Jobs for the Disability sector

Job Description

The Head of Delivery & Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the 
successful implementation, quality of outcomes, and retention of DFN Project SEARCH programmes 
across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Iberia, in line with our franchise agreement from Project 
SEARCH . This role leads the Delivery & Partnerships team, ensuring strategic alignment, excellence 
of delivery, and sustained impactful partnerships.
You will play a pivotal role in driving programme quality, ensuring retention, maintaining model 
fidelity, and ensuring high-quality outcomes for interns. Additionally, you will oversee the growth of 
our number of programmes, in line with our strategic regional and national plans. You will also 
contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, working closely with cross-functional teams 
to maximise DFN Project SEARCH’s impact.
Regular travel throughout the UK will be required, with occasional travel to other areas of our delivery. 
In addition, occasional international travel may be required, for example to the annual conference in 
the United States.

Essential Experience and Skills
• A passion for changing the lives of young people with learning disabilities and / or who are 
autistic 
• Educated to degree level or relevant Professional Qualification 
• Highly motivated and organised self-starters with the ability to work under your own initiative 
• Strong understanding of supported employment, education, and local authority partnerships.
• Experience in project management, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Experience using data systems and performance management tools.
• Experience delivering training and speaking at events or conferences.
• Understanding of SEND provision and funding arrangements in the UK (e.g., EHCPs, DWP, local 
authorities).
• Experience working with senior stakeholders via formal reporting mechanisms.
• Leadership experience managing people/teams.
• Financial literacy and experience managing budgets.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications
• Experience working with DFN Project SEARCH programmes or similar supported internship 
models.
• Experience in selling services or products and effective account management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety in programme delivery.
• Knowledge and experience of using the Microsoft suite, in particular Outlook and Excel 
• Experience of using a CRM for administrative and reporting purposes

DFN Project SEARCH are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young 
people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject 
to an enhanced DBS disclosure. 

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ 
candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the 
representation of these groups at this level at DFN Project SEARCH.

-Interviews will take place on:
  1st round July 23rd and July 24th
  2nd and final round: July 31st
  Closing date: Sunday July 12th

-Start date - Asap

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

· advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

· user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

· local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

We are seeking a skilled Bid Writer to work alongside our Head of Business Development to secure vital funding through tenders and trusts and foundations. If you have experience of winning income for front line services (especially advocacy), we would be particularly delighted to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

î  Identify pipeline tenders.

î  Manage and write tender submission

î  Produce highly quality proposals for trusts and foundations working closely with staff and service users

î  Produce best practice toolkit

î  Manage funder communications and reporting.

î  Assist with other funding applications as required

Experience and skills

î  Proven success as a bid writer in the charity sector.

î  Ideally experience in Advocacy or user involvement

î   Proven experience with large grants, tenders, and government contracts.

î  Highly IT proficient with experience of using AI to support in bid preparation

î  Ability to work collaboratively

î  Be highly organised and self-motivated with a proven ability to work to tight deadlines

î  Proactive, dynamic, able to work effectively independently

î  Strong writing, research, and communication skills.

î  Knowledge of fundraising regulations, GDPR, and best practices.

î  Strong understanding of EDI principles and how to apply them in your work

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

·advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

·user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

·local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

You’ll provide a warm and professional presence and a welcoming space to everyone that contacts The Advocacy Project.  You’ll interact regularly with senior managers from local government and the NHS, local councillors, charities, and people in need of our services.  Some of those who use our services may be unwell or in desperate need of help. A calm, professional manner is therefore key.  You’ll be proactive in finding ways to help people, whether through making a referral to our services or signposting to services provided by other organisations.

Key responsibilities

î  Answer calls professionally and in line with our customer service standards

î  Manage the info email box ensuring all queries are dealt with in a timely and professional manner.

î  Listen to voicemails and take appropriate action

î  Refer queries about existing referrals to the appropriate advocate or service manager proactively. Where appropriate chase to ensure that the advocate or manager has continued to work on the case

î  Make referrals to our own service using the web form which helps you enter relevant information into our Case Management System

î  Maintain a list of services provided by other organisations so that you can signpost people if they need a service that we do not offer

î  Upload reports received from external agencies into our Case Management System

î  Act with care and attention in line with our data protect and confidentiality policies; you’ll be dealing with sensitive personal data

î  Follow a simple flowchart; remain alert to potential safeguarding situations where prompt action needs to be taken to keep people safe

î  Call the Duty Advocate and request assistance on complex cases

î  Raise potential issues and problems with your manager at the earliest possible opportunity

General responsibilities

î  Participate in team meetings and training

î  Participate in personal, team and organisational development

î  Contribute to monitoring reports

î  Keep to our policies, including health & safety, safeguarding and risk regulations

î  Work to our mission, vision, and values

î  Carry out other projects and tasks as needed

Person specification

We welcome applications from people with transferrable skills and qualities, and people with diverse employment histories and personal backgrounds.

Essential qualities and attributes:

î  Aligned to our values – voice, rights, and choice

î  Calm empathetic professional manner

î  Shows professional curiosity – no stone unturned when trying to find the root cause of issues that individuals face

î  Proactive and responsive

î  Committed to high quality work

î  Team player

î  Experience of customer care or helplines, including handling telephone calls

î  Good knowledge of IT – Microsoft Office and other databases

î  Experience of data entry

î  Experience of working to customer service standards

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

î  Ideally you have worked in health and social care. Experience of working in consumer organisations such as a utility company would also be beneficial

î  Good understanding of advocacy

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

Join Disability Law Service and help empower Deaf and Disabled people to access justice. Support our vital work by delivering specialist housing legal advice and training.

About Disability Law Service 

Disability Law Service (DLS) is a Deaf and Disabled Peoples Organisation providing free legal advice and representation to Deaf and Disabled people across England and Wales. We work to promote equality, inclusion, and access to justice through high-quality legal advice, welfare benefits support, and systems change work. Our work is grounded in the social model of disability and is focused on tackling discrimination and structural barriers faced by Deaf and Disabled people. 

Purpose of the role 

To provide specialist housing law advice, casework, representation, and training to Deaf and Disabled people and organisations, supporting access to justice and systemic change. 

Overview 

You will deliver housing law advice via our dedicated housing helpline, undertake casework and representation where appropriate, and deliver training to external organisations. You will also contribute to policy work and wider systems change activity. 

Key responsibilities 

• Provide housing law advice and casework, including representation 

• Deliver advice via our Housing helpline and partnership sessions 

• Undertake Legal Aid casework and ensure compliance with regulatory standards 

• Deliver housing law training to external organisations 

• Maintain accurate case management and billing records 

• Contribute to policy and systems change work 

• Support service development and internal collaboration 

What we offer 

• Opportunities to develop experience across multiple areas of law and contribute to a diverse range of projects 

• A supportive and inclusive working environment within a committed and experienced team

• A varied role where your work directly supports access to justice for Deaf and Disabled people

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

We welcome applications from everyone and are particularly keen to support Deaf and Disabled people to join and develop within our organisation. We are a flexible employer committed to creating an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. 

To apply

To apply, please upload your CV and a supporting cover letter (up to 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role via CharityJob. Please make sure you have read the job description and person specification fully before applying for the role. 

About us:

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for more than 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

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We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, previous convictions and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

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As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.

Muscular Dystrophy UK connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically.

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This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

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Main purpose of role:

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The Head of Health Information and Engagement will play a critical role in delivering Muscular Dystrophy UK’s (MDUK) 10-year strategy by leading the development and delivery of trusted, accessible information and impactful engagement for both the muscle wasting community and the professionals who support them.

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This role will be responsible for shaping and evolving MDUK’s portfolio of health and lifestyle resources, training materials, and community and professional events ensuring they are evidence-based, user-led, and effectively meet the needs of individuals living with muscle wasting conditions, as well as healthcare professionals across primary, secondary, and tertiary care.

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Leading a dedicated team of three, the postholder will oversee the creation, maintenance, and dissemination of high-quality printed and digital resources, and drive forward MDUK’s programme of community events and professional training.

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Positioned at the heart of the Services and Support Directorate, this leadership role will ensure our information provision and engagement work is inclusive, strategic, and impactful empowering our community and enabling better care and support across the UK.

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Other responsibilities:

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• To ensure that all actions comply with the Data Protection Act.
• To represent the charity externally if required and to undertake other such tasks as required by the line manager.
• Occasional evening and weekend work as required.

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Values and behaviours:

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• A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.
• Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.
• A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Always demonstrate role model behaviour.

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Benefits:

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We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offer range of benefits includes great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...

Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1). 

Closing date: Wednesday 1st July 2026 

NB Interviews likely to be held on Friday 10th July 2026 

Interview dates: NB: Please note that we are interviewing on a rolling basis and may close the advert earlier than the stated deadline if we successfully fill the role.

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

At Ambitious about Autism, we're looking for a Learning and Organisational Development Coordinator to join our People team on a 6 month maternity cover.

You'll play a crucial role in supporting the administration and coordination of learning and organisational development initiatives within the Charity. Working closely with the Learning & Organisational Development team, this role ensures the smooth implementation of training programs, development initiatives, and cultural change projects across the organisation.

You'll provide efficient administrative support for learning and organisational development activities, managing the Learning Help inbox, promoting training courses/events internally, as well as developing, maintaining and supporting the LMS.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience in providing administrative support in Human Resources or Learning and Development
• Administrative experience with a Learning Management System
• Strong organisational, multi-tasking skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively
• Proficiency in in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, O365) and ability to learn new systems.

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

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.

Location: Hybrid / The Grange, Saunderton, Princes Risborough

Hours: 35 hours per week

We are looking to recruit a Senior Trusts and Foundations Officer to join our Trusts and Foundations team and support the delivery of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s fundraising strategy. The Trusts and Foundations team is working towards an income target of £1.3m in 2026 to 2027, with planned growth to £2.1m by 2029 to 2030. 

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your fundraising career within a collaborative and ambitious team. You will contribute to securing income from charitable trusts and foundations, building funder relationships, and managing our small trust mailing. 

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate passion for our cause, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to write compellingly about the difference Hearing Dogs makes to the lives of deaf people. You will be confident communicating with a wide variety of people, including funders, volunteers, and senior colleagues, and will bring a proactive and positive approach to everything you do.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service Payment
• Annual leave enhancements recognising long service 
• Day off for your birthday 
• Defined contribution group personal pension plan 
• Enhanced sick pay 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay 
• Eye care 
• Hearing tests 
• Learning and Development opportunities 
• Discounts on merchandise at Hearing Dog gift shops 
• Pet Dog Policy

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: 16th July 2026.

Please note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 due to its duties involving the protection of children and/or adults at risk. Applicants are therefore required to disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands, as well as any relevant non-conviction information. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with the Police Act 1997 (Part V).

Head of Volunteering

Shape the future of volunteering at one of the UK's leading charities for disabled children. Lead an ambitious strategy to transform how thousands of volunteers contribute to changing lives across retail, fundraising, and community programmes.

About Newlife

As one of the UK's leading charities providing essential specialist equipment to children with disabilities, Newlife is dedicated to making life better - for the families we serve, and for the people who help us to make that happen.

Through grants and emergency equipment loans, we ensure children get the vital equipment they need, when they need it, while our free nurse helpline offers crucial support and information – as well as a listening ear. Our campaigns help to give children with disabilities and their families a voice, advocating for change to benefit the families we serve. And we support adults with additional needs with volunteering and employment opportunities, providing an introduction to the workplace and a means for career development.

Across the whole of Newlife, our teams are crucial to our success – it's not just a job; here you'll be helping us to change lives every day.

What you'll be doing

You'll lead the development and delivery of an ambitious volunteering strategy that increases Newlife's capacity, reach and impact. Working across retail, supply chain, warehouse, fundraising and community-based activities, you'll significantly grow volunteer involvement over the next three years.

Strategic Leadership

• Lead development and delivery of Newlife's Volunteering Strategy
• Implement annual volunteering plans supporting organisational growth
• Identify emerging trends and best practice in volunteering and charity retail
• Contribute to strategic leadership as a member of the Charity Leadership Team

Volunteer Growth and Engagement

• Significantly increase volunteer recruitment, retention and engagement
• Ensure volunteering opportunities are accessible, inclusive and rewarding
• Monitor volunteer satisfaction and impact using data and insight
• Champion volunteering as key to strengthening communities and improving outcomes

Innovation and Experience

• Explore technology-enabled and partnership-based approaches to volunteer engagement
• Develop contemporary volunteering models supporting operational growth
• Promote best practice in volunteer management, recognition and development
• Ensure volunteers are equipped and empowered to make meaningful contributions

Partnerships and Growth

• Develop relationships with corporate partners, educational institutions and community organisations
• Identify skilled volunteering and employer-supported volunteering opportunities
• Contribute to funding bids and partnership proposals
• Represent Newlife externally as an ambassador for the charity

What we're looking for

Experience

• Significant experience leading national volunteering programmes in charity, retail or not-for-profit sectors
• Developing and implementing strategic plans and improvement programmes
• Managing teams and delivering organisational growth through volunteering
• Partnership working with businesses and community organisations
• Budget management, performance monitoring and quality assurance

Skills

• Strong understanding of volunteering best practice and engagement
• Knowledge of contemporary charity retail and volunteer-led operating models
• Strategic leadership and people management abilities
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Passion for improving outcomes for disabled children and their families

Location: Hybrid (2 days per week in Cannock – visits to retail locations and other sites as required)

Reports to: Charity Director

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checking may be necessary for this role.

Ready to transform volunteering?

Join us as Head of Volunteering and lead the strategic growth of volunteer engagement across one of the UK's most impactful charities. Help us build a movement that changes lives for disabled children and their families.

• Job Title: Head of Governance and Risk
• Location: Thame (Oxfordshire) 
• Working arrangements: Hybrid, 2 days per week on-site
• Salary: £65,000 per annum
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Affinity Trust is a national charity dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives. We are looking for an exceptional governance professional to join our senior leadership team as our new Head of Governance and Risk.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this is a high‑impact role at the heart of our organisation. You will lead governance and assurance, act as Company Secretary, oversee corporate risk and business continuity, and advise the Board and Executive Team.

As a trusted strategic partner, you will help ensure we meet our statutory and regulatory obligations, strengthen decision-making, and uphold our values.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading governance, assurance and Board/Committee support
• Acting as Company Secretary and ensuring statutory compliance
• Managing risk, internal control and organisational resilience
• Overseeing the performance of external legal advisors
• Providing governance oversight of data protection and information compliance

This standalone role requires significant expertise, confidence and integrity. You will bring strong knowledge of charity and company law, excellent Board-level communication skills, and the ability to balance strategic insight with hands‑on delivery.

If you are a values-driven professional who wants to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

Key Priorities for the First 12 Months

• Strengthen the organisation’s governance framework and Board reporting cycle.
• Lead a structured review of the corporate risk register and associated assurance processes.
• Embed a refreshed business continuity framework, including scenario testing.

• Support a Board effectiveness evaluation and implementation of any recommendations.
• Review the performance and value-for-money of external legal advisors.
• Enhance processes for data protection and ICO compliance oversight in partnership with the SIRO.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a highly capable governance professional who brings:

• Strong technical expertise in charity governance, risk, and regulatory compliance.
• Confidence advising senior leaders and Trustees.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and influencing skills.
• A proactive, values-led approach with the ability to work autonomously.
• The ability to juggle strategic insight with hands-on delivery.

You don’t need to have worked in a large team — this role is well-suited to someone who thrives in a standalone, high-responsibility position.

Please note, all roles are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, at the relevant level for the position. This check will be paid for by us.

Camden Disability Action (CDA) is looking for a friendly Digital Champion to support Disabled people to access technology and online services. We are looking for someone with lived experience of disability or a long-term health condition, who feels comfortable using everyday digital devices and explaining them in a patient and accessible way.You must be a Disabled person and/or have a long-term health condition to apply for this role.  

This role is all about digital inclusion, helping to remove barriers to technology, and ensuring Disabled people can access the digital world in ways that work for them.

As a Digital Champion, you will work closely with the Digital Inclusion Lead and Volunteers to deliver digital skills sessions twice a week. You will use both digital knowledge and excellent people skills to support Disabled adults to use everyday devices, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. Outside the delivery of sessions, you will carry out light administration tasks and contribute to occasional digital events with partner organisations.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives in an increasingly digital world. Strong listening and communication skills are essential, along with a commitment to digital inclusion and the social model of disability.

Due to the nature of the Digital Champion role and in-person digital skills sessions, the post is office-based and cannot be carried out remotely. The contract is part-time, 9 hours a week across two days - Mondays’ and Wednesdays. The contract is currently for 12 months, and any continuation will be dependent on funding.

CDA is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from Disabled people who are also from Black, Asian and other minoritised communities, LGBTQ+ people, and others who are underrepresented in the charity sector and leadership roles. We are also open to considering flexible working arrangements, including job shares, where this can support the successful delivery of the role. 

Age UK Wandsworth is a local, independent charity that works to promote the wellbeing of all older people in the London Borough of Wandsworth.

This is a new role in our staff team that has been created to support our Executive Team during an exciting transition period where the organisation is growing and developing new services to help older people.

This role will suit an experienced, efficient and conscientious administrative professional who wants to work with a small team who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of older people. 

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Operations is the most senior staff member at PACE and the primary day-to-day operational lead for the organisation. The postholder will ensure that services for children and young people are delivered safely, consistently, and to a high standard across all three sites, and that the organisation's systems, finances, people, and compliance obligations are properly managed.

This is an operational leadership role with responsibility for translating the Board's strategic direction into effective day-to-day delivery. The postholder will work closely with the Board of Trustees, who retain strategic governance responsibility, and will be the principal point of accountability for performance across all services. The postholder will also act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for the organisation

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership and Service Delivery

• Take day-to-day operational responsibility for all PACE services across all three sites, ensuring consistent, high-quality, and safe delivery.

• Support and line manage Senior Centre Managers and Service Managers, providing clear direction, regular supervision, and accountability.

• Ensure all services meet regulatory requirements including EYFS, Ofsted standards, safeguarding and child protection legislation, and disability inclusion policy.

• Maintain and develop operational policies and procedures that reflect best practice in service delivery for children and young people, including those with additional needs.

• Identify and respond to operational risks across sites, escalating to the Board where appropriate.

2. Safeguarding

• Act as the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), maintaining overall responsibility for safeguarding practice across all sites.

• Ensure centre managers and service leads fulfil their DSL responsibilities and that training, records, and incident reporting are consistent, up to date, and audit-ready.

• Lead the organisation's response to any safeguarding concern or Ofsted inspection, maintaining transparent and proactive communication with commissioners and the Board.

• Embed a culture of safeguarding awareness and accountability across the whole staff team.

3. Financial Management and Budget Oversight

• Work with the Finance team to manage the organisation's annual budget, ensuring income and expenditure are tracked accurately and reported monthly.

• Hold budget holder accountability across service and centre level, ensuring managers understand and operate within their agreed financial envelopes.

• Monitor income streams - including statutory contracts, parental fees, grants, and fundraised income - and alert the Board to variances or risks in a timely manner.

• Support income generation through effective contract delivery, occupancy management, and proactive relationship management with commissioners.

• Oversee the Fundraising Manager's workload and priorities, ensuring fundraising activity is aligned to operational need and deliverable commitments are accurate before submission.

4. Human Resources and Workforce Management

• Lead, support, and develop the staff team, fostering a culture of professionalism, consistency, and accountability.

• Work with the HR Consultant to ensure HR processes - including onboarding, probation, sickness management, performance management, and offboarding - are followed correctly and documented appropriately.

• Conduct regular line management meetings and appraisals with direct reports, setting clear expectations and addressing performance issues promptly and fairly.

• Manage staffing levels and deployment across sites to ensure services are appropriately resourced, proportionate to demand and income, and compliant with contractual ratios.

• Address workforce culture issues, reducing reliance on informal decision-making and ensuring accountability is embedded at all levels of the team.

5. Commissioner and Stakeholder Relationships

• Maintain and develop the organisation's relationships with Camden commissioners, the Play Providers Forum, Family Hubs, and other statutory and voluntary sector partners.

• Ensure proactive, transparent, and timely communication with Camden regarding service delivery, performance data, and any operational concerns.

• Represent PACE at external meetings, forums, and events as required.

• Support the development of community partnerships that extend the reach and impact of PACE's services.

6. Compliance, Governance and Risk

• Ensure organisational compliance with all relevant regulatory frameworks including Ofsted, EYFS, charity law, and employment legislation.

• Maintain and regularly review operational policies, risk registers, and compliance records, ensuring they are current and accessible across all sites.

• Provide the Board of Trustees with regular, concise, and accurate reports on operational performance, financial position, safeguarding, staffing, and risk.

• Support Board governance by preparing timely papers, flagging decisions required, and maintaining clear separation between operational management and trustee oversight.

7. Systems, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Embed consistent, documented operational systems across all sites, reducing reliance on individual knowledge and informal workarounds.

• Develop and maintain monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track service quality, outcomes for children and families, and contractual KPIs.

• Oversee the organisation's use of operational systems including safeguarding software, HR and payroll platforms, invoicing, and timekeeping tools.

Produce and sign off external impact reports for funders and commissioners

Essentials:

• Experience in an operational management role within a children's services, play, youth work, education, or social care setting

• At least 3 years in a management role with direct line management of multiple staff or teams

• Demonstrable knowledge and practical experience of safeguarding children, including DSL-level responsibility

• Experience managing multi-site or multi-service delivery

• Sound financial literacy: budget management, variance analysis, and income/expenditure monitoring

• Experience of working with Ofsted regulatory frameworks, including EYFS

• Strong people management skills: supervision, appraisal, performance management, and HR process compliance

• Experience working with, and reporting to, a Board of Trustees or equivalent governance body

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple sites calmly and consistently

• Commitment to inclusive practice and experience working with children with disabilities and additional needs

• A suitable Level 3 or above qualification in Early Years, Childcare, or a relevant field (e.g. CACHE Level 3, BTEC Level 3 in Children's Play, Learning and Development, or equivalent EYFS-recognised qualification)

Desirable 

• Experience of income generation including commissioner relationships, grant management, and contract compliance

• Experience of charity or voluntary sector management

• Coaching or mentoring experience

• Knowledge of Camden's VCS and community infrastructure

Conditions of Employment

• This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

• The postholder will be required to work across all PACE sites in Camden. Flexible or hybrid working will be considered where operationally appropriate, but the role requires significant on-site presence.

• PACE is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from all sections of the community.

• PACE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Location: Remote, with some travel to Cannock, London and other locations as required
Reports to: Charity Director
Team: Charitable Service

At Newlife, we’re entering an exciting new chapter - we’re on a mission to empower disabled children and their families, to live life to the fullest and champion the joy of childhood.

So we’re investing in our people and building the team we need to deliver our new strategic ambitions. 

Newlife is looking for an experienced and values-driven Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our policy, influencing, public affairs and campaigning work. This is an exciting opportunity to shape national conversations and drive meaningful change for disabled children and their families across education, health and social care systems.

In this role, you will ensure that lived experience is at the heart of Newlife’s influencing work, developing evidence-based policy positions, building strategic relationships and delivering campaigns that challenge barriers, raise awareness and improve outcomes for families.

About the role

As Policy and Public Affairs Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Newlife’s policy, campaigns, public affairs and lived experience activity. You will identify opportunities to influence policy and practice, develop compelling cases for change, and represent Newlife with decision-makers, sector partners and external stakeholders.

You will also oversee the delivery and development of the APPG for Access to Disability Equipment, working with parliamentarians, government departments and sector organisations to increase awareness of the issues affecting disabled children and families.

Key responsibilities

o Lead the development and delivery of Newlife’s policy, public affairs, campaigning and influencing strategy.

o Develop evidence-based policy positions informed by research, service insight and lived experience.

o Ensure the voices of disabled children and families shape Newlife’s policy, campaigning and influencing work.

o Oversee the APPG for Access to Disability Equipment and build relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers and sector partners.

o Lead campaigns and influencing activity that raise awareness, challenge barriers and support policy change.

o Build strategic partnerships and coalitions to strengthen Newlife’s influence and collective impact.

o Represent Newlife externally at parliamentary events, conferences, roundtables and sector forums.

o Provide effective leadership for policy, campaigns and lived experience activity, including line management of the Lived Experience Coordinator.

o Contribute to organisational strategy, planning and growth as a member of the Charity Leadership Team.

About you

We are looking for someone with significant experience in policy development, public affairs, campaigning or influencing, ideally within the charity, public or not-for-profit sector. You will bring strong knowledge of policy and influencing processes, excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

You will be confident developing policy briefings, consultation responses, reports and position papers, and able to use evidence, research and lived experience to influence change. You will also be a collaborative leader with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity and the rights of disabled children and their families.

Essential experience and skills

o Experience of developing and delivering policy and influencing strategies.

o Experience of building relationships with parliamentarians, policymakers, government departments or national stakeholders.

o Experience of managing campaigns, consultations or public affairs activity.

o Experience of partnership and coalition working.

o Experience of using research, evidence and lived experience to influence change.

o Strong understanding of education, health, social care and disability policy.

o Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

o Strong leadership, people management, strategic thinking and analytical skills.

o Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.

For the full person specification, please refer to the attachement below 

Why join Newlife?

This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in strengthening Newlife’s voice and influence, helping to create systemic change for disabled children and their families. You will work with passionate colleagues, families, professionals and partners to shape policy, improve practice and ensure lived experience drives meaningful action.

If you are a strategic, compassionate and influential leader who wants to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

In return, you will receive 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, a generous in-store discount, a cash health plan, discounts on restaurants, travel and insurance, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme through Retail Trust.

#Policy and Public Affairs Manager #Policy and Public Affairs #Policy Manager #Public Affairs Manager 

We're looking for an inspiring Head of Volunteering to lead and shape the future of volunteering across Sense.

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

About the Role

We're looking for an inspiring Head of Volunteering to lead and shape the future of volunteering across Sense.

This is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change, ensuring volunteering continues to play a vital role in delivering our mission. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you'll provide organisation-wide leadership on volunteering, helping us maximise our impact, strengthen community connections, and support the long-term sustainability of our services.

Working closely with senior leaders and teams across the organisation, you'll champion inclusive, accessible and innovative volunteering opportunities that enable people from all backgrounds to contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver a volunteering development plan aligned to Sense's strategic priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on volunteering strategy and opportunities.
• Champion volunteering as a key contributor to organisational impact, reputation and sustainability.
• Represent Sense internally and externally, promoting excellence in volunteering.

Developing Volunteering

• Create new, flexible and inclusive volunteering opportunities across services, communities, retail and corporate activity.
• Develop frameworks, tools and guidance that support managers to recruit, engage and retain volunteers effectively.
• Build volunteering opportunities that are meaningful, accessible and rewarding.
• Develop robust KPIs to measure volunteer engagement, impact and experience.
• Use volunteer feedback to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

Inclusion and Engagement

• Promote accessible and inclusive volunteering practices across the organisation.
• Work alongside volunteers, disabled people with complex needs and families to co-design volunteering opportunities.
• Ensure volunteer voices help shape the future of volunteering at Sense.

Governance and Compliance

• Provide expert guidance on volunteering governance, risk management and best practice.
• Lead the development and review of volunteering policies and procedures.
• Ensure volunteering activities comply with relevant legislation, regulation and safeguarding requirements.
• Manage the central volunteering budget and demonstrate value for money.

About You

You'll be a passionate and experienced volunteering leader with a strong commitment to inclusion and social impact.

You'll bring:

• Proven leadership experience within volunteer management.
• Experience working in social care, health, disability services or a related sector.
• A track record of developing and growing inclusive, sustainable volunteering programmes.
• Strong coaching, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Experience using data and insight to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact.
• Budget management experience and an ability to demonstrate return on investment.
• A commitment to accessibility, inclusion and rights-based approaches.

We'd love it if you also have

• Experience supporting disabled people with complex needs.
• Experience within regulated services.
• Knowledge of retail volunteering.
• Experience of co-production and co-design approaches.
• Understanding of trauma-informed or positive behaviour support approaches.
• Experience using digital systems to enhance volunteer engagement.

Why Join Sense?

This is an opportunity to shape volunteering across one of the UK's leading disability charities. You'll join a values-led organisation where collaboration, inclusion and innovation are at the heart of everything we do.

If you're passionate about creating outstanding volunteer experiences and want to help more people make a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

To apply

Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly.  We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying.

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.

No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.

Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That's why we're committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.

We know there's always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we're working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.

If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the talent acquisition team. We are a Disability Confident Leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role. More information on this can be found here Our commitment as an employer | Sense Careers