll manage volunteer data and compliance, ensuring records are accurate and up to date. Additionally, you’ll support the recognition and celebration of volunteers, helping to coordinate award events and initiatives that highlight the incredible contributions of those who give their time.

To excel in this role, you’ll have experience managing and supporting volunteers, ensuring they have a positive and rewarding experience. You’ll be confident in advising on best practices and processes, with the ability to build strong relationships across different teams.

Experience with volunteer management systems, CRM databases (such as Salesforce), and Microsoft Office will be beneficial. A strong understanding of GDPR, safeguarding principles, and best practices in equality, diversity, and inclusion is also essential.

Strong organisation and communication skills will be key, as well as the ability to problem-solve and handle enquiries efficiently. Whether facilitating training, providing advice, or coordinating new volunteer initiatives, you’ll bring a solutions-focused approach to ensure volunteers feel engaged, valued, and equipped for success.

No two people with sight loss are the same, and none of our people are either. So, we are proud to offer a range of person-centred benefits that can support each member of staff in ways that really mean something to them – and show them how much they mean to us. We offer a flexible benefits package, discounts and cashback scheme, a generous holiday allowance and matched contributory pension scheme to care for our people.

This role can be based from our either Sheffield or Nottingham site a minimum of 3-days per week, and occasional travel throughout the region is also needed. This is a full time position working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Interviews for this role will be held at our Sheffield site and are planned for W/C 19 May 202

Role: Nutley Edge Activity Breaks Manager

Full-time – 38 hours per week

Salary: £41,170.00 per annum  

Location: East Sussex / London

Do you love the excitement of being on holiday? Are you enthusiastic, motivated, and committed to empowering people with learning disabilities and/or autism? If so, we want you to lead our dedicated Activity Breaks team to help us create treasured memories for our guests!

What is a Nutley Edge Activity Break?

Nutley Edge Activity Breaks are Outward’s supported holidays for adults with learning disabilities and autism. They are five days and four nights long and take place at our beautiful holiday site near Uckfield in East Sussex. Every break is themed and guests take part in a range of activities such as archery, art, music, yoga, and day trips to local towns, cities, and historical sites. Our breaks give guests the opportunity to get away for a holiday, meet new people, and explore the best of East Sussex.

“Outward have employed the best activity team because the compassion and care they showed to us was better than I have ever seen before. They gave me the acceptance of anxiety disorders to believe and achieve. To me, acceptance is more important than any other medicine. Nutley Edge will be my new home from home.” – Activity Break Guest

What is the role of the Manager? 

As manager, with the support of the deputy(s), you will organise varied and fun breaks for our guests. This includes carrying out assessments for new guests, supporting the team to deliver respite care, coaching the staff team, and embedding high standards in the service. We run 20 breaks a year and wish to grow this number, around about 10 of which are led by the Activity Team Manager on site in East Sussex. During activity breaks food and your own room is provided and an additional sleep in payment for each night supporting a break is paid.  

We are a London based charity and welcome applicants for this role on the understanding they are able to support at least 10 breaks throughout a year (providing day and overnight support for 5 days/ 4 nights at a time in East Sussex), are able to travel to our North East London offices to attend meetings and training sessions, and travel to assessments and marketing events as required. 

In the role, you will: 

• Manage all aspects of the activity breaks

• Engage, enable, and empower people to achieve their goals and ambitions  

• Strive to promote individual choice, independence, and self confidence in our guests

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, professionals, and other stakeholders. 

• Mentor your  team of support workers to deliver high quality and person-centred support

• Embed a culture of positive behaviour support

• Ensure the service is safe, effective, caring, responsive and managed to meet CQC essential standards

• Conduct assessments and develop risk assessments

• Manage the budget

• Complete fundraising applications if required

• Grow the number of activity breaks

• Market and promote activity breaks including attend local events, forums, carers groups and talking with professionals in order to grow our service and ensure the success of the activity breaks

What qualities and experience should the ideal candidate have?

We are looking for somebody who has:

• Experience managing the support provided for people with a learning disability, autism, and complex needs (including behaviours of distress)

• Excellent communication skills and IT skills

• Experience of staff management and the ability to lead by example to develop a strong team

• Creativity and flexibility, with experience of dealing with the unexpected

• Experience carrying out needs assessments and creating support and risk management plans

• A commitment to providing high quality and personalised active support 

• A commitment to upholding the rights of people we support to be involved at all levels of decision making. 

• A passion for engaging, enabling, and empowering people with autism or a learning disability to lead the lives they want

• Knowledge of managing a budget

• A driving licence and willingness to drive a minibus is desirable 

Employee Benefits

We value everything our staff do for the people we support, so we provide a great benefits package:

• 25 days Annual Leave excluding Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time)

• Comprehensive Learning & Development Programme

• Computing Scheme 

• Credit Union Scheme

• Cycle-to-Work Scheme

• Death in Service Benefit

• Health Assured – Employee Assistance Programme

• Eye care Vouchers

• Flu Jab Reimbursement

• Long Service Awards

• Pension Scheme

• Purchase Additional Annual Leave

• Refer-a-Friend Scheme

• Retirements

• Loans (including season tickets and parking permit loans)

• Blue Light Card

About Outward

Outward was set up in 1975 by parents of children with a disability looking for alternatives to institutional care.  Ever since then, we have been providing high-quality support and care services to vulnerable people. Our aim is to support people to have genuine control over their lives, play an active role in the community, accept responsibilities, and develop as individuals.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expect all staff to share this commitment. If the post you apply for involves working with or having access to adults at risk and/or their records, we will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Services. This will be fully subsidised by Outward.

How to Apply

If you think you are who we are looking for, please submit a CV and statement detailing how you meet the requirements of the role by referring to the Job Description and the Person Specification.

The closing Date for all Applications is 6th May 2025

Interviews will be held week beginning 12th May 2025

Outward is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Job Title: Senior Marketing and Communications Officer
Location: Hybrid remote with minimum 2 days per week in office, Pembury
Salary: £27,000 - £29,000 (depending on experience)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week

Closing date for applications: Friday 23rd May 2025

Are you a skilled marketing professional ready to make a meaningful impact?

Aspens is seeking a creative, driven Senior Marketing and Communications Officer to help promote our services, fundraising and activities that transform the lives of autistic people, those with a learning disability and their families.

You’ll develop and deliver engaging campaigns, manage communications channels, and create content that aligns with our brand voice. Collaborating with teams across Aspens, you’ll drive audience engagement and support income-generation activities.

This is the job for you if you have excellent communication skills and know how to bring a story to life. You’ll be confident using digital channels to engage with a range of audiences, as well as traditional methods.

Join us at Aspens and help make a difference. Apply today to become part of our inspiring mission!

About Aspens

Aspens is a charity that provides high-quality person-centred care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities, and their families. We provide an integrated network of services and support across the South-East to empower individuals to lead their lives as independently as possible.

We support 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, children and young people’s groups and support, specialist support, and online support for families and carers across the South-East. 

Aspens has three charity shops in Bexhill, Crowborough and Paddock Wood and online stores on eBay, Etsy and Vinted. We also have The Bluebell Café and animal farm and a pre-loved donations centre in Pembury.

Purpose of Role
This role will work with direction from the Marketing and Communications Manager to deliver marketing campaigns to raise awareness of and promote Aspens’ services, income-generation activities including fundraising, retail and hospitality, and recruitment; engage with our internal and external stakeholders; and reach new audiences. A key part of the role will be internal ‘customer’ support, collaborating with departments across the charity to meet shared goals in line with Aspens’ strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Campaign delivery

· Collaborate with the operations, fundraising, retail and recruitment teams to create and deliver comprehensive marketing campaigns to promote Aspens’ services, shops/e-commerce, hospitality, events and recruitment and meet shared goals in line with the charity’s strategic objectives.

· Create and deliver internal comms campaigns to drive engagement and increase retention of staff.

· Monitor and evaluate campaign performance by reporting on agreed objectives and KPIs.

Content Creation

· Develop relevant and engaging content to be utilised across channels, including, but not limited to website, social media, internal channels and email, in our shops, Bluebell Café and the community to reach new and existing stakeholders.

· Graphic design - production of assets for marketing purposes.

· Developing marketing and comms bank of photos and video; photography and videography at events.

· Working with external companies to produce marketing collateral (signage, banners, artwork, leaflets, branded items etc.) and managing stock levels of marketing materials.

· Review all materials to ensure alignment with Aspens’ brand guidelines and tone of voice.

Channel Management

• Under direction from Marketing and Communications Manager manage internal and external channels.

• External channels including, but not limited to: Aspens’ website and linked bookings sites; charity social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok); supporter communications (Mailchimp).

• Internal channels including, but not limited to: Staff intranet and staff newsletter (Mailchimp)

Brand Awareness

Under direction from Marketing and Communications Manager promote Aspens and the impact of our work to relevant stakeholders and audiences. This includes digital and traditional advertising, management of Awards nominations, PR and media.

Audience Insight

· Utilise audience data to develop understanding of audiences.

· Carry out research to monitor and keep up to date with marketing and charity trends and best practice to support audience engagement.

· Share insights with Marketing and Communications Manager.
 

Events

• Collaborate with the Business and Income Generation Team to support the planning and promotion of events and represent Aspens at events, some of which may require evening or weekend attendance.

Team Working

• Work closely with Marketing and Communications Manager and Business and Income Generation Team and build strong relationships with teams across the organisation.

Other

· Occasional travel to other offices, services and shops across Aspens’ region.

· Administration tasks as required.

Person Specification

· Demonstrate close alignment to Aspens’ values

· Excellent written and oral communication

· Commercial awareness – understanding of business operations and the ability to think strategically about how decisions impact performance and profitability

· Goal-oriented mindset

· Excellent relationship building and people skills

· Creative, with lots of ideas for engaging content

· Numerate and data-driven

· Ability to prioritise workload effectively

· Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and within a team

· Proactive approach, ability to come up with creative solutions

· Excellent attention to detail

· IT skills including Microsoft Teams, Word, Powerpoint, Canva, Mailchimp, Xcel, Google Analytics, Google Ads

· Graphic design skills

· Photography and videography skills

· Ability to edit websites/intranet

· A degree of flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends if required

Experience

• At least two years' experience as a Marketing/Communications Officer/Executive, ideally within the charity sector

• Experience in planning and delivering integrated marketing campaigns

• Experience of managing a range of marketing channels including social media, websites and internal platforms

• Experience of engaging different stakeholders.

• Proven track record of achievement in meeting or exceeding targets, with clear examples of delivering results against set objectives

Essential Training and Qualifications

A Levels or equivalent

GCSE English at grade C (or above).

Desirable Training and Qualifications

A degree level qualification in Marketing/ Communications or a related field

What you can expect from us:

• Fantastic paid training and career progression opportunities (including recognised qualifications in health and social care)
• Paid DBS (we will recover the cost should your employment terminate for any reason, other than redundancy, before passing your probation)
• Flexible work arrangements with opportunities to take on additional bank shifts too
• 30 Days Annual Leave (including Bank Holidays) / 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 café- 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’

How to Apply:

Simply click ‘Apply now’ and one of our team will be in touch to discuss the role.

Any offer is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check, which we will complete on your behalf if you don't already have one, and satisfactory employment references. We will consider job share and part time arrangements for all posts in line with the needs of the Charity.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Aspens Charities, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities and those who are likely to be underrepresented in Aspens’ workforce, such as sex/gender, minority ethnic group, religion, belief, sexual orientation, age, as well as abilities. We believe that a diverse team leads to better outcomes and a more enjoyable work environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and has an equal opportunity to thrive.

As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is dedicated to supporting and promoting the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities. We recognise the value and contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to our organisation.

Accessibility and Accommodations

We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.

We're looking for a talented and versatile communications officer to help grow our communications and supporter base and increase our impact for the children with complex disabilities and their families who we support.

This is an exciting time for our charity as we are developing ambitious growth plans and we want to increase our social media and digital presence to engage with a wider audience.

You will be expected to lead on our social media strategy, planning, producing and delivering content for all our audiences, and engaging with social media connections to grow our community. You will also be responsible for increasing engagement via our website, e-news and direct digital and offline communications. 

We're looking for a natural storyteller with attention to detail, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to turn their hand to a wide range of tasks, striving for excellence while building relationships and working collaboratively with staff from across our small charity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Create a social media strategy that builds our community and engagement across our current active platforms of Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and considers the use of other platforms
• Develop and maintain our website to provide and easy and rewarding experience that seamlessly transitions users to the next stage of their journey
• Develop and manage our communications calendar to ensure coordinated planning and communications activity
• Build and manage our range of audience groups, including monthly e-news, email marketing, hardcopy reports and newsletters, and assist with donor stewardship communication
• Support our engagement with external media organisations, using all opportunities to gain positive media coverage
• Support the development of data and reporting processes to help build an insight-led understanding of our audience groups and to inform our marketing and engagement plans
• Assist with the production of our digital assets and communications using digital design software where appropriate

The successful candidate will have strong social media knowledge and experience, as well as experience of building reach and engagement across digitial, printed or in-person communications. They need to be a collaborative team player, willing to learn from and work with staff from across the organisation, and the ability to multitask and juggle different projects and deadlines simultaneously. They will also have a passion for our cause - helping the families of children with complex disabilities get the support they need with the aim of preventing them from going into crisis.

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our vibrant team in Berkshire!

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Hours of Work: 2x Full Time: 37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Office based at Broadmoor Hospital.  (Because of the nature and location of the role, applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport.)

Salary: Full time starting salary £24242.40 per annum
 
Contract Type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

· Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.

· Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.

· Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

· Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.

· Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.

· Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

· 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!

· Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.

· 1 Community Leave Day per annum.

· Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!

· Auto enrolment Pension plan

· Death in service cover.

· Bike to work scheme.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

We provide a full induction, training and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone.  It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification.  The most recognised qualification is the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) for practising advocates, previously completed City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ).  If you do not already hold an NAQ certificate or diploma or IAP qualification or equivalent, the expectation will be that you will gain the City and Guilds IAP qualification following successful completion of probation and pre-enrolment process. POhWER will fully sponsor this and provide a reasonable amount of study time and in return expect advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!

Closing Date: 9AM, Friday 16th May 2025 (we reserve the right to close this vacancy early)

Interview Date: 29th & 30th May 2025

An enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a member of the Disability confidence scheme, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.