Interviews will be held on Thursday 28th May 9:45-14:30
This role is ring-fenced for those with lived experience of multiple disadvantage.
Come and join us
We’re looking for passionate individuals with personal experience of homelessness, bad housing, which may include other related disadvantages such as substance misuse and mental ill-health; to come and join us and make a difference to the way we do things. If you believe that people should have a say in their own support and that they should be at the front of making meaningful change then this could be the traineeship for you.
About the role
The GROW Trainee will support people who are experiencing homelessness to move through the project towards self-advocacy. Using a supportive and respectful approach, the trainee will build positive relationships, help people recognise their strengths, set personal goals, and develop the skills to speak up for themselves. They will support individuals to understand and access services, make informed choices about their health and wellbeing, and feel more in control of their lives.
You'll support local campaigns and strengthen connections between the lived experience involvement group and the Hub, making sure lived experiences are valued and included.
Role specifics
We are looking for people who are passionate about the opportunity to use their own life experiences to help make positive change for others.
You’ll also need a commitment to equality and a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and exclusion.
Good communication skills and the ability to make people feel heard will also be essential.
Basic computer skills, e.g. word processing, the internet and email would be useful, but support can be provided.
Above all, we need people with a real desire to develop personally and learn new skills.
Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About the team
Shelter Greater Manchester is made up of several different teams and services including the Housing Rights Team, Legal Services, Early Help Adult Navigators, GROW Campus, Fundraising, Lived Experience, Volunteering and My Health Matters.
The role will primarily be based within the My Health Matter Project.
My Health Matters is a peer-led inclusion health project that works towards an inclusive health system where everyone has access to the health care they need. The project delivers a Homeless Health Peer Advocacy service which supports people experiencing homelessness to address physical and mental health needs. We work to improve people’s confidence in using health services and increase their ability to access healthcare independently. The project brings together frontline health and social care services with those with lived experience supporting the co-production of solutions to health inequalities in Manchester.
Supporting your application
We will be holding a support session at our hub in Manchester to give people practical support and advice on how to create a CV or supporting statement to apply for the role, or to pick up a paper application. These sessions will also give you the chance to find out more about the role as well as other opportunities at Shelter Manchester If you would like to come along, please contact us to book a slot. This will take place on the following date:
Friday 8th May between 11:00-12:30 – The application support session will be held at Shelter, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street, M4 5JW
We operate Fair Chance Recruitment practices and will not ask for any information about convictions during the application process. This role is subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We are open to and inclusive of applicants with criminal convictions for this role; having a criminal conviction will not prevent us from considering you.
Following the interview stage, we will ask our preferred applicant to disclose any past unspent convictions. The information disclosed will be considered by a panel and a decision will be taken about making an offer.
This role is ring-fenced for those with lived experience of multiple disadvantage.
About Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
Safeguarding statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
Registered Charity 
More than 1000
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
JOB TITLE: Northern Partnership & Dog Training Manger
LOCATION: Northern Region (Including Scotland, Northern England and parts of the Midlands)
SALARY: £37,000 - £45,000 p/a
JOB TYPE: Permanent, Full-Time and Part-Time applications considered
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.
We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease. We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.
MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE:
The Northern Partnership & Training Manager is responsible for the operational leadership, coordination and quality assurance of Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles operating within the Northern region.
Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles within the Medical Alert Assistance Dog department combine elements of dog training, client instructing, partnership placement and aftercare, depending on programme need. This role provides direct line management and oversight of Northern region staff working in these hybrid capacities.
The postholder ensures consistent, high‑quality delivery of MAAD partnerships, working collaboratively with training, welfare and senior management colleagues to support dog progression, client outcomes and compliance with ADUK and ADI standards.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Provide operational leadership for Northern region Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles, ensuring staff who work across training, instructing and partnership delivery are effectively supported, coordinated and developed.
You will act as the regional lead for instructor‑delivered partnership work, maintaining oversight of workloads, partnership progression, accreditation readiness and aftercare delivery, while contributing to continuous service improvement under senior management guidance.
Reports to: Interim Head of Partnership Services
ABOUT THE ROLE
You will oversee and coordinate the Northern Medical Alert Assistance Dog function, managing staff in Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles who support MAAD partnerships from allocation through placement and ongoing aftercare.
You will provide clear leadership, supervision and quality assurance, ensuring consistent delivery standards, balanced workloads and clarity of expectations for staff whose roles span multiple functions.
You will maintain oversight of partnership pipelines, regional capacity and accreditation timelines, ensuring accurate reporting and timely escalation of risks or concerns.
This is a senior operational role requiring strong people management, excellent dog training and instructing expertise, and a calm, organised approach to managing complex client‑facing services.
Responsibilities of the Role
Hybrid Role Leadership & Management (Northern Region)
- Line manage and support Northern region‑based Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles
- Conduct regular 1:1s, supervision and appraisals
- Chair Northern regional team meetings and provide updates to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme
- Approve annual leave and expenses, ensuring appropriate regional cover
- Support senior Partnership and Dog Training Instructor staff in mentoring or supporting less experienced colleagues
- Ensure staff adhere to departmental standards, methods and policies
Partnerships, Training & Client Delivery
- Oversee the progression of puppies within the Northern region and where required, carry out relevant assessments
- Oversee the progression of MAAD partnerships across training, placement and aftercare within the Northern region
- Ensure client learning styles, family dynamics and individual needs are identified and supported
- Support or directly deliver Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity where required, including: Scent and odour training, Client‑specific training, Placement training, Aftercare and refresher support
- Maintain oversight of partnerships requiring remedial training or additional intervention
- Carry out or support final accreditation assessments where appropriate
- Ensure qualified partnerships continue to meet ADUK standards
Planning, Oversight & Reporting
- Maintain oversight of Northern region partnership activity, including: Applicants, Dogs approaching match, Partnerships in training, Accredited partnerships receiving aftercare
- Escalate risks, delays or welfare concerns to the ADPM with recommended solutions
- Contribute to departmental reports and inspection readiness
Governance, Welfare & Compliance
- Ensure all Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity complies with ADUK and ADI regulations
- Liaise with the Health & Welfare Manager regarding health or welfare concerns
- Support rehoming outcomes for withdrawn dogs in conjunction with relevant teams
- Ensure accurate and timely record‑keeping within the Harlequin CRM system
- Occasional handling of the emergency phone, liaising with clients and volunteers to manage emergency situations
Stakeholder & Cross‑Departmental Working
- To ensure volunteers and Dog training contractors based within the Northern region are well supported by regional staff.
- Act as the primary Northern region contact for partnership‑related matters
- Work closely with Applications and Welfare teams
- Support fundraising, communications and volunteering activities when required
- Promote best practice and learning across the charity
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum 2years’ experience managing or leading staff in the Assistance Dog roles within an ADUK‑affiliated organisation
- Extensive experience delivering assistance dog partnerships, including training, placement and aftercarProven experience mentoring, supporting and performance‑managing staff
- Sound knowledge of ADUK and ADI regulations
- Strong organisational and caseload‑management abilities
- Confident working independently and managing competing priorities
- Comfortable working in the presence of dogs
Desirable
- Experience working with medical alert assistance dogs
- Knowledge of medical conditions affecting adult and child clients
- Experience supporting accreditation reviews or inspection processes
Knowledge & Skills
DESIRABLE
- Strong practical dog handling, scent training and knowledge of dog behaviour and development
- Excellent coaching, assessment and quality‑assurance skills
- Calm, clear and empathetic communication style
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to exercise sound judgement in complex, client‑facing situations
- High level of IT literacy including Microsoft 365 and CRM systems
Other Requirements
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness and ability to travel across the Northern region
- Willingness to stay away from home and have dogs reside in the home when required
DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION
We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Values & Behaviours
Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.
Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:
- We are respectful
- We stay positive
- We strive for excellence
- We communicate and listen
- We are ambassadors
- We are one team
And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual with the ability to manage teams, build strategic relationships with employers to grow the Living Wage network, and develop projects that will grow our accreditations schemes and proactively influence change across a broad range of stakeholders in public life.
- Develop and deliver strategies, working collaboratively across the organisation.
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Direct a team and line manage multiple staff and freelancers, supporting them to deliver projects and contribute to the LWF business plan.
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Monitor and evaluate the impact of our work to refine our strategy, deliver projects effectively and demonstrate the value of the real Living Wage.
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Clearly communicate the evidence for positive change to grow the Living Wage movement. Encourage employers and key stakeholders to become champions of the Living Wage movement.
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Oversee accreditation processes, identify and implement improvements to make our work more efficient.
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Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, policy makers and employers to support them to pay the real Living Wage and seek accreditation.
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Create, develop and employ the tools and knowledge available to inform and advise employers on implementing the Living Wage throughout their organisation.
Remote role with travel across the UK particularly to Birmingham.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.