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.





Delegated Services is a thriving Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to being the first-choice partner for the education and community sectors, providing high-quality support services with incredible value.
We are at a pivotal moment in our growth, and we are now seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Executive Officer to build upon our strong foundations and guide us into a future of even greater impact and support to the Education and Community sectors in the West Country, but with a National reach.
This is a unique opportunity for a passionate and strategic leader to join our dedicated team. We understand the importance of a smooth and effective transition, and as such, the handover process from our current CEO will be carefully phased over 6 months. This period will allow for comprehensive knowledge transfer, relationship building, and a seamless integration into the organisation, ensuring the continued success and stability of Delegated Services.
We are looking for someone who:
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Has a proven track record of strategic leadership and operational management, ideally within the not-for-profit or social enterprise sector
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Possesses a deep understanding of governance, financial management, and stakeholder engagement within a CIC framework, building and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, for example, demonstrating working experience with School/MAT CEOs, Leaders, Headteachers, etc. knowing how schools work, with preferably some knowledge of the charity sector
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Is an inspirational communicator, capable of motivating teams, building strong partnerships, and advocating for our mission
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Is an experienced and skilled professional in our core areas of service, primarily, HS&W
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Can market and sell the services to potential new customers and negotiate with existing agreement customers, renewal of their arrangements, where applicable, for April and September 2026 and beyond, repeating the process on a rolling basis, and
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Is committed to our values and passionate about making a tangible difference in education and the community.
If you are ready to take on a significant leadership role within a values-driven organisation and contribute to a legacy of positive change, we encourage you to apply.
Application must be submitted by the end of day deadline: 31st October 2025.
Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.
Change lives in a life-changing career
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.
The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.
We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.
About the role
We’re looking for a Fundraising Engagement Manager with great personality and team ethic to join our Regional Fundraising team.
This is a role of variety, opportunity and innovation, and we are looking for someone who embraces change and constantly strives to achieve more.
You will maximise income for Young Live vs Cancer by coaching our supporters to reach their goals, whilst seeking out new fundraising opportunities for your geographical area. This role sits within the ‘Regional Engagement’ team and we need someone with natural customer service skills who wants to deliver a legendary experience to all of their supporters. Your team of supporters will range from volunteers and individuals, to groups and local corporates.
Bristol and Somerset is an area filled with some of our most committed supporters but there is still so much opportunity to grow corporate support across the counties. Our Social Workers support families from Bristol hospitals, so building relationships with these teams are a must.
Candidates should live within Bristol & Somerset, in one of the following Postcodes: Bristol BS1-19, North Somerset BS20-29, BS41-49, Somerset BA4-11, BA16-22, TA.
Candidates who live outside of these areas should highlight an intention to relocate to the area in their covering letter for their application to be considered. If you don’t live in one of these postcodes and don’t have plans to relocate, your application will not be taken forward.
This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application a basic record check will be completed.
What will I be doing?
No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in our Role Details document.
- To plan, monitor and report on your budgeted income with a constant eye on contingency planning to ensure annual targets are achieved
- To steward our most committed supporters and deliver legendary supporter experience
- To be a key, valued member of your regional team and UK wide team.
- To identify, cultivate and secure partnerships and donations within your area
- To work with your local service team/s to build and maintain strong and effective working relationships
- To be the first point of contact for service user families, to offer opportunities to them and their networks to engage with the wider charity as they would like I.e. fundraising, volunteering, sharing their story
What do I need?
- A proven track record of delivering amazing customer experiences
- Experience of relationship management in either a charity or corporate setting
- Ability to work within a financial target-based setting, and experience of reaching/exceeding set targets
- Demonstrable experience of winning new business
- Experience of managing own workload
- Proven ability to manage/complete projects
- Able to ‘make the ask’ for support and to influence/negotiate
- Have a full UK driving licence and access to a car (including business insurance)
- Have a sufficient Broadband connection
Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.
The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:
- Natural storyteller
- Strong prioritisation skills
- Great communicator
- Great at spotting opportunities
- Influencing/Negotiating
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Team player
What will I gain?
For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:
- Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
- Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Great family/caring leave entitlements
- Enhanced pension
- Access to our employee savings scheme
To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.
We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.
Accessibility
We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.
To arrange an informal chat, please contact Cerys Sadler.
#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome
- Phone interviews: Tuesday 7th October 2025
- Panel interviews: Tuesday 21st and Thursday 23rd October