Canine Partners’ mission is to change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Our amazing dogs bring greater independence and an improved quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks.
We are looking for a passionate and innovative individual to join our dedicated Puppy Training Team as a Puppy Trainer. This is an exciting opportunity at a prominent assistance dog charity for a dog training instructor to develop their skills and take on new responsibilities within this rewarding field.
Position: Puppy Training Coordinator
Hours: 22.5 hours per week (3 days per week).
Contract: Temporary Maternity Leave Cover (9 month minimum contract)
Location: Homebased in South Hampshire. This role covers a specified geographical location in the Southeast of England - South Hampshire (purple area on the map attached). There will be regular travel involved in this role to undertake visits, training sessions and to transport dogs and puppies, therefore it is essential that you have a driving licence and appropriate vehicle for work purposes or the ability to travel significant mileage in line with the requirements for the role. See the job description for the area map.
Direct Reports: Puppy Training Volunteers
You will be part of the ambitious puppy team, developing, coordinating, and supporting the puppy training programme. You will have the opportunity to work with and train volunteers in the appropriate care and training of Canine Partners’ puppies. You will work with puppies from eight-weeks to approximately 15-months old, ensuring they receive appropriate socialisation and training before entering our assistance dog training, giving them the foundations to learn how to be life-changing assistance dogs, bringing greater independence and quality of life to people with physical disabilities. A proactive approach is key to maintaining the welfare and behavioural standards for the puppies. All training at Canine Partners follows best practice, positive reinforcement methods and this role is an ambassador for this approach.
About you:
- Experience of working with puppies.
- Good working knowledge of best practice dog training and behaviour.
- Good practical dog handling and training skills.
- Effective interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills.
- Strong administration skills with accurate record keeping.
- Coaching/ Teaching skills.
- Computer literacy/ IT skills (MS Office – minimum requirement basic level)
- Full UK driving licence and use of appropriate vehicle for work purposes.
- Ideally, you may have experience of working with volunteers.
It may be advantageous, but not essential, for you to have a relevant Animal Behaviour and Training Council – Animal Training Instructor (ABTC-ATI) accreditation. Most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative impact that our assistance dogs provide to our beneficiaries.
Interested?
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply online with a comprehensive CV and supporting statement explaining how you believe you match the requirements of the role.
Please note we may interview candidates prior to the closing date. If we find a suitable candidate or receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advertisement prior to the closing date so apply now to ensure you don't miss out! Please be assured that we contact all candidates regarding the outcome of their application, this may take longer if we receive high volumes of applications.
Closing date: 22nd September 2025
First interviews are scheduled to take place online (via MS Teams) in the week commencing 29th September 2025.
Second interviews are scheduled to place in person the week commencing 6th October 2025.
*Subject to changes.
We recognise the benefit of diverse experience and welcome and encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are a disability confident committed employer.
REF-223 525
We will change the lives of disabled people using expertly trained dogs to improve physical, emotional and social wellbeing.





ABOUT US
The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.
Join our Online Information Session! We are hosting an Online Information Session with the CEO and interim Director of Fundraising to give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role and to ask any questions.
The session will last no longer than 45 minutes and will be held at 14:00 on Friday 5 September.
Please register your interest by emailing Charlotte Hines (full details available via our website).
THE ROLE
Due to the retirement of a long-standing executive team member, this newly repurposed Executive Leadership role has a clear focus on our long-term financial sustainability and mission impact. As Executive Director of Fundraising Development, you will lead our strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and major income generation programmes.
You’ll be responsible for inspiring significant financial support through trusts, major donors, corporates, legacies, and philanthropic networks. Working closely with the CEO and fellow Executive Directors, you’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering our Strategy to 2030 - ensuring we have the income, influence, and innovation to match our ambition.
Protecting and restoring woodlands that have stood for centuries - the crown jewels of the natural world in the UK - and creating the woods of the future, means this role will leave a legacy which will last for generations. It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, engage with powerful networks, and literally change the nature of the UK landscape for the better.
THE CANDIDATE
We’re looking for a proven senior leader with extensive experience in fundraising, income generation or strategic partnerships - ideally within the not-for-profit sector.
You’ll bring:
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Strategic fundraising expertise across major giving, trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy.
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Inspiring leadership - able to guide, develop and motivate high-performing teams.
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Strong external profile - with a track record of building and leveraging influential networks.
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Collaborative mindset - experienced in working at Executive level, shaping cross-organisational strategy.
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A personal commitment to nature recovery, equity of access, and environmental impact.
Most importantly, you’ll be values-led - excited by the potential of this pivotal role to shape lasting change.
Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees.
Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
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Enhanced Employer Pension
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Life Assurance
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Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
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Generous Annual Leave (25 days + bank holidays)
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Annual leave buy and sell
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Enhanced Parental Pay
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Employee Assistance Programme
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented.
Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most.
To maintain fairness and reduce bias during shortlisting, we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from hiring managers, please help us to maintain your anonymity by removing personal details from your CV prior to submission.
Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet.
1st Interviews will be held via Teams on Friday 3 October 2025
2nd Stage Interviews will be held in-person at our Grantham Office on Monday 13 October 2025
Details of both events will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to each stage.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.