Programme management specialist jobs in Northampton, northamptonshire

Help tackle loneliness among older people in care homes

Thousands of older people living in care homes receive few or no visitors. Friends for Life Bedfordshire exists to change that.

Through our befriending and group activities, we bring companionship, connection and meaningful relationships to care home residents across Bedford and the surrounding area.

We are now looking for a Manager to lead the charity through a period of growth and transition – expanding our reach, strengthening our team, improving our delivery whilst building a sustainable future.

About Friends for Life Bedfordshire

We are a Bedford-based charity working to address the social isolation of older residents in Bedfordshire’s care homes.

Founded in 2007, we have grown from a small local initiative to a registered charity with c90 volunteers supporting more than 30 care homes across Bedford Borough. In the last year, over 1,100 care home residents received our services.

The Role

This is a leadership role responsible for the overall management, performance and development of the charity.

You will lead a small team which includes specialist leads responsible for fundraising, volunteer management, and marketing & partnerships.

Your role is to set direction for the team to deliver the charity’s strategy and business plan, aligning priorities and creating the conditions for the team to succeed.

You will also act as the public face of Friends for Life, working closely with the Board of Trustees. Whilst we are small charity and this is a hands-on leadership role, success will come from enabling others, not by doing everything yourself.

Key Responsibilities

Management of the Charity

• Lead the day-to-day running of the charity and the delivery of its business plan
• Work with Trustees to shape and implement plans for development, sustainability and impact
• As a member of the Board, contribute to the wider governance of the charity

Management of People

• Lead and develop a team of 5 part-time staff, including functional leads for fundraising, volunteer management, and marketing/partnerships
• Set clear priorities, objectives and accountability across the team
• Support and challenge team members to deliver against ambitious targets

· Rebuild and stabilise the team following a period of transition

Operational Management

• Ensure effective delivery of the befriending and activity programmes
• Drive growth in the number of residents supported by scaling volunteer recruitment and engagement
• Use digital tools and services to improve the quality and efficiency of service delivery
• Ensure services remain high-quality, safe and responsive to need, whilst complying with legislation and safeguarding requirements

Management of Fundraising

• Ensure effective delivery of fundraising strategy
• Support the development of new income streams including community fundraising, individual giving and partnerships
• Ensure income targets are met and funding relationships are effectively managed

Management of Partnerships & Profile

• Build and maintain relationships with care homes, other partners and stakeholders
• Raise the profile of the charity through external engagement, advocacy and partnerships

Financial Management & Governance

• Oversee budgets and ensure effective financial management
• Work with the Treasurer and Board on financial planning, risk and compliance
• Ensure safeguarding, governance and regulatory requirements are met

About You

We are looking for a strong people leader who can bring clarity, structure and momentum to a small but ambitious charity.

You will likely bring:

Experience

• Experience in a management role, ideally in a charity, community or care setting
• Experience leading and developing teams, including through change or growth
• Experience overseeing service delivery, process improvement and organisational performance
• Experience of fundraising, income generation or partnership development (at a strategic level)
• Financial and budget management experience

Skills & Attributes

• Strong people management skills—you know how to get the best out of both staff and volunteers
• Ability to set direction and hold others accountable for delivery
• Ability to work co-operatively with the Board of trustees, playing an active role in the governance of the charity, and ensuring alignment between strategy and operations
• Organised and outcome-focused, able to prioritise in a resource-constrained environment to maximise positive impacts for our beneficiaries
• Confident in the use of digital tools and technologies to improve performance
• Confident communicator, able to represent the charity externally and build strong relationships with partners and funders
• Resilient and comfortable in leading change and managing ambiguity
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges facing older people in care homes
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion

Experience working with trustees, knowledge of charity governance or experience in services for older people would be an advantage.

What We Offer

• £40, 930 per annum (£22,921 pro rata for 21 hours a week)
• Employer Pension
• Flexible and Hybrid working
• A supportive and passionate team of staff, volunteers and trustees
• The chance to transform the lives of care home residents every single week

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining how your experience aligns with the position.

Selection will be via an interview.

Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to evidence this prior to interview.

Finally, the role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Closing date is Friday 1 May 2026.

Location: Flexible / Homeworking

Salary: Grade 5 - £37,739 per annum 

Hours: Full time – 35 hours per week 

Contract: Three years fixed term until end of March 2029

Closing date: Monday 6th April 2026 at 11:30pm 

Do you have experience of developing and delivering tailored learning pathways and experience working with people facing multiple disadvantage or those that support them? If so, and you are looking for an exciting new career opportunity, then join Shelter as Learning Pathway Manager and you could soon be making a real difference to people affected by the housing emergency. 

About the role

You will deliver activities to support the MHCLG’s National Workforce Programme, by supporting housing and homelessness teams in both the public and voluntary sector to develop knowledge and skills Learning Pathways. Some Pathways will be specific to a role and others will be focussed on developing organisational knowledge, but all will support the development of professional skills and knowledge for those working with people experiencing housing and homelessness problems in England, to improve outcomes. You will also design, coordinate, and deliver a range of conferences and good practice events to promote learning and innovation across the sector.

About you 

You have proven experience in developing and managing tailored learning pathways and training programmes, including for housing and homelessness law and wider skills development, along with strong experience of working with people with multiple disadvantage and/or those who support them. You are able to develop and maintain partnerships across agencies to ensure the best client support and contribute to multiple agency projects, collaborating and sharing knowledge. Ideally, you are experienced in the homelessness sector or a related field, as well as having excellent skills in communication, IT and digital systems. 

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. 

About the team

The role will be part of Shelter’s Services for Professionals team, who deliver a varied and interesting range of services such as training in housing and homelessness prevention, specialist debt casework, housing law advice, as well as bespoke projects to support frontline staff. All our services have the ultimate aim of achieving positive outcome for people with housing and homelessness problems. 

 About Shelter 

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day 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.

Closing date for applications: 24th April 2026, 23:59 (BST)   

Organisation: Scriptoria Sustainable Development Solutions

Contract: Full time, permanent 

Location: Flexible (remote or London-based), with regular business travel; preference given to candidates based in the South of England/Midlands, as business travel is predominantly within these regions

Salary: £35,000 – £38,000 – depending on experience 

Start date: ASAP 

Do you have a scientific PhD and postdoc/industry experience? Do you want to apply your scientific skills and research experience to health and sustainable development projects? Are you interested in meeting people, sharing your skills and learning to be a first-class communicator? Then this is the job for you.

Who we are 

Scriptoria is a values-driven, ethically focused consulting company that has a strong international reputation for excellence. We specialise in helping clients around the world to tackle sustainable development, poverty reduction, health, and climate and environmental issues. Our Consulting, Data, Communications and Training Teams focus on knowledge management, data management and communications to help research, international development, government and other organisations better manage information and communicate their findings.

Who we're looking for 

We are looking for a dynamic new team member with a PhD in a science/STEM subject to join our innovative Consulting Team and to contribute to the work of our Data and Training Teams. Agriculture and the health sciences are areas we are particularly interested in.

Specifically, we want an individual with a passion for research and sustainable development, a friendly, outgoing personality and a willingness to learn new skills. We’re looking for someone who wants to engage with international development and research projects to help them work more efficiently and have a greater impact.

This role will offer a range of experiences and the opportunity to contribute to the diverse range of services that Scriptoria provides.

Approximately half of your time will be spent working with our exceptionally experienced team of knowledge management and data consultants to help us develop and deliver cutting-edge data-management/analytics solutions and project-management software systems to our clients.

Your work will also involve working to help us manage and organise the projects we deliver to clients. The other half of your time will involve meeting with and training clients (to pass on your skills in research communications), both online and through face-to-face courses. Finally, you will be encouraged to contribute to company-wide strategy and business development.

Your role will include:

• Helping sustainable development and research programs to develop and implement digital tools and analytics systems to better manage their workflows and use their data 

• Working with projects in Africa and Asia to provide technical advisory and consulting services to help them to better manage and share information, knowledge and data

• Training and mentoring international researchers by delivering courses, workshops, and individual support in areas including journal article/report writing, grant writing, project management and communications for non-specialists 

• Contributing to business development across the company, including marketing and client outreach.

Working with Scriptoria 

Our senior team has an exceptional skill set, and we recognise that candidates with all the skills we need simply may not exist. But don’t worry, if you have some of the skills we want but lack others – we will train you to fill those gaps. This will include thorough training in the delivery of our well-respected training courses.

Our staff have the choice to work wholly or partly from home or from our office in Tooting, SW London, during regular operational hours (08:30–17:30). If working from home, staff must have a working environment suitable for holding video-call meetings/training sessions with clients.

Wherever you work, you will interact regularly with senior team members to gain new skills and exchange ideas. 

This role requires regular business travel and overnight stays to deliver training courses (mostly in the UK, estimated 2 to 8 days per month). Most in-person training is delivered across the South of England and the Midlands (typically within around 2 hours’ travel of London). The role may also involve international travel, including to developing countries (in line with UK government guidance). Applicants must be willing to travel and stay overnight as required and be based in a location with good transport links to key training locations such as London, Birmingham and Cambridge.

Key skills and experience 

Essential 

Qualifications and skills 

• A PhD in a quantitative STEM research subject 

• 2 years minimum of postdoc/industry experience (in a research or research-support role) 

• A strong understanding of research processes and data analysis and management 

• A demonstrated talent for writing - including writing journal articles and writing for non-specialists 

• At least one first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal 

• Experience delivering live training/teaching courses 

• An excellent, practical knowledge of MS Excel and MS PowerPoint 

• Excellent English language skills, to the standard of a native speaker 

• The right to work in the UK.

Characteristics and interests 

• A friendly, open personality (bright, resilient, cheerful, confident) 

• A passion for international development and building researchers’ skills 

• An interest in information management and technology, data systems and analytics and in helping create new IT systems and software (programming skills are not required for this role) 

• A willingness to travel and to take a flexible approach to working hours when travelling 

• The confidence required to give presentations and training courses and to lead (facilitate) meetings, online and in person 

• The ability to work very well under pressure and self-manage 

• The ability to juggle multiple tasks and work alongside the company Directors. 

Desirable 

• Experience working on collaborative research projects with international partners 

• Experience working with programs such as Microsoft SharePoint, Power BI, or other knowledge management tools

• Experience with statistical analysis in R 

• Experience in grant writing and/or grant management 

• Experience writing communications materials that translate science for non-specialists and encourage engagement. 

Salary and annual leave 

Salary will depend on qualifications and experience but is expected to be between £35,000 and £38,000 p/a (depending on experience). Annual leave is 25 days per year plus public holidays (33 days).

Trusts and Foundations Manager
Permanent | Full time
Ideally 1 or 2 days a week in either in Coventry or Middlesbrough
circa £38,000 - £45.000 per annum

Are you an experienced trusts & foundations fundraiser looking to join a much loved charity which supports babies and young children who have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Aquilas is delighted to be supporting Zoe’s Place in the appointment of a new Trusts and Foundations Manager, a key role at an exciting time of growth for the charity.

About the charity

Zoe’s Place is the only baby specific hospice charity in the UK, providing specialist palliative, respite and end of life care for children aged 0 to 5 with life limiting and life-threatening conditions. They offer a safe, nurturing and joyful environment where families can feel completely supported. With their dedicated nurses delivering 24-hour care, they work together to make every moment of childhood count.

About the role:

Supporting the delivery of Zoe’s Place overall income generation strategy, by researching, record keeping, applying and reporting to a portfolio of trusts and foundations to deliver long term sustainable income growth for the Trust. Overall accountability for capital projects across the Trust

Key Responsibilities:

Account manage the trust and foundations fundraising function   

• Contribute to the maintenance of a comprehensive database for both hospice sites of all relevant grant making trusts and keep up to date with changes in the sector.
• Develop and write applications and bids to a wide range of funders as required.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Fundraising and fundraising colleagues to ensure all funding opportunities are maximised
• Manage and develop relationships with new and existing funding partners.
• Work collaboratively with Director of Clinical Services, clinical teams and finance to prepare bids and reports.
• Ensure funding partners receive timely and appropriate information about the progress and outcomes of projects including written reports and evaluation in accordance with requirement.
• Responsible for delivery of income targets.
• Ensure excellent relationships are maintained with current, past and prospective funders so the Zoes Place Trust name is associated with honesty and high standards of service delivery.
• Organise visits and tours for trustees of charitable foundations if requested to both Middlesbrough and Coventry sites.

 Administration and pipeline

• Use our fundraising CRM and in line with GDPR to ensure accurate and timely record keeping allowing for good stewardship.
• Carry out detailed research on prospective foundations, identify and maintain a calendar for submitting applications.
• Working with an income pipeline / tracker to ensure accurate and timely financial forecasting, identifying risk to income and mitigating accordingly.
• Ensure activities comply with current law, guidance and best practice of the Fundraising Regulator

Person Specication:

• strong track record in Trusts and Foundations fundraising
• Experience of working in the charity Sector
• Excellent and persuasive writing skills and a sharp eye for details
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills

To Apply:

To receive a candidate pack or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

Kieran McGorrian, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, Aquilas (contact details in candidate pack)

Applications close 5pm Monday 20th April

Aquilas are wholly committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates.  We are truly invested in our candidates and being supportive and informative throughout the application journey

Professional Standards Education Officer (PSEO)
£24,000 pa plus excellent benefits (£40,000 FTE)
Part-time, 3 days per week
Hybrid - mostly online working from home 
 

Are you an experienced acupuncture practitioner interested in joining the BAcC staff team in a key role that will help protect both practising acupuncturists and the public?

The Professional Standards Education Officer (PSEO) will be at the forefront of supporting BAcC members to work safely and manage the risks of their practice. You will also have a great positive impact on public protection and fostering trust across UK and global institutions in the practice of acupuncture.

This will be a varied role, involving all stages of developing and updating policy and communicating it to the membership. You will work as part of our wonderful team, alongside our Safe Practice Officer, Research and Policy Manager, and our Professional Conduct Officers. You will also act as a link with the BAcC’s insurer in-house risk and legal support and connect to professionals across other UK healthcare regulators.

As the Secretary to the Education Committee, you will support the BAcC’s newly integrated education and accreditation function and assist the Chair and committee in guiding the future of acupuncture accreditation in the UK.

It is anticipated that your time will be split approximately two days per week in the risk management and safe practice support role, and one day per week in the education support role. These two functions have great synergy; you will facilitate the key connection between the BAcC and college accreditation by transmitting risk mitigation strategies and taking college feedback on new risks to update policy.

The work will be varied and interesting and, most importantly, you will be able to make a huge and tangible difference to the community. It is an exciting time right now at the BAcC as we are transforming the way we work. We are moving from a passive repository of safe practice information to an evolving, active support service for members where they need it most. The work you do in this role will not only help other acupuncturists navigate difficult situations and avoid complaints, but it will enable them to be fully protected in the rare event that a claim or complaint comes in.

We seek candidates with:

Essential skills 

· strong written communication skills to simplify complex risk information and produce engaging content

· the ability to work independently, prioritise workload, and manage your own schedule in a mostly home-based role

Desirable skills

· experience in the provision of education at QAA level 6 or higher (including teaching or college administration)

· first-hand experience as a practitioner of acupuncture

Please see the attached Candidate Pack for the full job description.

Closing date: 12pm on 7 April 2026
Interviews will be held on 23 April 2026

Job Title: Heritage Advisor, Nature in Sacred Places (NiSP)

Duration: Fixed Term, 15 months (development phase)

Hours: 36 hours per week

Salary: £33,300 per annum, plus pension and benefits

Location: Homebased within England

The Churches Conservation Trust is a partner in the Nature in Sacred Places (NISP) National Lottery Heritage Fund project. This is a £5.2m project with an 18-month development phase followed by a four-year delivery phase (subject to securing further funding), in partnership with Natural England, the Church of England, Churches Conservation Trust and Caring for God’s Acre. NISP will build on principles established by the Bats in Churches Project, a previous project supported by the Heritage Fund which worked with faith groups, community volunteers, young people and professionals across three main strands, Broadening engagement, Supporting practical action and Building professional capacity.

Overall job purpose

As a member of the Nature in Sacred Places project team, the post-holder will be responsible for:

• Providing advice on the management, conservation, maintenance and repairs of historic buildings and of the structures within their curtilage (e.g. memorials, gravestones, walls and gates, path etc.);
• Provide advice on conservation and cleaning of built heritage and artefacts, helping to plan solutions to enable better management, greater access and enjoyment, providing specialist advice on making changes to, and the repair of, historic places of worship and obtaining necessary permissions.

Working with other project partners the post holder will develop a template for Conservation Management Plan of both historic and natural environments that is proportionate and appropriate for volunteers to adopt and deliver.

We have recently published our TRUST values, which outline the behaviours and expectations that act as our foundations at CCT. We have attached the pack, outlining each value, which we will also be using as part of our shortlisting and interview process to find the right candidates that align with our values.

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application. You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 8am on Monday 20th April 2026.

The interviews will take place in Birmingham on Thursday 30th April 2026. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

Please note: As part of our recruitment process, we undertake candidate psychometric testing, you will receive an email following your application submission asking you to complete a series of activities.

All successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS, credit check, references and right to work checks.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

Ready for a role where your psychology can genuinely shape a developing service? PATH is growing, and we’re looking for a Clinical Psychologist who is energised by complexity, values-led practice, and the chance to build something alongside a passionate team. This is an exciting moment to join us—bringing your ideas, your therapeutic skill, and your professional leadership to a service that is ambitious about outcomes and relentless about care and compassion. 
 
We’re proud to be part of an Ofsted rated Outstanding provision, and we’re investing in psychological thinking as a central part of how we work. If you’re looking for a post with space for creativity, strong multi-disciplinary relationships, and real opportunity to develop specialist expertise, PATH could be the right next step. 

We warmly welcome applicants with strong knowledge of neurodiversity, early trauma and the experiences of adopted and care-experienced people, including those with lived or professional expertise. 

A values-based team you’ll want to be part of

You’ll be joining a warm, supportive and highly committed group of professionals who care deeply about the people we serve and the quality of our practice. We work collaboratively—sharing thinking, holding risk together, and making space for reflection even when we’re working at pace. Psychological safety matters here: you’ll have access to supervision, peer support and opportunities for CPD. 

What you’ll bring 

• Professional expertise in psychological assessment, formulation, intervention and consultation, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice. 

• Confidence with complexity—able to hold risk, uncertainty and co-occurring needs, while staying compassionate and person-centred. 

• At least two therapeutic modalities relevant to this sector (e.g., CBT, ACT, CFT, DBT-informed approaches, systemic/family therapy, EMDR, or other trauma-focused therapies), and the ability to integrate approaches thoughtfully. 

• Collaborative team working—you enjoy working across disciplines and with partner agencies, contributing to shared plans and shared outcomes. 

• Agility and pace—able to prioritise, adapt and respond to changing needs while maintaining high clinical standards and clear documentation. 

• A development mindset—motivation to contribute to a growing hub, improve pathways, and evaluate impact using outcomes and feedback. 

We’re also happy to discuss the opportunity with clinical / counselling psychologists who may be earlier in their career. If you can demonstrate a strong commitment to this sector—through relevant placements, roles, voluntary work, research, reflective learning, or lived experience that informs your practice—we would welcome a conversation. We’re interested in potential as well as experience: your values, your curiosity, and the way you work with people and systems matter to us. 

ROLE PROFILE

JOB TITLE:

Clinical Psychologist

ACCOUNTABLE TO:

Clinical Lead

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Clinical Director

HOURS OF WORK:

Full time / Part time

LOCATION:

Remote working with travel flexibility

DURATION:

Permanent

SALARY / GRADE:

Grade 8 £43,471 - £59,389(pro rata for part time)

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•      Clinical Director and PATH Clinical Lead
•      PATH team
•      AUK staff
•      Children and adults accessing our services
•      Referrers and external agencies as appropriate

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·Deliver high-quality psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for the PATH client group.

·Provide specialist advice, consultation and reflective practice to colleagues and partner services.

·Facilitating reflective groups for families referred to PATH.

·Identify and manage safeguarding risk in line with AUK policies.

·Contribute to multidisciplinary formulation and intervention planning.

·Support service development, evaluation and quality improvement, using outcome measures and feedback.

·Maintain accurate clinical records and produce clear, timely reports for a range of audiences.

·Provide line management and/or supervision within the PATH team.

·Contribute to the training offer within Adoption UK

·To contribute to and maintain accurate records for those using the service on Adoption UK systems and ensuring compliance with both GDPR, safeguarding and confidentiality.

CRITERIA

Knowledge and Experience

•Experience of working with children and families experiencing the effects of trauma and attachment difficulties (Essential)

•Extensive experience of working within the field of mental health (Essential)

•Experience of working with adoption services (Essential)

•Experience of providing clinical supervision to staff and therapists delivering services to vulnerable families (Essential)

•Knowledge and experience of safeguarding process and procedures (Essential)

•Extensive experience and specialist training/accreditation in relevant subjects and differing types of therapy such as DDP, Theraplay, Neurodiversity, Life story, NVR (Desirable)

•Knowledge of adoption services including AGSGF processes (Desirable)

Qualifications and Education

•Doctoral Level Clinical Psychologist (Essential)

•Current registration with a professional body HCPC (Essential)

•Evidence of continuing professional development (Essential)

•Training in a range of therapeutic modalities e.g. NVR, DDP, Theraplay, Internal Family Systems, Sensory Attachment Intervention (Essential)

Skills and Abilities

•Leadership and support skills

•Group work skills

•A reflective and empowering approach

•Strong application of theory

•Creativity and innovative approach to service delivery

•A commitment to the voice of children and families

Accountability

•Consultant Clinical Psychologist

•Responsible for maintaining own professional standards

•Responsible for delivering practice within the policies and standards of the charity

Behaviours

•Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.

•Contributes to an open and honest culture

•Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

•Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

•Leads by example.

•Values transparency and consistency.

•Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

•Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

•Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities

•Shares skills and knowledge.

•Promotes Cross Functional team working.

•Offers outstanding service to members.

•Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

•Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

•Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

•Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

•Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

•Takes pride in own development.

•Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

•Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.

Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

Join our Psychology and Therapy Hub (PATH) and make a meaningful difference in everyday life for adoptive, kinship and care-experienced families. We’re recruiting an Occupational Therapist with specialist expertise in sensory processing/sensory integration and attachment-informed practice to deliver practical, trauma-informed assessment and intervention that strengthens regulation, participation and connection. 

• Make a difference that families feel every day: co-produce practical strategies that support calmer routines, better sleep, smoother transitions and greater participation at home, school and in the community. 

• Bring specialist sensory expertise: assess sensory processing and regulation needs and translate findings into clear, realistic plans for parents/carers and partner professionals. 

• Work at the sensory–attachment interface: use a trauma- and attachment-informed lens to understand behaviour and build felt safety and co-regulation alongside sensory strategies. 

• Thrive in an MDT: contribute an OT perspective to formulation-led work within PATH, collaborating with psychology and therapy colleagues to create joined-up support. 

• Flexible, UK-wide reach: deliver support primarily online with occasional travel for team days, training or commissioned work (as required and agreed). 

You’ll need: 

• HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. 

• Strong experience supporting children/young people and their parents/carers (including complex presentations). 

• Proven skills in sensory processing assessment and intervention, including regulation strategies, activity adaptation and environmental modification. 

• Confidence working in an attachment- and trauma-informed way with adoptive/kinship/care-experienced families (or closely related work). 

• Excellent communication and report-writing skills, able to translate specialist thinking into practical, non-judgemental guidance that families can use. 

ROLE PROFILE

JOB TITLE:

Occupational Therapist

ACCOUNTABLE TO:

Clinical Lead

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Clinical Director

HOURS OF WORK:

Full time / Part time

LOCATION:

Remote working with travel flexibility

DURATION:

Permanent

SALARY / GRADE:

Grade 8 - £43.471

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•      Clinical Director and PATH Clinical Lead
•      PATH team
•      AUK staff
•      Children and adults accessing our services
•      Referrers and external agencies as appropriate

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Occupational Therapist (Sensory & Attachment) will deliver high-quality, trauma-informed occupational therapy assessment and intervention to families with a history of adoption, kinship care and long-term fostering. The postholder will bring advanced expertise in sensory processing/sensory integration and the impact of early adversity, attachment disruption and developmental trauma on regulation, participation and family life. The role will work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) within PATH, contributing to formulation-led support, practical strategies and therapeutic approaches that strengthen safety, connection, and everyday functioning at home, school and in the community.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·Provide specialist assessment and intervention where sensory processing differences interact with attachment needs, developmental trauma, neurodiversity and emotional/behavioural presentations.

·Co-produce practical, strengths-based support plans with parents/carers and, where appropriate, the child/young person; provide clear strategies that are realistic for family life.

·Deliver evidence-informed interventions (1:1 and group-based as appropriate) including sensory-based regulation strategies, activity adaptation, routine design, environmental modification and caregiver coaching.

·Integrate attachment- and trauma-informed principles (e.g., PACE/connection-based approaches) into OT recommendations, ensuring strategies support safety, relational connection and felt security.

·Contribute to MDT formulation and case discussions, offering an occupational therapy perspective on function, participation, sensory-motor development and regulation

·Prepare high-quality written outputs including assessment summaries, recommendations, letters and reports suitable for families and professionals; contribute to documentation required for commissioning/regulated service evidence as needed.

·Support families to understand the sensory, neurodevelopmental and trauma/attachment factors that may underpin behaviour and distress, and to implement strategies safely.

·Maintain accurate, timely records in line with organisational policies, data protection and confidentiality requirements.

·Contribute to the development of resources (e.g., guides, webinars, workshops) that translate specialist OT knowledge into accessible tools for families and professionals.

·Contribute to delivery of training in your specialist area (sensory processing, regulation, sensory-attachment interface) internally and externally.

·Actively manage a caseload, prioritising risk and complexity, and working within agreed service pathways, timescales and outcome measures.

CRITERIA

Knowledge and Experience

•  Significant experience working with children and young people and their parents/carers.

•  Experience delivering assessment and intervention for sensory processing differences and regulation needs.

•  Experience delivering remote/online OT interventions and caregiver coaching.

•  Experience of group work (parents/carers and/or young people).

•  Experience of working with adopted children, previously looked-after children, kinship or long-term foster families (or closely related settings).

•  Strong understanding of attachment, developmental trauma and the impact of early adversity on regulation, behaviour and participation.

•  Ability to integrate sensory strategies with relational/attachment-informed approaches.

•  Training/experience in DDP, PACE, NVR, therapeutic parenting or other attachment-informed models.

•  Expert knowledge of sensory processing and sensory-based regulation strategies.

•   Ability to differentiate sensory needs from (and understand overlap with) trauma responses, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental differences.

•  Sensory Integration training (e.g., postgraduate modules) and/or recognised competency frameworks.

•  Knowledge of neurodevelopmental profiles (e.g., autism, ADHD, DLD, FASD) and how these can interact with trauma/attachment and sensory processing.

•  Ability to provide accessible psychoeducation to families and partner professionals.

Qualifications and Education

   •Degree/diploma in Occupational Therapy.

   •     Current HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist. Postgraduate       training/qualification relevant to sensory integration, sensory processing or advanced   paediatric OT practice.

•  Evidence of continuing professional development (Essential)

•  Training in a range of therapeutic modalities e.g. DDP, Theraplay, BUSS model, Sensory Attachment Intervention (Essential)

Skills and Abilities

   •         Experience of working within an MDT and contributing an OT perspective to shared          formulations and plans.

•Leadership and support skills

•Group work skills

•A reflective and empowering approach

•Strong application of theory

•Creativity and innovative approach to service delivery

•A commitment to the voice of children and families

Accountability

•Consultant Clinical Psychologist

•Responsible for maintaining own professional standards

•Responsible for delivering practice within the policies and standards of the charity

Behaviours

•Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at      all times.

•Contributes to an open and honest culture

•Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

•Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

•Leads by example.

•Values transparency and consistency.

•Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

•Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

•Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities

•Shares skills and knowledge.

•Promotes Cross Functional team working.

•Offers outstanding service to members.

•Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

•Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

•Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

•Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

•Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

•Takes pride in own development.

•Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

•Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.

Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

Who we are: Brake is the national, acclaimed charity delivering the National Road Victim Service, a specialist, accredited, UK-wide support service for road victims, delivering case-managed care for anyone who has been bereaved or seriously injured in a road crash or who is supporting a road crash victim.

Not your average job: This is a highly specialised frontline role supporting people affected by traumatic road deaths and life-changing injuries. We are seeking candidates with a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and experience supporting people through the impact of traumatic bereavement and/or injury.

You will provide a specialist trauma-informed and bereavement-informed approach to care, helping individuals and families navigate the immediate and long-term impact of sudden loss or catastrophic injury. You will undertake a comprehensive needs, risk and safety assessment from which a bespoke support plan will be agreed with the person and/or families, ensuring that immediate wellbeing needs, vulnerabilities and safeguarding considerations are identified and addressed.

By joining this role, you will make a profound difference to individuals and families during their most difficult moments, helping them regain stability, access practical and emotional support, and navigate the complexities of the criminal justice or coronial process with guidance and care.

Take a look at our comprehensive job description for more details.

What we offer:

- A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day shutdown period between Christmas and New Year, pro-rata for part-time working patterns)

- Birthday day off (taken any time)

- Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave

- Death in service benefit

- Pension

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Flexible working

- A rewarding role with purpose

- Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees 

Who you are: We need energised and resilient self-starters with experience in supporting traumatic grief and post-traumatic stress. a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Experience in the following sectors often provides a robust toolkit of high-level transferable skills: Police or criminal justice roles, family liaison, counselling or trauma support, health and social care, casework in any related field

Specifically seeking candidates with:

- Experience with people affected by trauma, sudden bereavement, or serious injury

- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and ability to provide support sensitively

- Experience identifying and responding to safeguarding and vulnerability concerns

- Strong advocacy skills ability to act as a powerful voice for service users, expertly navigating external networks, assemble resources and cross-functional support where required.

About us: At Brake, we are committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and life experiences, and particularly encourage candidates from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities to apply.

We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our work and enable us to deliver the best possible support to individuals and families affected by road trauma. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it

If you are passionate about making a difference and share our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we want to hear from you.

Not for traffic offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at interview.

An enhanced DBS check is required due to the sensitive nature of our service.

Join us today and be part of the solution! 

The Organisation

The Open SU serves the interests of around 170,000 part-time and distance-learning students spread across the UK, continental Europe and beyond. Our role is to represent and support the interests of this vast and diverse community of students. The Open SU is an independent registered charity, governed by elected student leaders. Our team of vibrant, friendly and dedicated professional staff provide the vital support needed to deliver our ambitious strategy. Though your skills and experience are important, vital to us, are your values. Here at the Open SU we are committed to a positive team culture to enable and empower all members to be their very best.

The Job

This exciting permanent role involves managing multiple projects that further Open SU’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) objectives. Your involvement will be key from conception through to evaluation. You will work alongside the other Officers in the EDI and Belonging Team to create events and raise awareness of various EDI campaigns for students. You will also work closely with our volunteers, supporting them through inductions, training and helping them materialise their ideas.

The Person

This role is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual with great communication skills and experience of leading projects. You will have a passion for EDI issues and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. For a small organisation, we are a very busy team. You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and able to work to deadlines, manage time and prioritise your workload efficiently. You will also enjoy working collaboratively as you will be supporting other colleagues and volunteers with the planning of campaigns.

Please read the full role description and application pack below.

Who we are: Brake is the national, acclaimed charity delivering the National Road Victim Service, a specialist, accredited, UK-wide support service for road victims, delivering case-managed care for anyone who has been bereaved or seriously injured in a road crash or who is supporting a road crash victim.

Not your average job: This is a highly specialised frontline role supporting people affected by traumatic road deaths and life-changing injuries. We are seeking candidates with a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and experience supporting people through the impact of traumatic bereavement and/or injury.

You will provide a specialist trauma-informed and bereavement-informed approach to care, helping individuals and families navigate the immediate and long-term impact of sudden loss or catastrophic injury. You will undertake a comprehensive needs, risk and safety assessment from which a bespoke support plan will be agreed with the person and/or families, ensuring that immediate wellbeing needs, vulnerabilities and safeguarding considerations are identified and addressed.

By joining this role, you will make a profound difference to individuals and families during their most difficult moments, helping them regain stability, access practical and emotional support, and navigate the complexities of the criminal justice or coronial process with guidance and care.

Take a look at our comprehensive job description for more details.

What we offer:

- A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day shutdown period between Christmas and New Year, pro-rata for part-time working patterns)

- Birthday day off (taken any time)

- Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave

- Death in service benefit

- Pension

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Flexible working

- A rewarding role with purpose

- Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees 

Who you are: We need energised and resilient self-starters with experience in supporting traumatic grief and post-traumatic stress. a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Experience in the following sectors often provides a robust toolkit of high-level transferable skills: Police or criminal justice roles, family liaison, counselling or trauma support, health and social care, casework in any related field

Specifically seeking candidates with:

- Experience with people affected by trauma, sudden bereavement, or serious injury

- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and ability to provide support sensitively

- Experience identifying and responding to safeguarding and vulnerability concerns

- Strong advocacy skills ability to act as a powerful voice for service users, expertly navigating external networks, assemble resources and cross-functional support where required.

About us: At Brake, we are committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and life experiences, and particularly encourage candidates from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities to apply.

We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our work and enable us to deliver the best possible support to individuals and families affected by road trauma. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it

If you are passionate about making a difference and share our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we want to hear from you.

Not for traffic offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at interview.

An enhanced DBS check is required due to the sensitive nature of our service.

Join us today and be part of the solution! 

The Director of Charitable Impact is a senior leadership role responsible for defining, driving, delivering (operating), and evidencing Ben’s charitable impact. The postholder will lead the strategic and operational delivery of health, wellbeing, and support and specialist services, ensuring the charity demonstrably improves lives while strengthening its position as a credible, trusted health and wellbeing charity and thought leader for the automotive community.

Job Title: Director of Charitable Impact
Organisation: Ben – Motor & Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (The Automotive Industry Charity)
Location: Home Based, UK (with regular travel)
Salary: c. £80,000 – £90,000 per annum + £5,000 car allowance
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports: Support Services Lead and Specialist Services Lead

This role combines strategic leadership, operational performance, service innovation, impact measurement, and external influence to ensure Ben delivers meaningful, measurable, and visible outcomes for those who need it most.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Impact

• Lead the development and delivery of Ben’s Charitable Impact Strategy aligned to organisational vision and priorities.
• Ensure the charity delivers clear, measurable, and demonstrable outcomes for individuals, families, and the wider automotive workforce.
• Embed an outcomes-driven culture focused on evidence, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Translate strategy into operational delivery plans, KPIs, and impact frameworks.

Service Delivery & Operations

• Oversee the effective delivery of all charitable programmes and services, ensuring they are high quality, accessible, safe, and impactful.
• Drive service innovation to meet emerging health, financial, and social wellbeing needs across the automotive sector.
• Ensure services are delivered efficiently, sustainably, and in line with regulatory, safeguarding, and quality / clinical governance standards.
• Use insight and data to inform service design, resource allocation, and performance improvement.

Health & Wellbeing Leadership

• Lead Ben’s evolution into a recognised, credible health and wellbeing charity for the automotive industry.
• Ensure services reflect best practice in mental health, physical wellbeing, financial resilience, and social support.
• Build partnerships with health, wellbeing, and sector specialists to strengthen service quality and credibility.
• Champion prevention, early intervention, and whole-person health and wellbeing approaches.

Impact Measurement & Evidence

• Develop and embed robust impact measurement, evaluation, and reporting frameworks.
• Ensure the charity can clearly demonstrate social value, outcomes, and return on investment to stakeholders.
• Lead production of impactful insight, data, and evidence to inform decision-making and external positioning.
• Strengthen the charity’s ability to use evidence to attract funding, partnerships, and sector influence.

Thought Leadership & External Influence

• Position Ben as a leading voice on health and wellbeing in the automotive industry.
• Develop insight, campaigns, and sector engagement that raise awareness of issues affecting automotive people.
• Represent Ben externally with credibility and authority across industry, health, and charity sectors.
• Contribute to policy, research, and sector dialogue to influence positive change.

Leadership & Culture

• Provide inspiring leadership to multidisciplinary teams, fostering a high-performance, values-driven culture.
• Build organisational capability in impact, service delivery, and wellbeing.
• Promote collaboration across the organisation, particularly with fundraising, engagement, and communications.
• Lead through change, ensuring services evolve with need and strategy.

Governance & Risk

• Contribute to Executive Team leadership, organisational strategy, and governance.
• Ensure services operate within legal, regulatory, and safeguarding frameworks.
• Manage operational and reputational risk relating to service delivery and impact.

Person Specification

Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, health, social impact, or related sector.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable social impact and leading outcome-driven services or programmes.
• Experience of overseeing complex service delivery / operational functions.
• Demonstrable success in leading organisational or service transformation.
• Experience developing impact measurement, evaluation, or evidence frameworks.
• Experience influencing external stakeholders and building credibility within a sector or field.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.

Knowledge & Understanding

• Strong understanding of physical and mental health and wellbeing, psychology and emotional wellbeing, prevention, and whole-person support.
• Knowledge of impact measurement, social value, and outcome frameworks.
• Understanding of safeguarding, quality, and regulatory considerations in service delivery (e.g. clinical governance requirements).
• Insight into the challenges affecting working people and communities (financial, health, social).
• Understanding of the charity sector, charity governance, and funding environment (desirable).
• Awareness of the automotive industry or willingness to quickly develop industry insight.

Skills & Capabilities

• Strategic thinker with strong delivery focus — able to translate vision into measurable outcomes.
• Operationally strong with ability to drive performance, quality, and improvement.
• Evidence-driven and analytical, able to use insight and data to shape decisions.
• Credible and influential communicator, internally and externally.
• Strong leadership presence with ability to inspire, engage, and lead through change.
• Collaborative and partnership-oriented.
• Strong judgement, integrity, and commitment to safeguarding and ethical practice.

Personal Qualities

• Passion for improving lives and delivering meaningful social impact.
• Purpose-driven, values-led, and mission aligned.
• Resilient, adaptable, and outcome focused.
• Curious, forward-thinking, and committed to learning and innovation.
• Empathetic and people-centred in approach.

Key Relationships

• Chief Executive and Executive Team
• Service Delivery and Impact teams
• Fundraising, Marketing & Communications teams
• Trustees and Board Committees
• External partners / organisations including automotive stakeholder or employers, health and wellbeing, welfare and charity, etc.

Success Measures

• Clear, demonstrable improvement in measurable charitable impact.
• Strong, high-quality, accessible health and wellbeing services.
• Recognised credibility as a health and wellbeing charity for the automotive industry.
• Robust impact evidence used to inform strategy, funding, and influence.
• Positive service outcomes, reach, and stakeholder confidence.

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