Entry level jobs for the Disability sector

The postholder will support adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to have their voices heard, engage in the community, and influence the services they use. Key responsibilities include:

• Organising Mystery Shops: Plan and run mystery shopping activities to ensure members experience high-quality services from statutory and other organisations, providing timely feedback to help providers improve.

• Coordinating Speak Out Meetings: Organise and facilitate monthly Speak Out campaign meetings and support members’ participation in LD Partnership Board meetings.

• Supporting Campaign Participation: Assist members to take part in and report on campaigns at Borough, Londonwide, and UK levels, with the aim of improving services for adults with learning disabilities.

• Supporting Consultations: Help members engage in consultations at local, regional, and national levels, ensuring their views are captured and communicated effectively.

We are seeking someone who can empower our members to stand up for themselves, share their opinions, and actively participate in community life. Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, alongside a good understanding of the challenges faced by adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. This role is central to helping members Speak Out in Hounslow and increasing their visibility and influence as valued community members.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 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, 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.

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About you:

The Senior Fundraising Database Officer is an exciting role at MDUK, that will sit within the Fundraising Team. 

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You will manage and optimise Muscular Dystrophy UK’s supporter database, ensuring accurate data, compliant Gift Aid claims, and effective segmentation for fundraising campaigns.  Your role will include data imports, cleaning, and reporting, while providing actionable insights to support recruitment and retention strategies.

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About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that 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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Benefits:

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.

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Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offerrange of benefits includes ​great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...

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

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Closing date: Monday, 5th January 2026

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NB Interviews likely to be held on Thursday, 15th January 2026

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Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

Are you organised, with excellent communication skills, attention to detail and passionate about making a difference?

Stories and impact sit at the heart of what we do at Horatio’s Garden. After the devastating blow of a spinal injury, the future can seem bleak. Horatio’s Garden creates beautiful vibrant gardens outside the starkness of NHS spinal injury centres. Places where people can begin to find connection, enjoyment and peace. We are here to open up the possibility that, in spite of everything, life can go on.

We are looking for a Stories and Impact Assistant to help us share the transformative difference our work makes for people with spinal injuries, their families and NHS staff.

This new role will be responsible for how we create and maintain the best processes to manage the powerful stories from people in our gardens and the impact data we collect. You will create a new stories and impact hub to effectively support our communications and fundraising work. You will also help to organise, input, collect and create content and evidence that can be adapted for different uses.

This role would suit someone looking to start or build their career in the communications or impact field or charity sector. It is a one-year fixed term role with training and development opportunities funded by philanthropic organisation the Rank Foundation.

Key details

• Based near Salisbury, Wiltshire (some hybrid working possible)
• Salary £24,479
• Full time, fixed term
• Reporting to Communications Manager
• Application deadline: Monday 19 January
• Initial interviews: W/C 2 February
• Start date: April 2026

Purpose of role

Stories and impact sit at the heart of what we do at Horatio’s Garden.

This pivotal new role will help us maximise these pillars to support the ambitious fundraising and brand growth in our five-year plan to complete gardens at all NHS spinal injury centres so we can be there for everyone who needs us.

The Stories and Impact Assistant will be responsible for how we create and manage the best processes to amplify powerful stories of people with spinal injuries, their families and NHS staff across our fundraising and communications work.

The role will create a new stories and impact evidence hub that will support how our impact and data gathering evidence is best used for funders, supporters and other key stakeholders to understand what life is like after a spinal injury and the transformative effect of our gardens.

You will have some opportunity to travel to the charity’s gardens and meet people with spinal injuries, volunteers and staff.

Funding

This is a one-year fixed term role funded by the Rank Foundation, a philanthropic organisation which encourages and develops leadership and promotes enterprise and innovation. It is part of the Rank Foundation’s Time to Shine, a leadership programme which offers a 12-month role alongside training and development opportunities. The role includes mandatory training days held by the Rank Foundation that will require travel and possible overnight stays.

It would suit someone looking to start or build their career in the communications or impact field or charity sector. The final job offer is subject to approval of the chosen candidate by the Rank Foundation.

Main duties

• Liaise with organisational teams across fundraising and communications to best understand how stories, impact data and published evidence are needed and used across the organisation.
• Design and maintain robust systems and processes to manage our complex database of stories and impact data from each of the gardens and track their use to ensure we’re making the best of their potential across our fundraising, channels and events.
• Make sure all content is accessible and adapted for different written and digital platforms.
• Comply with GDPR regulations, safeguarding and best practice (training is provided as needed) to make sure our system is safe but also supportive to individual needs.
• Help to manage the library of our digital assets like photos and videos, ensuring the team have access to the most impactful content for their needs.
• Work closely with the Senior Impact Researcher to support the organisation and management of data and scientific evidence, for example patient questionnaires and counting garden use.
• Respond to briefs from the team to gather impact reports featuring individual stories to share with internal and external stakeholders.

General duties

• Support the wider team with administrative duties that support the smooth running of the organisation.
• Actively contribute to team and all staff meetings.

Skills required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a diverse workload.
• Good IT and software skills and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work as a self-starter, using your own initiative.
• Flexible, can-do attitude, with the ability to remain calm and professional when under pressure.
• Basic digital software knowledge including design and film editing would be desirable – and we can support this with additional training.

We are looking for someone who has:

• The ability to take initiative and be a self-starter, working independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong administrative skills and organisational abilities.​
• Ability to engage and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A willingness to learn new skills and to develop existing skills.
• A positive, can-do and resilient attitude.
• Passion for the charity sector.
• Understanding of best practice with relation to consent processes and data protection – and we can support this with additional training.

Horatio’s Garden is keen to promote training and opportunities, and we will support the candidate to attend relevant training courses where a need can be demonstrated and to make the most of any opportunities to learn additional skills.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sectors of society. Please note that this role will involve occasional out-of-hours working (including evenings and weekends).

How to apply

Please read the full job description before applying. Please submit your CV and cover letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining why you are suited to the role to Alex Geaney, Communications Manager. Please note that applications will not be considered without a cover letter.

The closing date for applications is Monday 19 January 2026. Interviews will take place w/c 2 February, with the role starting in April 2026. We may close the applications earlier if a suitable candidate is found. We look forward to receiving your application.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 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.

​

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, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

​

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.

​

About you:

The Creative and Content Officer is an exciting role at MDUK, that will sit within the Marketing and Communication Team. 

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You will develop and create impactful content across a wide range of formats, managing production workflow, and supporting our brand work.

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You will help deliver projects using your skills and those of external partners in the production of content such as design artwork, social graphics and copy. You will also support in the project management of creative projects.

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About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that 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. 

​

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.

​

Benefits:

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 offerrange 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: Tuesday, 6th January 2026

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NB Interviews likely to be held on Monday, 12th January 2026

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Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

About the Role

Do you have a creative flair and a passion for collaboration? We’re looking for someone to help shape and deliver a public engagement and events programme that showcases Headway East London’s occupational projects in art, food and music, strengthens partnerships, and raises awareness of brain injury.

The role is to work closely with our members, you will co-produce events, workshops and creative projects that highlight their experiences and talents. Also, nurture and develop relationships with partners and stakeholders, identify new opportunities for collaboration and ensure members are meaningfully involved in all aspects of engagement.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Public Engagement Programme Delivery

• Support the delivery of a public engagement programme that raises awareness of brain injury and showcase our creative work in art, food, and music.
• Work closely with the Director of Development and staff teams to identify and develop opportunities for public engagement (e.g. exhibitions, performances, and community events).

​Member Co-production and Creative Participation

• Work closely with members to support their participation in projects and events, ensuring their voices and experiences contribute to the planning and delivery.
• Support in facilitating steering groups or member planning sessions to shape ideas and gather feedback for improvements.

Partnerships and External Relationships

• Support in building and maintaining positive relationships with local organisations, cultural venues, and community partners to broaden our reach and profile.
• Represent Headway East London at events, meetings and community forums, acting as a positive ambassador for the organisation and its members.

 Event, Operations and Delivery

• Support all logistical aspects of events, including venue booking, liaising with suppliers, organising materials, and coordinating volunteers.
• Contribute to event promotion and audience engagement, including managing guest lists, ticketing, and attendee communications.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support the collection of feedback, stories, and data from events and projects to evaluate their success and impact.
• Support with monitoring and reporting processes that inform fundraising, communications, and project planning. 

Key Relationships - Internal and External

Internal: All staff, Members (service users) and their families, Volunteers

External: Public audiences - supporters and funders Partner organisations, Corporate stakeholders, Contractors

Other

Apply the Headway East London values and behaviours to every aspect of the role at all times.

Protect and enhance the interests and reputation of Headway East London internally and externally.

Commit to the organisational principles of: coproduction equity, diversity and inclusion sustainability.

Headway East London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

Assistant Benefits Advisor
Salary £24,000 FTE (rising to £27,000 per year FTE after 1 year and completion of training) 
17.5 - 21 hours per week, 6.6 weeks holiday   
Remote working with occasional travel for events and meetings in West Sussex

Are you passionate about working with SEND families? 
Do you have the transferable skills and qualities to train as a benefits advisor?

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join a rapidly growing caring charity with the benefits of flexible family friendly working (from home), generous holiday, pension scheme, travel expenses, laptop and phone provided.  

Reaching Families was established in 2008 to empower, inform and support parent-carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in West Sussex.  We achieve this through the delivery of our services providing information, training and peer support.

Our Benefits Advice Service provides support to parents of children and young people with SEND in West Sussex applying for Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independent Payments (PIP).  Offering 1-2-1 advice sessions on the above benefits, support with claim checking of draft applications, information resources on benefits and other sources of financial support, and training workshops on DLA, PIP and Universal Credit.

We are looking to recruit a skilled and motivated Assistant Benefits Advisor to join our team
The post holder will be responsible for supporting our Benefits Advisor with the delivery of information, advice and guidance on Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to parent-carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in West Sussex.  This is a training role with the view to promotion to Benefits Advisor following completion of training. 

Person Specification (essential):
• Understanding of challenges facing parents and carers of children with SEND 
• Passionate about improving the life chances of children with SEND and their parents/carers, and families
• A highly motivated self-starter with a flexible approach to working life 
• A creative and strategic thinker 
• Committed to professional and personal development and lifelong learning 
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse and demanding workload 
• Comfortable working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
• Excellent writing and editing skills 
• Experience of using MS Office including SharePoint
• A good all-round education including GCSE’s (or equivalent) or NVQ level 2 

See attached job description for details and full criteria 

We welcome applications from all members of the community and value diversity in the organisation. Please contact us if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process due to any disability or health requirements. 

Closing date for applications is 12th January 2026

Interviews to be held in Littlehampton on 21st/22nd January 2026

To apply please complete the attached application form and share why you feel you fit the role and person specification (see attached documents) 

Are you passionate about inclusive music making and supporting adults with learning disabilities to express themselves creatively? Do you enjoy bringing people together through rhythm, sound and shared experiences?

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small and welcoming Southwark charity that supports adults with learning disabilities to live connected, confident and fulfilling lives. We offer creative, social and practical sessions throughout the week. Music plays an important role in promoting positive wellbeing, and helps people build confidence, try new things, and feel part of a community.

We are looking for a friendly and engaging Music Facilitator to lead our weekly music sessions. You will encourage participants to explore a range of instruments, express themselves and enjoy the experience of making music together. Our groups include adults with a wide range of learning disabilities so sessions must be accessible, adaptable and delivered with flexibility and patience.

About the Role

As our Freelance Music Facilitator, you will plan and deliver inclusive sessions that may include:

• exploring different instruments
• rhythm and percussion activities
• creative music making
• group interaction and confidence building
• simple performance or sharing moments

You will also complete required paperwork including Individual Learning Plans, course outlines, schemes of work and track progress across each term.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities
• Experience leading music sessions or creative workshops
• Confidence using a variety of instruments
• Ability to plan accessible, engaging activities for mixed ability groups
• Friendly communication skills and a patient, encouraging approach
• Reliable, organised, and able to manage the routine administrative tasks involved in lesson delivery

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

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, 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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Main purpose of role

Main purpose of role The Helpline and Support Officer role sits within the Services and Support Directorate and provides tailored advice and practical support to individuals and families living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions from the point of diagnosis and beyond.

The Helpline and Support Officer will support people to navigate the UK’s Job description health, social care and welfare systems, enabling access to the services, benefits and equipment they are entitled to.

The role also involves informal advocacy, helping service users communicate their needs to overcome barriers; while ensuring they receive high-quality and ongoing support throughout their journey.

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About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the charity bringing individuals, families and professionals together to fight muscle-wasting conditions. We bring together more than 60 rare and very rare progressive muscle-weakening and wasting conditions, affecting around 110,000 children and adults in the 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.

Benefits:

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 also offer a range of benefits including pension, life assurance, discount in high street shops and gym membership, cycle scheme, health cash plan, financial wellbeing and an employee assistance programme.

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Location: Head Office, London SE1 (at least one day a week in Head Office, with flexibility for hybrid and homeworking

Closing date: Thursday 8th January 2026

Interview dates: 19th January 2026

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities