Project managers volunteer jobs in Dunstable, central bedfordshire

About The Role
Are you able to remain organised while successfully managing projects or events? Would you like to ensure we provide best possible events experience to our supporters, whilst raising vital funds to help those affected by dementia?
We are recruiting for Events Fundraising Officers to join our ambitious Third Party and Organise your Own (OYO) Events team.
As Events Fundraising Officer (Third Party & OYO) you’ll support the growth, development, and delivery of our Third Party Events portfolio. You will lead on a varied portfolio of events such as the London Marathon, Manchester Marathon or selected events within the AJ Bell Great Run Series.” And “(travel expenses paid for by the Society and you will be entitled to claim TOIL).
You’ll work across multiple events to help us to give our participants and supporters the best possible events experience. This will enable us to build lasting connections with our cause and contribute to the £12million our team is projected to raise this financial year, with the wider Events team set to raise £22million. This is a rewarding role which helps to raise vital funds to support the lives of people affected by dementia.
These roles are all home-based, however you will be asked to travel and attend events in-person and occasionally across weekends throughout the year (travel expenses paid for by the Society).
This is a fixed-term position running until 31 December 2027.
 Interviews for this role have been provisionally scheduled to take place via MS Teams on the 29th & 30th April.
About you
Joining us, you’ll have experience managing projects and/or events, with the ability to stay organised and prioritise your workload effectively. You’ll have experience of financial management and budgeting in relation to a project or an event.
Crucially, you’ll be able to build positive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and suppliers. You’ll be an effective communicator with experience producing and managing marketing or stewardship communications. You’ll also have the ability to collaborate successfully with others to deliver successful events that enable us to achieve targets.
What you’ll focus on:

- Organising, planning and delivering Third Party events successfully, providing the best possible experience for our participants.
- Building, monitoring and managing income and expenditure budgets, along with participant numbers, to ensure we hit our ambitious targets.
- Communicating with and building positive relationships with external suppliers and internal colleagues.

Making data-led decisions and problem solving to ensure we hit our ambitious team targets, working under your own initiative whilst collaborating with peers.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer's Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a Criminal Record Check at the relevant level. You can read more information via our Website.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it's like to be an employee at the Society.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Job title: Lived Experience Facilitator - Service User Network (SUN)
Post no: 660
Working base: Mind BLMK - Luton Wellbeing Centre
Area covered: Bedfordshire and Luton (SUN offers a combination of online and face to face groups)
Hours: 21 hours per week. Monday – Friday
Working pattern: Tuesdays 9.30am – 5.00pm (7 hours) Remaining 14 hours to be negotiated depending on service need (within the hours Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5.00pm)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,147.00 per annum FTE (£14,272.62 per annum actual for 21 hours per week)

About the Service User Network (SUN)

The SUN is an open access model of community-based facilitated group peer support for people experiencing complex emotional needs associated with complex trauma and/or a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’. The SUN aims to help people develop effective ways of coping, reduce emergencies and improve access to appropriate services.

Those accessing the SUN may or may not have a formal diagnosis of personality disorder. Group members will have experienced longstanding emotional difficulties, isolation and may demonstrate patterns of behaviour that may not be helpful in the longer term.

About the Role

Fundamental to creating empowerment and engagement in the SUN Project is the therapeutic community principle, that the effectiveness of the service depends upon engaging group members in the task of running, delivery, development and evaluation of the service. The utilisation of SUN members’ own resources and expertise is integral to the SUN model of peer support.

SUN Facilitators will have their own lived experience of complex emotional needs associated with a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’ and will be able to demonstrate their recovery journey. They will work closely with mental health practitioners from ELFT (East London NHS Foundation Trust) to deliver regular Service User Network (SUN) groups in different community-based locations in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire or Luton. Full training in the SUN model, and weekly supervision by a Psychotherapist / Psychologist, will be provided for all team members.

Facilitators will work to develop and support the therapeutic community principle of the SUN model and the effectiveness of the service through engaging group members in the task of running, delivery, development, and evaluation of the service. The utilisation of SUN members’ own resources and expertise is integral to the model of peer support upon which the SUN groups are based.

SUN facilitators will have regular supervision and support in this role along with appropriate training.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Optional Health Plan
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: Monday 13th April 2026 at 5:00 pm
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

Senior Corporate Fundraiser

Location: Primarily office‑based in Hemel Hempstead; however, hybrid working can be offered where appropriate and agreed.

Salary:IRO £36,000 (FTE) depending on experience

Vacancy Type: Permanent, 30 – 37.5 hours per week

Access to a car is essential for this role

We are searching for an experienced corporate fundraiser to join our dynamic and high-performing Fundraising Team. 

You will be an excellent communicator, confident in networking and presenting a compelling case for support, target driven and have a background and successful record in securing high value (5/6 figures) gifts, business sales or similar.

You will be responsible for developing our DENS Business Partnership Programme, building a pipeline of high-value prospects, increasing engagement, and influencing the involvement of local businesses to support DENS ambitious growth plans.

You will represent DENS at regular networking events, business forums and external meetings to build visibility, grow networks and generate new corporate opportunities.

Why join DENS?

You’ll be part of a supportive, friendly, and dedicated team of fundraisers who foster a collaborative "One Team, One Goal" culture. We value and celebrate every member's contribution, ensuring you thrive in our positive working environment. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, along with ongoing training and development to enhance your skills. Your fundraising efforts will directly contribute to creating positive change and making a lasting impact in our community.

Overall Purpose: 

• Develop DENS Corporate Income Stream, creating and implementing an effective corporate fundraising plan to meet agreed targets and increase sustainable income for the charity, whilst supporting DENS ambitious growth plans.
• Build strong and influential external relationships through existing and new networks and deliver first-class donor stewardship to build a pipeline of high-value business prospects, secure new partners, and nurture existing partners – with the objective of building ongoing regular income and long-term support.
• Develop the DENS Business Partnership Programme as a framework to deliver an engaging and mutually beneficial programme of activity and network of partners, to encourage and inspire support.
• Actively represent DENS at regular networking events, business forums and external meetings to build visibility, grow networks and generate new corporate opportunities.
• Develop, manage and present a range of reporting tools to ensure efficient prospect stewardship, activity planning and income forecasting - to be used to manage and plan progress with Line Manager and Senior Leadership Team.

Skills & Qualifications

• A good standard of Education
• Experience securing partnerships in a Corporate Fundraising or Sales environment
• Experience developing and delivering a corporate fundraising or sales strategy
• Successful track record of building relationships and successfully influencing business stakeholders
• Experience managing and monitoring income and expenditure budgets
• Demonstrable track record of consistently exceeding targets
• Skilled in negotiating, pitching and winning partnerships 
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to manage multiple projects, identifying conflicting demands and establishing clear priorities to meet objectives and improve results
• Good written, verbal interpersonal and numeracy skills
• Diplomacy and ability to work in confidence
• Administratively self-sufficient, IT literate and knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Professional, confident, and well-presented
• The gravitas and drive to gain maximum impact, add value, and increase corporate income
• Self-starter, motivated to set and achieve goals and take own initiative in the role
• Persuasive, Can-do attitude
• People-focused and cross-team worker
• Tact and diplomacy
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential for regular travel to meetings, networking events and partner sites
• Available to attend regular early morning breakfast meetings and other networking events outside of normal working hours
• Available to work flexible hours including, on occasions, weekends, andevenings to support the wider Fundraising Team at events and fundraising activities.

Benefits include:

• 25 days or equivalent annual leave, excluding Bank and Public Holidays
• One additional day of annual leave after each 5 years’ service, up to 3 days.
• Flexible working environment
• Medicash plan, including Virtual GP, some dental and optical cover
• Employee assistance programme – 24/7 mental health support helpline
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Professional development and training, including on-going access to e-learning platform
• Staff Networks, Wellbeing Days and whole team events
• One day to volunteer for DENS or another organisation
• NEST pension scheme

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for DENS, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

30 hours per week / £30,150 per annum pro rata / fixed term until 31 March 2028 / working four days a week, working pattern to be discussed at interview.

The role involves frequent travel across Surrey to schools and joining colleagues at key meetings, with occasional travel further afield. Therefore, a full UK driving licence and access to a car are essential.

YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice.

We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.

We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.

YMCA WiSE (What is Sexual Exploitation) is our specialist project supporting children and young people across Sussex and Surrey who are affected by, or at risk of, exploitation. Through education, awareness‑raising and empowerment, we help young people understand healthy relationships, recognise harmful behaviours, and build safety and resilience.

Unlike statutory services, WiSE has a youth focussed offer that is voluntary to engage in. Our team understand young people, lived experience and trauma, and how this shapes their understanding of the world.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as an Early Intervention CSE Worker. In this role, you will deliver preventative and early intervention work across Surrey, supporting young people, schools, and professional networks to recognise and respond to the risks of sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behaviours.

Key responsibilities are:

• Deliver a programme of targeted group sessions aimed at preventing sexual exploitation and addressing emerging harmful sexual behaviours (complementing the universal and enhanced RSE offer delivered by the Sex Ed Forum).
• Build professional relationships with Surrey education providers, arranging and delivering group sessions across a range of settings.
• Maintain accurate case notes and monitoring data, contributing to timely reporting for the service and funders.
• Work collaboratively with key partners including Children’s Services, Public Health, Police, LSCB, the Sex Ed Forum, and Community Safety teams.
• Support the development and delivery of awareness‑raising campaigns targeting young people, parents and carers, professionals, and the wider community.
• Work closely with WiSE staff and wider professionals to identify young people at higher risk and refer them to WiSE project workers for specialist intervention.

We recognise the emotional weight of this work and prioritise a reflective, supportive environment for all team members. To ensure you feel supported and able to deliver high‑quality practice, you will receive regular line management supervision focused on wellbeing and supportive weekly team meetings.

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we’re looking for.

Qualifications, experience and knowledge:

• Qualification in Youth Work/Social Work or equivalent, or comparable experience working with vulnerable young people
• Proven experience in safeguarding young children
• Experience providing casework support young people aged 10 to 25 years old
• Group work experience with young people
• Safeguarding children and young people at risk of serious harm
• Delivering and risk assessing outreach work with young people
• Knowledge of risks posed to vulnerable young people through sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behaviour

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 5 April 2026 at midnight. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorship for this role, so applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity check.

Associate Director, Scotland
Ref: REF000006
Location: Home-based, Scotland (However, travel and overnight stays within the UK will be required as part of this role)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: Circa £66,000 per annum

Finding strength through support

The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading charity providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

We’re here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors that we can provide vital support.

Stroke Association is driven by our ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means we’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by Our approach to solving inequity in stroke, we are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across our charity.

We are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Stroke Association, and we are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how we work.

We are a Disability Confident employer, and we are making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. Our charity has a variety of staff network groups, and we're committed to continuously improving our diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

About You and The Role

We’re looking for an exceptional systems leader to drive our work across Scotland and ensure people affected by stroke have the support they need to rebuild their lives. You’ll shape and deliver our vision for Scotland, focusing on what matters most to stroke survivors and ensuring our work has real, measurable impact.

In this influential role, you’ll build strong relationships across health and social care, Scottish Parliament and Government, and the wider stroke community. You'll bring deep understanding of the Scottish context and ensure our work is grounded in the lived experience of stroke survivors and their families.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the Stroke Association’s strategic direction and impact in Scotland, ensuring people affected by stroke receive high quality support.
• Build and manage relationships with key health, social care and political stakeholders, acting as a credible and respected systems leader.
• Adapt organisational priorities for Scotland and ensure effective delivery through strong planning and performance oversight.
• Lead and develop the Scotland team, addressing capacity needs and building volunteer capability to meet local priorities.
• Strengthen partnerships across the stroke community to improve access to support and tackle health inequalities.
• Lead engagement in local policy and pathway development, influencing improvements at health board level.

You will have:

• Significant senior-level experience in advocacy and influencing, including shaping policy change in values-driven, social-impact contexts within Scotland’s health and social care sector.
• Substantial experience developing and managing senior-level relationships across partner organisations, using strong negotiation skills and sound political judgement.
• Experience leading complex organisational change and transformation, ensuring people-centred and sustainable outcomes.
• Strong understanding of the Scottish health and social care landscape, including Parliament, Government, influencing systems, and awareness of UK-wide legislative procedures.
• Ability to balance local, national and UK-wide organisational priorities.

To fulfil the role, you must live in Scotland and have the right to work in the UK. This role requires travel and overnight stays across the UK. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role.

Closing Date: 5 April
First Interview (online) Date: Monday 20 April or Tuesday 21 April
Second interview and Roundtable Discussion (face to face): week commencing 27 April 
Please note all roles close at midnight

Please state any preferences for flexible options in your application. Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

No agencies please. 

We are seeking an exceptional leader who can act as a credible spokesperson and ambassador for the Catholic Union, building trusted relationships across the Church, parliament and wider society and helping to grow the Catholic Union’s influence and engagement in the years ahead.

Founded in 1870, the Catholic Union of Great Britain brings Catholic laity and Catholic social teaching to the public square across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with dioceses, parishes, MPs, MSPs, MSs, peers and Catholic organisations, our vision is of a society in which Catholic laity are informed, equipped and encouraged to engage in public life.

Our work is shaped by three key themes: engagement, education and encouragement. Through these we foster informed participation in public debate, help Catholics and the wider public understand contemporary social and political issues through a Catholic lens, and inspire greater confidence for Catholics to contribute to civic and community life.

In recent years the Catholic Union has developed from being largely volunteer-led into a more professional and strategically focused organisation, strengthening relationships across the Church and wider society. Our Weekly Briefing, now read by around 6,500 people each week, has become a key channel for parliamentary reporting, Catholic news and reflection.

As Director, you will lead the Catholic Union at an exciting moment in its development. You will represent the Catholic Union publicly, strengthening relationships with bishops, diocesan leaders, parliamentarians and Catholic organisations. You will act as a trusted ambassador for the Union, grow our channels of influence and engagement, and work with Trustees, Council and a small experienced team to support the organisation’s continued development.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to serve as a public voice for a respected Catholic organisation and help foster thoughtful dialogue and engagement in public life, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please see the job pack attached. Closing date 10th April.

About The Role
At Alzheimer’s Society, we are advisors, supporters, fundraisers, researchers, influencers, communicators, and technical specialists. We are volunteers and colleagues. Together, we make a real difference in the lives of people living with dementia and their families.
We are looking for a Special Events Officer to join our team. You will help plan, deliver, and evaluate events that bring people together, inspire action, and create lasting impact. You will work closely with colleagues, volunteers, and stakeholders to make sure every experience is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive.
This role balances hands-on event delivery with strategic input. You will help improve processes, share learning, and make sure events meet the diverse needs of everyone we serve. Flexibility, creativity, and excellent organisation are key.
Contract Type: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Interviews for this position are scheduled to take place during the week commencing 20th April via MS Teams
What You’ll Do
You will coordinate and support events from start to finish. This includes planning, logistics, volunteer coordination, and on-the-day delivery. You will make sure events are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. You will evaluate events using feedback and insight to improve future events.
You will work with colleagues, volunteers, and stakeholders to develop systems, processes, and relationships that support both day-to-day work and long-term goals. You will act as a trusted resource, sharing expertise with colleagues and volunteers. You will also represent Alzheimer’s Society at internal and external events in a professional and inclusive way.
About You

- You have experience supporting events that reach and connect with diverse audiences.
- You communicate clearly and confidently, building positive relationships with people at all levels.
- You can manage multiple projects under tight deadlines while keeping attention to detail.
- You have experience working with fundraising teams, including corporate partnerships, legacy, or philanthropy, or a strong interest in learning about these areas.
- You are solution-focused, collaborative, and supportive of colleagues.
- You are committed to inclusion and equity, making sure events and interactions respect the diversity of the communities we serve.
- You are eager to learn, share knowledge, and contribute to a welcoming and collaborative culture.

At Alzheimer’s Society, you will join a passionate, values-led team. You will have opportunities to grow, learn, and make a real difference. Your work will bring people together and positively impact the lives of people affected by dementia.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer's Society Talent Acquisition Team for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a Criminal Record Check at the relevant level. You can read more information via our Website.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it's like to be an employee at the Society.

Join a team that's making a real difference.

Adfam is the leading national charity tackling the effects of alcohol, drug use or gambling on family members and friends. We improve life for thousands of people. One way we do this is by empowering families and friends to get the support they need.

We want anyone affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use or gambling problem to have the chance to benefit from healthy relationships, be part of a loving and supportive family and enjoy mental and physical wellbeing.

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a successful national remote service, offering support via the phone or Zoom to affected adults in the UK. We are looking to recruit experienced Family Support professionals to provide these virtual support sessions to individual family members and sometimes groups. We are offering a number of roles at 15-20 hours per week, across 3-5 days, including Wednesday and at least 2 evenings per week (Mon-Wed).

Experience in supporting family members affected by someone else’s substance use is essential, as is experience with assessing and managing risk. Ideally, you would also have experience of working to support parents with their parenting and / or those experiencing domestic abuse. We offer fixed hours part time contracts within a friendly and supportive team. Whilst based at home and requiring the ability to work autonomously, Adfam prides ourselves on our supportive team ethos and working culture. 

• Salary: £30,000 pro rata
• 6.5% contributory pension scheme
• Contract: One year with likely extension

This is a remote working position based at home.

Please note, although counselling skills and qualifications are welcome and valuable as part of a skillset for this role, these are not counselling roles. This is professional support work and requires additional experience or skills in substance use, social work, complex family work or a related field. The role requires directive and facilitative guidance and input. If you are a counsellor looking for typical counselling work, please do not apply for this role. Thank you.

Closing date: Sunday 19th April

Application packs can be downloaded from our website. Alternatively, please email us to request one.

Adfam actively welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Reporting to: Community & Challenge Events Manager

Hours: Full time, Monday to Friday, normal office hours are 9:00 to 5:00, 37.5 hours per week.  Flexibility is available around start and finish times

Location: Hybrid working – Minimum 40% of working time to be spent in the office based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Includes occasional local, regional and national travel.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious fundraiser with a track-record in income generation. This role forms an integral part of the Community & Challenge team, a small team that works with supporters including individuals, local businesses, schools, our beneficiaries, and community groups.

Job purpose

• To develop community fundraising activity and campaigns to support Willow’s strategic income goals.
• To work across Community and Challenge Events to deliver agreed financial and non-financial targets.
• To proactively develop relationships within the community including companies, schools, groups and organisations to raise income and awareness.
• Develop innovative fundraising initiatives with the Senior Community Fundraiser informed by sector insights and trends.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of Community, Challenge, and wider Fundraising Team targets.

Main duties/responsibilities

• To support and deliver the Community Fundraising strategy within agreed budgets to achieve financial and non-financial targets.
• To raise awareness of our work and to inspire support through the following activities:
  • To steward our network of fundraising supporters to maintain engagement and build loyalty, by providing a highly personalised approach to supporting Willow’s fundraisers ensuring our supporters receive a positive experience throughout their fundraising activity, including sending thank you communications and ongoing stewardship. 25%
  • To develop proactive relationships with various organisations within the community setting, including, schools, societies, community groups and companies. 25%
  • To deliver presentations to a variety of community audiences. 5%
  • To organise and deliver a calendar of fundraising activity that creates opportunities for supporters to help Willow. Ensure participation and income targets are achieved.  10%
  • To develop the charity’s social media fundraising activity in collaboration with the wider team.10%
  • Collaborate closely with the Communications Team, to help plan and develop multi-channel campaigns including on and offline activity that inspire and engage people. 5%
  • To work with the Communications Team to produce campaign materials, share interesting stories and fundraising updates. Prepare content for newsletters, website, and social media. 5%
  • To develop a team of volunteers to support fundraising activity. This could include delivering talks, attending events, and promoting Willow at community events. 10%
  • To foster relationships with Willow’s network of charity shops and explore collaborative opportunities to mutually support each other's initiatives. 5%
• To ensure accurate recording of supporter information and reporting on activity through:
  • Updating the charity’s database, Raisers Edge (RE) recording all donor contact and fundraising activity.
  • Using RE as a tool to aid fundraising using data insight and reporting
  • To prepare end of campaign reports to improve results for future campaigns and capture learnings.
  • To prepare regular income reports and updates as required.
• To keep up- to- date and comply with the rules as set by the Fundraising Regulator, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and other relevant legislation and codes of practice and good practice.
• To keep up to date with changes and trends in the UK fundraising environment
• To undertake any other tasks required.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in Community Fundraising
• Proven record of accomplishment in delivering and meeting targets
• Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative
• Well organised with attention to detail
• Ability to inspire and influence others to support Willow
• Ability to develop, motivate and manage individuals and groups of individuals
• Ability to manage several projects and tasks simultaneously and skilled at prioritising
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
• Effective negotiating and influencing skills
• Strong numeracy skills
• Decisive problem solver with the ability to adapt easily to change
• Innovative outlook and a willingness to suggest new ideas.

Desirable

• Experience of producing fundraising reports for activity and outcomes
• Experience in delivering fundraising campaigns and initiatives
• Fundraising database experience – preferably Raiser’s Edge
• Experience of working in the charity / fundraising sector.

Other

• Regular travel across the county (occasional national travel) will be required. Willing to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Full driving license and access to a car

 Special Conditions

Essential

• Able to work irregular (unsociable) hours and weekends where necessary.

JOB TITLE:                         Centre Based Assistance Dog Instructor (Maternity Cover) 

LOCATION:                        Based at our Centre in Milton Keynes, with travel up to 3 hours 

SALARY BAND:                 £26K - £32K per annum, depending on experience. Line management experience desirable.

JOB TYPE:                          Full time and Part time applicants considered. Fixed Term of 12-18 months 

REPORTS TO:                    Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme 

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives. 

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving 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 fast-growing charity that is a world leader in its specialist innovative field. 

The Role 

We are looking for a passionate and driven person who has previous proven experience and skills working as an Instructor within an Assistance Dog organisation, who has worked with clients and partnerships. The role includes supporting both clients who have had a MDD dog placed with them and also our own dog applicants with their puppies and young dogs to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and early training in terms of obedience, public access and developing an alert to the applicant’s condition, with the aim to reach an accreditable assistance dog partnership status. The role will also include carrying out client specific and odour training for MDD own dogs, placing these dogs with their new clients and looking after a number of established partnerships. This role would suit somebody residing up to an hour from our centre in Milton Keynes.  

Duties that encompass the role of an Instructor include:  

• Be the first point of contact for the allocated partnerships in your area. To provide guidance and instruction to applicants who have applied to the charity to have their own dogs considered for the training programme guidance and instruction on handling, behaviour and obedience and odour training as well as newly placed partnerships.

• Alongside the Instructing team, to run puppy classes, public access training, recall sessions in small groups for applicant own dogs that are in line with the charity’s quality standards and in accordance with timescales and targets. 

• To also carry out support visits and home interviews for applicants and clients that have been allocated to you.  

• Regularly monitor progress of any young dogs and partnerships in training in your area and provide detailed, evidenced feedback to Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme.

• To carry out client specific training with any MDD owned dogs that have been matched, including the required odour scent training.

• Instructing, guiding and supporting new assistance dog clients in managing and handling a Medical Alert Assistance Dog effectively, via pretraining, placement training and aftercare visits.

• Supporting partnerships in training in successfully reaching an accreditation standard and in maintaining this standard throughout the life of the partnership.

• To support a number of established partnerships in the form of aftercare, refresher training and yearly re-accreditations, assisting further afield on occasions as required.

Responsibilities  

• To escalate issues and problems to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme as appropriate.

• To carry out scent assessments on any MDD dogs in socialising as and when required with the support of the rest of the Instructing Team.

• To plan, organise and deliver practical and theoretical training to clients, meeting their individual needs in line with agreed standards to include areas such as dog welfare, appropriate handling, commanding and overall management. This will involve working with the parents as Team Leader and child as Client and working with adult clients.
• Assess the team dynamics of the family & balancing the needs of all family members as well as those of the dog.
• Assess the individuals preferred learning style and amending as relevant to aid a client.
• To accompany the client into all regular environments that they will take the dog to, ensuring the dog behaves in an acceptable manner and that the client and others are aware and clear in terms of where they dog should reside and behave for e.g. public transport, place of work. To complete a check list of environments for any applicant own dogs in training who are on the programme to be assessed within.
• To support and advise clients in transferring the odour training from pot training and recognising alerting behaviours to establish real life alerting.
• To ensure all partnerships are in line with the ADUK regulations with regards to behaviour, obedience and welfare and branding.
• Due to the nature of the role, flexible working hours may be required in some instances to facilitate the effective delivery of the work e.g. working during the school holidays with school age clients.
• To monitor the correct and false alerting percentages of allocated partnerships via data analysis, advising where necessary until the correct alerting levels are achieved.
• To complete comprehensive reports and paperwork for any time spent with applicants or partnerships in training or established. Maintain accurate records by providing verbal and written information with agreed timescales about clients, dogs, applicants and apprentices as appropriate.
• To work alongside allocated partnerships with the aim of the partnership reaching an accredited standard and feeding back to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme if there are any concerns that the accreditation cannot be achieved.
• To provide clients with appropriate aftercare services at regular intervals in their own homes in the form of annual visits, support visits or at refresher workshops run at the Centre to agreed standards.  This will include continual re-assessment of the dynamics of family and dog, formulating and training on appropriate solutions, as well as offering additional dog training advice.
• To deliver handling days as part of an applicant’s pretraining to include ‘Introduction to Assistance Dog’ ‘Advanced Handling’ and Family Handling.
• To scent train and seizure proof advanced dogs in preparation to be partnered with an adult or child client and ensure that applicant own dogs have received this at the earliest opportunity.
• To maintain the ongoing public access training with any advanced dog in scent training that has been allocated to them.
• To liaise with Independent Contractors as relevant.
• To provide support to the Charity’s public relations and fundraising functions as required, specifically in your area.
• To act as the ‘contact’ person for the assistance dog programme in relation to training policy procedures with clients and their families, other professional service providers and members of the public.  This will include on-going research and development of the project.
• As required, to liaise and provide support for Volunteers of the Charity.

Other 

• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity.

• Any other duties or tasks that are required to ensure the successful running of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog Department and the Charity overall.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
• Experience of running puppy classes, carrying out public access training and recall sessions
• Able to develop training plans for any dogs in training under your care
• High level of self-motivation and planning
• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life-threatening conditions
• Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary
• Willing to be on call for partnerships as and when required
• Willing to stay away from home in local accommodation when client locations are too far to travel back home
• Happy and able to have Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training reside in your home
• Good team player, but equally able to work independently
• Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
• Flexible

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE 

Essential 

• Previous Assistance Dog Instructing and Dog Training experience
• Knowledge of AD(UK) and ADI regulations
• Law in relation to dogs 
• Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age
• Knowledge of dog and human psychology
• Proven evidence and experience of dog handling and training skills
• Previous experience of teaching and instructing
• Sound dog training and dog behaviour knowledge
• IT literacy and report writing skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and SharePoint
• Full UK driving licence
• Pass a DBS (CRB) check due to regular contact with children

Preferable  

• Knowledge of debilitating medical conditions and understanding of how they can impact people, both physically and psychologically, particularly when they are unstable and fluctuating
• Previous knowledge of odour/scent training
• Previous line management experience 

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES ​

• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills 

• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions 

• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation

• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as able to motivate yourself

• You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as being able to motivate yourself.
• You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem-solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations.

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.

Charity Values

All employees are expected to uphold the charity’s core values in their daily work. This includes demonstrating respect through open and considerate communication, fostering cooperation by working collaboratively, maintaining honesty in all interactions and ensuring fairness through just and transparent decision-making.

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to: 

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence 

• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK. 

• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check 

• Work some evenings and weekends 

• Be willing to travel to the Centre based near Milton Keynes