Associate Director
Do you have senior-level experience in advocacy/influencing; service delivery or community engagement and development?
We’re looking for an exceptional systems leader to drive the work across the East of England and ensure people affected by stroke have the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Position: S11367 Associate Director – East of England
Location: Home-based, East of England. However, travel and overnight stays within the UK will be required as part of this role.
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary: Circa £64,700 per annum (Inner London weighting £3,950 per annum or Outer London weighting £2,457per annum may be applied in accordance to where you live)
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.
Closing Date: 31 May 2026
First interview Date (online): 9 June 2026
Second interview Date and discussion with team (face to face, London): 17 June 2026
The Role
You’ll lead the Association’s work in East of England, focusing on what matters most to stroke survivors and ensuring this work has real, measurable impact. In this influential role, you’ll build strong relationships across health and social care, Local Government, and the wider stroke community. Influencing local policy and practice, and overseeing the effective delivery of high-quality stroke support.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Lead the Association’s strategic direction and impact in the East of England, 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.
- Increase the reach and impact of the locality delivered services to ensure all new stroke survivors in the East of England receive the support they need.
- Lead and develop the East of England 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.
About You
You’ll have:
- Senior-level experience in advocacy/influencing; service delivery or community engagement and development.
- Senior level experience influencing policy change, ideally in health and social care, at a regional or national level.
- Substantial experience of holding senior-level relationships with partner organisations, ideally in health and social care / the NHS using strong negotiation skills and political judgement.
- Proven experience of leading high performing teams and large geographically distributed teams of paid staff and volunteers, with a strong track record of growing and developing staff and teams.
- Inspiring leadership approach, balancing strategic and operational demands with sound judgement, and strong knowledge of influencing and systems leadership.
The East of England comprises of the areas within the NHS Integrated Care Boards of: Central East (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes), Norfolk and Suffolk and NHS Essex.
This role requires extensive travel across a large geographical locality. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role. To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK.
Applications
As part of the process you will be asked to submit your CV and a covering letter demonstrating how you meet the person specification set out in the Role Profile and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience.
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.
You will be able to view the role profile when you apply.
Finding strength through support
The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing 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.
They are 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 supporters and donors that they can provide vital support.
The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.
The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and 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 the organisation work.
A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. The charity has a variety of staff network groups and are committed to continuously improving 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.
You may also have experience in areas such as Advocacy, Influencing, Service Delivery, Community Engagement, Community Development, Policy, Health and Social Care, Health. #INDNFP
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.
Advertising Agency 
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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!
Dataro are looking for a Customer Success Manager to help grow their presence across the UK charity sector. This is a role focussed on providing excellent client satisfaction to the post holders UK and Europe based charity and not for profit portfolio. You will spend your time meeting clients, following up on queries and IT tickets, and supporting them in a consultative way to get the best impact from Dataro. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities to deliver great customer service and maintaining great channels of communications.
Dataro is a growing company that has retained a start up midset and ethos, so colleagues work with high levels of agency, are solutions focussed and happy delivering at pace.
You’ll work closely with other Customer Success Managers in the UK, as well as colleagues across the USA and Australia. To be considered for this role it is vital the candidate experience of customer service and relationship management within a charity setting, who understands fundraising and what tools such as Dataro can do to help support income generation. Candidates don’t need to know Dataro’s product inside out, training will be provided, but an understanding of charity CRMs would be useful.
This is a great opportunity to join a growing organisation that still retains the energy and ownership of a startup environment, while working with charities across the UK to help them strengthen their fundraising and supporter engagement.
Application notes
Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.
To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to speak to us before the closing date.
Timeframes
Closing date for applications: Midday Thursday 19th May
Candidates will be notified of outcomes by EOD Friday 22nd May
Interviews will be two stages, see dates within the Candidate Pack
