Jobs for the Disability sector

F6IT helps children and young people, aged 0-25,with additional needs and disabilities, with their families and friends, get active, connect and have fun.

We offer accessible and inclusive fitness, clubs, leisure activities and support that break down barriers, reduce isolation and boost physical and mental wellbeing. 

About Our Role

You will contribute to the strategic direction of F6IT ensuring we achieve our vision where disabled children and young people with their family and friends can together and inclusively, enjoy a rewarding life which is fun, beneficial and above all fulfilling. 

As the Operations Manager you will work with the CEO and Trustees to manage and oversee the operations and administration in line with the strategic direction of F6IT.  This will include a variety of different task and activities.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead day to day management of all F6IT activities. This includes the planning, delivery and evaluation of inclusive events, clubs and fitness activities
• Coordinate Coaches, Session Leads and Volunteers to ensure activities and session are well planned and staffed
• Work with the Social Media Lead to advertise and promote activities and events
• Develop and monitor kdy performance indicators (KPIs) and analyse data to identify trends and areas of improvements
• Work with CEO and Trustees to develop and plan new events, clubs and fitness activities
• Oversee bookings, payments and banking related to events and activities
• Track DBS checks, mandatory and additonal training for all Volunteers, Staff and Trustees
• Take responsibility for compliance with health and safety, safeguarding and risk management   

Essential Experiences and Skills

• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills written and verbal
• Good problem solving skills 
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Solid experience with MS Office and Payment systems
• Previous experience in a similar role
• Hold a valid UK driver's licence and able to drive to attend the office and activities in South-West Surrey

This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Services​

Engagement and Events Coordinator / Community Connector / Community Facilitator, L'Arche London

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reports to: Community Leader
Hours of work: 15 hours per week
Salary: £29,128 FTE. Pro-rated salary is £11,651.40 based on 15 hours per week
Place of work: L’Arche London, West Norwood, South London
Contract type: Fixed term for 1 year (potential to be extended). Part-time.
Closing date: Sunday, 23rd November at 23:59

If you can bring people together, lead events, share stories, and make sure everyone feels part of the L’Arche London Community, then we would love to hear from you!

Join L’Arche London as a Community Connector and help us foster belonging, inclusivity, and vibrant community life through leading traditions, celebrations, and engaging communications.

You may have experience in the following roles: Community Life and Engagement Coordinator, Community Inclusion and Programmes Lead or Engagement and Inclusion Officer etc.

Main purpose of the role:

As a Community Connector, you will:

• Help strengthen relationships, promote a sense of belonging, and support the vibrant life of our community.
• Oversee and lead an inclusive and accessible programme of core traditions and celebrations throughout the year in L’Arche London.
• Keep our community and partners engaged with community life through excellent communication, both internally and externally, via channels such as social media and internal newsletters.
• Have ample opportunities to engage, reflect, and be part of community life.
• Furthermore, this role is vital for supporting our valued and appreciated Live-in Community Worker, helping guide and mentor them throughout their year with us in L’Arche London.

You can find more details about L'Arche London on our website.

Discover what makes L’Arche a rewarding place to work - explore our employee benefits on our website.

A full job description and person specification can be found in the Recruitment Pack.

To apply, please submit your CV and answer the questions on our online application form.

The closing date for applications is: Sunday, 23rd November at 23:59

We encourage you not to wait until the closing date to submit your application, as we may begin interviewing strong candidates before then.
We also reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive enough suitable applications.

Please also read our privacy notice for job applicants.

REF-224 801

We are looking to appoint an Administration Lead to join the team.

Learning Disability England works hard to be a member led organisation. This role plays an important part in the day-to-day workings of the organisation by leading on the administrative management of memberships and financial functions, as well as supporting projects and events led by other members of the team. The Administration Lead’s contribution will ensure that we deliver a national movement for change and a network for members and partners.

For more information about the role, and for an application form, please download the application pack.

About Us 

We are a small staff team of 7 people mostly working part time. All of us are home based and work flexibly. Annual leave  entitlement is 27 days plus Statutory Holidays pro rata.

There are different lead roles in the team but being small we support each other and work with members and partners to achieve as much as can together. 

Learning Disability England is a membership organisation that brings together people with learning disabilities, family members and people in paid roles to make a difference together.

Being led by what is important to our members is central to how we work. Working closely with the Representative Body and other team members to support being member led is an important part of all our jobs. 

Diversity matters to us. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation.   

Closing date for applications is 13th November 2025 at 8am.  

We will be conducting online interviews on the 20th November 2025

Fundraising Coordinator

Bexley Deaf Centre (BDC) is a small and dynamic, well-established charity which has been serving the borough since 1994. Our work is focussed exclusively on supporting people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. We work to raise awareness, break down barriers and promote understanding within the community.

This is an exciting time to join our organisation; we are about to launch an ambitious new 5-year strategy (supported by our fundraising strategy) and are actively expanding and developing the support and services that we provide. 

We are looking for a dynamic and driven Fundraising Coordinator who can lead on our fundraising initiatives, support with the development of new projects and organisational change to facilitate the growth of our services.

This exciting fundraising role will include:

·       Assisting with developing and implementing fundraising strategies to enable us to diversify our funding streams

· Identify and evaluate opportunities for new projects, developing proposals, establishing timelines and budgets

· Work closely with the senior leadership team to identify areas for growth and increasing capacity

· Support the growth of the organisation and change required to deliver our fundraising strategy 

Experience of working with Deaf people or knowledge of the Deaf community would be an advantage but not essential.

Employee benefits:

• Workplace pension scheme
• Annual leave of 5.6 weeks per year, additional time off at Christmas plus some public bank holidays
• Flexible approach to working arrangements 
• All staff are encouraged and supported to engage with further training and CPD opportunities
• Health and wellbeing - access to employee assistance programme
• Discounts at local shops and restaurants (through Blue Light Card)

For futher information and the full person specification, please refer to the attachment below

#fundraising #fundraiser #fundraising strategy #fundraising coordinator #funding #fundraising

Finance Business Partner 

Finance Business Partner – Enabling & Strategic Investments (18-Month Fixed Term Contract) London, Peterborough or Hybrid 

At Mencap, we’re passionate about changing the lives of people with a learning disability. We’re looking for a proactive and insightful Finance Business Partner to support our enabling operational departments & strategic projects.

You’ll be part of a collaborative Finance Business Partnering team of eight, providing financial insight and support to Mencap’s enabling functions – including IT, People, CEO Office, and Finance – as well as key org-wide strategic projects. This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact by helping senior leaders understand their financial position, make informed decisions, and help deliver the charity’s objectives.

What you’ll do

• Partner with senior stakeholders and project managers to deliver clear, insightful financial analysis and reports.
• Lead monthly finance reviews with budget holders, providing expert advice and challenge to drive sound decision-making.
• Support the creation of accurate budgets and forecasts, ensuring financial plans are realistic and aligned to organisational goals.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through critical review of results and proactive financial insight.
• Collaborate closely with the wider Finance Team to ensure strong financial control, compliance, and accurate reporting.
• Use your analytical and problem-solving skills to spot issues, improve processes, and drive continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for

• Experience in management accounting, business partnering, or financial planning and analysis.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret and present complex information clearly.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – able to build relationships and explain financials to non-finance colleagues.
• Ideally, part-qualified or working towards a professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or equivalent experience.
• Charity or not-for-profit experience, and familiarity with Power BI, would be an advantage.

Why join Mencap?

You’ll be joining a supportive, purpose-driven organisation where finance is at the heart of achieving social impact. Although this is an 18-month fixed term contract, there’s potential for the role to become permanent.

Apply now – applications close on Sunday, 9th November. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week beginning 10th November.

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

• Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
• Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
• Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

Support Worker at Plus Services

Are you a positive, engaging and caring person that wants to make a real difference to the world?

Do you think the greatest gift you can give is to make other people’s lives better?

Do you believe that people living with Learning Disabilities and Autism should have happy fulfilling lives, with access to the Community and enjoy the same things the rest of us take for granted?

If you answered “Yes” to these 3 Questions then Plus has an amazing role for you!!!!!
 
Who are Plus Services?

Plus is one of the most respected Learning Disability and Autism Charities in London with a proud history stretching back more than 30 years.  We have an amazing team that is dedicated to supporting people to live their best possible lives and we have literally changed people’s worlds with the support we have provided.

Our Client Group is quite varied and during the recruitment process you would be specifically recruited to work with those that your personality, skills and experience would fit best with.  Some have really challenging behaviour, but unless you had the capability to best serve those people you would be assigned to a different group.  So, there is no need to worry about being out of your depth.

We also provide industry leading training and on-going support, so rest assured you will be ready for anything the job throws at you.  I cannot promise you it will be easy, but I can promise you it will be worth it.  And when you go home you will know you have made a massive difference and the world is a slightly better place as a result of your efforts.

Who are you?

You are a caring, compassionate and capable individual?  You could be either already working within Social Care or are thinking about joining the sector.  We recognise everyone, regardless of their personal history, talents, abilities and unique personal qualities

What does matter is you must care and you must want to enhance the lives of the people who we support and rely on us.

You will need to be comfortable spending large amounts of your day one-to-one with the Service Users, there is no leaping from client to client here with 15 minute blocks.  You will need to be happy supporting people to learn new skills and become independent.  And you will need to thrive on taking people out into the big wide world, expanding their horizons, bringing a smile to their faces and adding a spring in to their step.

To be considered for the role you will need to be able to:

•  Do your share of weekend shifts, sleep-ins, waking nights and bank holidays.
•  Be physically fit and able to move freely and physically and to support service users who may be physically dependent.
•  Have a supportive attitude and want to help individuals to maximise their lives.
•  You must be able to support people with Learning Disabilities who have different ways of expressing themselves
•  Be eligible to work in the UK

In return we offer opportunities for professional development and real job satisfaction.  We can help you to develop your professional skills and knowledge and progress toward recognised qualifications such as Diploma in Adult & Social Care levels 3/4/5.

We are reviewing applications on a regular basis as part of our ongoing recruitment process and we are committed to ensuring all candidates are treated fairly 

Available positions: 
Full time Support Worker (38 Hrs per week) 
Locations: Lewisham, Southwark, Greenwich or Sutton
Pay: £27,367
Holidays: 28 days per Annum  

Part time Support Worker  
Locations: Lewisham, Southwark, Greenwich or Sutton
Pay: £27,367 pro-rata 
Holidays: 28 days per Annum (Pro Rata)

Bank Support Worker (zero hours contact)
Location: Lewisham, Southwark, Greenwich or Sutton
Salary:  £13.85 per hour.
Holidays: Based on hours accrued 

Our benefits package includes: 
• Pension contribution scheme
• Fully funded Learning and Development
• Company employee assistance programme service
•  Sleep in allowance

Policy Specialist (Children and Young People)

Are you interested in improving the lives of children and young people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners like the Disabled Children's Partnership. 

This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of children and young people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers.

This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.

You will: 

• Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.
• Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.
• Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability and their families.
• Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.
• Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.
• Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

You will bring to this role:

• Experience of working on public policy issues.
• Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.
• Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.
• The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.
• Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.
• Knowledge the issues facing children and young people with a learning disability and/or the SEND system, as well as the wider parliamentary system. 
• Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability. 

If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for children and young people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. This role will close on Monday 27th October. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 3rd November.

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

• Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
• Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes
• Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

Brighton and Hove Speak Out is an innovative advocacy charity. We support people with learning disabilities to have a voice and choice and control over their lives by providing a range of advocacy services and community projects.

About the role

We are seeking to recruit an advocate for adults and young people (17+) with learning disabilities, who will:

• Deliver 1-1 advocacy casework on a broad range of issues that enables people with learning disabilities to express their views and wishes, understand their rights and options, communicate with professionals and address issues they face.
• Coordinate Speak Out’s Drop-in advocacy service, providing time limited 1-1 advocacy within drop-in sessions.
• Develop peer advocacy at drop-in sessions.

About you

The successful candidate will need excellent communication and organisational skills. They will be able to manage a complex workload and work independently within a framework of supervision. Experience of advocacy or work with vulnerable clients is essential. Experience of working with people with learning disabilities and knowledge of learning disability services is an advantage. A full induction and training will be provided as well as ongoing peer mentoring and support. It would be desirable for the successful candidate to hold the national qualification in independent advocacy, however this can be undertaken once in post.

If you are eager to make a positive difference in your next role this is a superb opportunity to join a charity making a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities. 

 For more information about Speak Out and the services we offer please visit our website.

 Professional Development

You will have plenty of opportunities to develop in your role, through ongoing training, support and supervision.

Benefits:

· Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance.

· Holiday entitlement of 30 days, plus bank holidays 

· Flexible hybrid working 

· 3% employer pension contribution 

· Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing support package) 

· Committed to training and learning opportunities for continuous development 

· A strong sense of purpose knowing your work makes a real impact 

Equality and Diversity

Speak Out is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes, values and celebrates diversity. We encourage applications from all parts of the community and treat all on a basis of equality. We support all staff to meet their potential in their role. 

How to Apply

An application pack and more information about Speak Out can be found on our website:

All successful applicants are subject to an enhanced DBS.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications:  Monday 10th November, 12.00 noon

Interview date:  Wednesday 19th November 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Residential Support Worker (1059)

Do you have the ambition to make a meaningful impact on the lives of autistic children and young people?

At St. John's, we've been making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people for nearly 140 years. We are now looking for an incredible Residential Support Worker to help us continue making that difference!

As a Residential Support Worker, you will work under the supervision and guidance of the Care Management Team, Senior Residential Support Workers, and Therapy Teams. You will support learners in all residential houses and the community, assisting with social and academic activities.

Our aim is to ensure all learners have equal opportunities to develop their independence and social skills, preparing them for adult life.

What will you be doing?

• Supporting learners with self-care and independence skills such as eating, drinking, washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence, dressing, mobility, and medication administration.
   
• Ensuring learners' care files are kept up to date and accurate.
   
• At the start of each shift, reviewing communication and log books, and liaising with staff at handover to ensure learners' needs are well documented and addressed.
   
• Establish supportive relationships with learners and encourage the development of stable relationships.
   
• Promote the emotional health and self-esteem of learners and support them through changes in their living situation and personal circumstances.
   
• Accompanying learners into the community to take part in social and recreational activities such as bowling, cinema trips, and dining out, helping them build confidence and enjoy meaningful experiences beyond the college setting.

In return, we offer a fantastic working environment, generous holidays, career development opportunities, and more!

Please note that sponsorship for this role is not available at this time.

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

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

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

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

Documents

• Residential Support Worker - Day St J (002) - 2025 (1).pdf (457.51 KB)

Finance Lead – Fundraising & Communications, Advocacy and Activism (CAA)

Are you ready to use your financial expertise to drive fundraising growth and help shape a more inclusive future for people with learning disabilities?

Join Mencap as our Finance Lead – Fundraising & Communications, Advocacy and Activism (CAA) and play a pivotal role in maximising the impact of our fundraising and advocacy work. 

About the Role

As part of our collaborative Finance Business Partnering team, you’ll support fundraising, communications, advocacy, and activism across Mencap. You’ll provide clear financial advice, insightful analysis, and strong financial management to ensure our fundraising income is used effectively to benefit people with learning disabilities. 

Over the next five years Mencap have big ambitions to significantly grow our fundraising income and increase our influencing and campaigning impact to ensure people with a learning disability can live life to the full. 

This role is a full time permanent position.There is flexibility around where the role is based. We have large offices in London and Peterborough and smaller offices located throughout the UK. You will need to travel occasionally for meetings. However, this role will primarily be working remotely. 

Key responsibilities include:

· Partnering with directorate teams to create robust budgets and forecasts, offering support and advice for realistic financial planning.

· Providing clear financial reports and analysis to help teams understand results, spot emerging issues, and make informed decisions.

· Supporting complex income forecasting (e.g. legacies), using scenario analysis to guide planning and assess risk.

· Delivering financial analysis and modelling to support investment decisions.

· Ensuring funding applications and management of restricted funds are accurate and compliant.

· Improving finance processes and reporting, including with our new Salesforce fundraising CRM system.

· Acting as key contact for external auditors and funders regarding fundraising financials.

· Ensuring accounting and financial compliance with Charity SORP and other relevant regulations.

· Managing and coaching an FBP team member, supporting their development.

What You’ll Bring

· Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA or equivalent).

· Proven experience in finance business partnering, ideally within a charity or fundraising environment.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial data.

· Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.

· Clear communication and influencing skills, able to explain financial information to others.

· Motivation to improve systems and processes.

· Commitment to improving the lives of people with a learning disability.

Highly desirable:

· Knowledge of Charity SORP and charity finance regulations.

· Experience with restricted reserves and external reporting to funders.

· Familiarity with fundraising bids, donor engagement, and business development.

· Salesforce and/or Power BI experience.

If you are passionate about using your financial expertise to create real, positive change for people with learning disabilities, we want to hear from you!

Applications close on Sunday, 9th November. If you're interested in this position, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Interviews will begin once suitable candidates are identified, and the advert may close early.

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

· Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.

· Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes

· Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

About Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance

Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance is a national, user-led charity run by and for people with muscle-weakening conditions. We empower adults with neuromuscular conditions to live fulfilling lives through peer support, information, advocacy, and co-produced research and campaigns. Our work brings together lived experience and academic insight to influence health, social care, and disability policy.

About the Role

We are seeking a Research Officer to support a series of user-led research projects exploring:

• Access to social care and support

• Healthcare access and inequalities

• Sexual health and relationships for people with neuromuscular conditions

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge, lived-experience research that aims to improve quality of life and influence national policy and practice.

You will work closely with the CEO, Research Manager, and members of our lived experience research advisory group. You’ll be involved in all aspects of the research cycle — from design to dissemination — and will ensure that our research is ethical, inclusive, and grounded in co-production principles.

Key Responsibilities

Research Design & Ethics

• Support the design of research studies in collaboration with the lived experience team and academic partners.

• Support the preparation of ethics applications, participant information sheets, and consent materials.

• Develop interview schedules, focus group guides, and surveys.

Participant Engagement

• Recruit participants through Pathfinders’ network, social media, and partner organisations.

• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity in participant communication and data collection.

• Support co-production activities (e.g., advisory groups, workshops, testing materials).

Data Collection & Analysis

• Conduct qualitative interviews and/or focus groups with participants.

• Support data transcription, coding, and thematic analysis (using NVivo or similar).

• Maintain accurate, confidential records and data management systems.

Reporting & Dissemination

• Contribute to research reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed papers.

• Present findings to internal and external audiences, including at conferences or stakeholder meetings.

• Work with communications staff to translate research findings into accessible outputs for our community and policymakers.

Collaboration & Co-Production

• Embed lived experience leadership throughout the project lifecycle.

• Liaise with academic partners and other charities to strengthen our research and advocacy work.

• Contribute to a culture of inclusive, ethical, and participatory research practice.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience managing or delivering a research project from start to finish (e.g., Master’s dissertation, PhD, or equivalent applied research).

• Strong understanding of qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis).

• Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.

• Commitment to co-production, lived experience leadership, and inclusive research practices.

• Awareness of issues affecting disabled people and/or people with long-term conditions.

Desirable

• Lived experience of disability, chronic illness, or neuromuscular conditions. Applications will be prioritised where they meet this criteria.

• Experience of working with disabled people or people with neuromuscular or muscle-weakening conditions.

• Familiarity with ethical approval processes (university or NHS).

• Experience with NVivo or similar qualitative analysis software.

• Experience working in a small charity or community-based research context.

What We Offer

• Flexible, remote working arrangements.

• A supportive, inclusive environment led by people with lived experience.

• Opportunities for co-authorship, conference presentations, and career development in inclusive research.

• The chance to shape evidence that can drive change in health and social care policy.

Barnet Mencap is a charity based in Finchley that provides support and runs a multitude of projects for people with learning disabilities and/or Autism. We are dynamic, enthusiastic, diverse, and committed to equal opportunities and the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. 

There is currently a vacancy within our Equality Housing Team for a focused individual to join our caring, passionate, and diverse team in supporting adults with moderate learning disabilities and autistic adults to live independently in housing situations of their choice. Please note that this position will require weekend availability. Please view the Job Description and Person Specification for a better idea of what the role entails and what we’re looking for.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults in a community setting
• Understanding of the issues faced by people with learning disabilities and autistic people living independently and the skills to meet their practical, social and emotional needs
• A ‘Person Centred Planning’ ethos
• Providing support with personal care as required
• Excellent communication and record keeping skills

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.  

Stepping Stones is a small, local charity based in Southwark, supporting adults with learning disabilities to live more connected, creative and fulfilling lives. We believe that everyone deserves a space where they feel seen, valued, and able to express themselves, and that community, creativity, and consistency are key to making that possible. Each week, we run a range of inclusive activities, including music, dance, art, gardening, drama and digital skills. Our sessions offer a fun, safe, welcoming environment where adults with learning disabilities can build friendships, grow in confidence, explore their creativity and feel a true sense of belonging. Many of our learners face social isolation, anxiety, or barriers to taking part in mainstream services. Stepping Stones provides a vital bridge of a consistent community space where people are encouraged, included, and celebrated. 

We’re looking for a friendly, organised and proactive person to join us as our new Activities and Volunteer Coordinator. This is a hands-on, people-focused role. You’ll be the go-to person for keeping our weekly sessions running smoothly, supporting facilitators, welcoming learners, managing session admin and planning community events like our summer show and Christmas party. You’ll also take the lead on developing our volunteer programme by recruiting, inducting and supporting the amazing people who give their time to help make Stepping Stones such a special place.

You’ll be supported by our Charity Manager and work closely with a small, passionate team who care deeply about inclusion, wellbeing and creativity.

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have experience working with community groups and adults with learning disabilities (or similar settings)

• Are friendly, organised and calm under pressure

• Know how to manage volunteers with empathy and clarity

• Understand safeguarding, health & safety, and inclusive practice

• Are confident with admin, registers and MS Office programmes.

What we offer:

• A values-led, community-based charity where you can really make a difference

• A part-time, term-time role that could work around other commitments

• A supportive team and space to grow with the role

• Strong potential for extension beyond the first year

About the Role  

The Head of Finance will support the Director of Finance and Resources in providing strategic financial leadership across the charity. They will oversee day-to-day financial operations, ensure robust financial management, and deliver timely and accurate financial reporting to support decision-making. The postholder will play a key role in safeguarding the charity’s financial sustainability and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. 

Key Responsibilities  

Financial Planning 

• Preparation of annual budgets and long-term financial plans. 

• Provision of  financial analysis to inform strategic and operational decision-making. 

Financial Management & Reporting 

• Oversee the production of monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and cash flow forecasts. 

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of year-end accounts and the coordination of external audits. 

• Provide regular financial reports and analysis in accordance with organisational timetables set by the Director of Finance & Resources. 

• Monitor restricted funds ensuring compliance with donor requirements. 

Governance & Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC, and other statutory requirements for filing of accounts. 

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of charity finance regulations, SORP, VAT, and tax issues relevant to the sector. 

Systems, Processes & Controls 

• Ensure that financial processes and procedures are fit for purpose, up to date and efficient. 

• Lead the development and maintenance of efficient financial systems, policies, and procedures. 

• Ensure effective internal controls are in place across the organisation to  facilitate accurate and timely delivery of reporting to support organisational decision making. 

• Oversee grant reporting and donor compliance. 

Team Leadership & Collaboration 

• Develop and support the finance team to deliver a high-quality service. 

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the finance function. 

• Work collaboratively with non-finance managers across the organisation to build financial awareness and accountability. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• A relevant professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA). 

• Experience gained in a financial management role within a small or medium-sized organisation. 

• Experience in business planning, performance management and impact reporting.  

• Significant experience in managing a high-performance team. 

• Strong IT skills, particularly with accounting software and Excel. 

• Understanding of charity finance and accounting practices. 

• Strong understanding of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory frameworks. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication. 
• Strong interpersonal with an ability to establish and maintain good working relationships. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams. 

• Ability to work independently, prioritise workload, and meet deadlines.

Desirable 

• Significant experience in financial management  within the charity, not-for-profit, or public sector. 
• Experience of working with restricted funds and grant reporting. 
• Knowledge of charity tax, VAT, and fundraising income streams. 
• Experience of implementing new financial systems or process improvements. 

We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity.