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Are you passionate about helping Disabled people live independently? Do you enjoy solving problems, building relationships and providing practical advice that makes a real difference?

At Equal Lives, we're looking for an Independent Living Adviser to join our Suffolk Independent Living Service. This rewarding role supports people who use Direct Payments and personal budgets to arrange and manage their own care and support, giving them greater choice, control and independence.

You'll provide information, advice and guidance on a range of topics including Direct Payments, support planning, recruiting and employing Personal Assistants, and managing support arrangements. You'll work closely with individuals, families, professionals and community organisations to help people achieve positive outcomes and live independently.

We're looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about equality, empowerment and the Social Model of Disability.

• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Can manage a varied workload and respond to enquiries in a professional and person-centred way.

• Has experience or knowledge of HR, recruitment, employment practices or supporting people to employ staff.

• Is confident using IT systems, including Microsoft Office applications.

• Can work independently whilst contributing positively to a wider team.

• Has a full, clean driving licence and is willing to travel across Suffolk.

• Knowledge of Direct Payments, personal budgets or independent living services would be beneficial, but training will be provided on our specific services.

Why work for Equal Lives?

Equal Lives is a user-led disability rights organisation working across Norfolk and Suffolk. We are passionate about removing disabling barriers, promoting independent living and ensuring Disabled people have choice, control and equal opportunities.

This is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, support people to take control of their lives, and be part of a team committed to making a lasting difference in our communities.

Salary: £25,877.80 rising to £26,357.15 per annum after 6 month probation period

Contract Type: Permanent, Full time

Hours and working pattern: 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday 

Location: Office based during probation with possibility of hybrid working after this.

Office location: IP City Centre, Bath Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SD

Some travel is required for visiting service users in their homes or other locations, so a full and clean driving license is required.

Key Dates 

Closing date: 2nd September 2026 (midday)
Shortlisting: 3rd September 2026

Interviews: 16th September 2026 at IP City Centre, Ipswich

We’re looking for a highly skilled individual who will help build on our relationships and networks across Westminster, to deliver ambitious political leadership on a range of issues. The post holder will be responsible for leading advocacy interventions and providing political support to our policy experts, with a focus on Transport and Resources policy.

As a senior political adviser within the politics team, you will also be involved with, and lead on, major projects or themes of work across the political leadership theme (including the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Environment (APPG), which Green Alliance holds the secretariat for), managing and developing key external relationships and supporting the Director of politics as they lead the politics team.

You will need to be an exceptional communicator, adept at bringing people together around a shared vision and have the interpersonal skills to inspire and work across Green Alliance and liaise with our extensive network of partners.

You will be a highly organised, capable multi-tasker with experience managing projects and able to think on your feet, while managing multiple relationships and advocating plans concurrently.

The role entails identifying and leading on opportunities for the UK government to achieve environmental progress and implementing advocacy strategies to secure it. You will have direct access to senior policy makers and environmental leaders, so will need to articulate recommendations succinctly and persuasively.

The role requires excellent understanding of UK political processes (especially in Westminster, parliament and Whitehall) and experience of using it to influence policy effectively. Experience of operating within the system or of working directly with politicians and the media to achieve policy change would be a distinct advantage.

We are looking for a full time Receptionist to work at our Day Centre - this is a new and exciting role suiting applicants who are both well organised and enjoy interacting with people.

Who should apply?

This role would be suitable for someone:

• wishing to begin a career in Wandsworth and/or in the Charity sector
• wishing to make a difference to the lives of older people
• who would like meaningful contact with clients
• who wants to become part of a hard-working, caring, compassionate and supportive staff team

Previous administrative and reception experience may be beneficial, but the role will include a comprehensive induction and full training will be provided.

Context

Age UK Wandsworth manages the Gwynneth Morgan Day Centre, delivering flexible support to older people, adults with disabilities, and adults with dementia. Clients come to the Day Centre to participate in stimulating activities of their choice.

This is a unique opportunity for someone with great energy, efficiency and enthusiasm to work closely with our experienced Day Centre Team to manage and further develop “a day centre with a difference” in Wandsworth.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Project Manager (CEO)

Following many years of exceptional service, which has seen Durham City Youth Project (DCYP) grow and develop, our current Project Manager (CEO) is stepping down from her post.  The DCYP trustees seek to appoint a Professionally Qualified and Experienced Project Manager (CEO) who can demonstrate passion and enthusiasm to lead the Project into the next stage of its development.

DCYP has been supporting children and young people since 1933. We work across County Durham to provide youth work, counselling, sexual health education and wellbeing support for young people aged 8–19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.

Our mission is to create opportunities that help young people develop confidence, resilience, skills and aspirations while ensuring they have access to trusted adults, positive activities and support when they need it most.

We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of their background, circumstances or challenges.

Hours: 35 hours a week to work regular evenings and weekends
Salary: £33k – 37k per annum
Holidays: 6.5 weeks holiday (pro rata), inclusive of  bank holidays
Based: Across County Durham
Benefits: Company pension scheme
Occupational sick pay
Ongoing training and professional development
A supportive and flexible working environment

Durham City Youth Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.