Disability Equality Scotland
Disability Equality Scotland

Charity registered in Scotland SC031893

We are a membership organisation which seeks to promote independent living, removing barriers to inequality for those affected by disability in Scotland.

Current vacancies

Communications and Membership Lead

  • Full time
  • £31,500
  • Hybrid: Homeworking with some travel, including to DES Edinburgh office
  • Closing 14th September 2026

Disability Equality Scotland (DES) is a national charity and membership organisation for disabled people, Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs), Access Panels, and disability groups/organisations. It is our mission to work towards achieving inclusion and accessibility for all disabled people.

DES promotes access in its widest sense. We do this to promote a life of dignity, respect, choice, and independence. This includes access to our built and natural environment and access to the same opportunities as enjoyed by others in our communities. And it extends beyond physical access to include access to:

• information,

• inclusive communication, and

• decision-making in policy making and community activities.

DES staff are passionate about disability equality, and their expertise and knowledge support our work across Scotland, and beyond.

The Communications and Membership Lead is a senior role responsible for developing and delivering DES’ communications, marketing and membership strategies to raise the organisation’s profile, strengthen engagement with our members and stakeholders, and support the growth and sustainability of the organisation.

Reporting directly to the CEO, and working with colleagues across the organisation, the postholder will lead all internal and external communications, oversee marketing of the organisation’s services, develop meaningful engagement with DES members, and provide strategic oversight of our Easy Read service.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the postholder will contribute to organisational planning, performance, business development and continuous improvement, ensuring that accessibility, inclusion and the voices of disabled people underpin all communications and engagement activities.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to being disability confident and an employer of choice irrespective of race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, or pregnancy and maternity. The ethical and business case of ensuring that our workforce is representative of wider society is at the heart of what we do. When we are recruiting, disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment.

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Responsible for: Communications and Membership Officer

Shortlist

Access Panel Network Engagement Officer

  • Part time
  • £26,500 pro-rata
  • Hybrid: homeworking with some travel to Access Panels and DES Edinburgh office
  • Closing 14th September 2026

Disability Equality Scotland (DES) is a national charity and membership organisation for disabled people, Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs), Access Panels, and disability groups/organisations. It is our mission to work towards achieving inclusion and accessibility for all disabled people.

DES promotes access in its widest sense. We do this to promote a life of dignity, respect, choice, and independence. This includes access to our built and natural environment and access to the same opportunities as enjoyed by others in our communities. And it extends beyond physical access to include access to:

• information,

• inclusive communication, and

• decision-making in policy making and community activities.

DES staff are passionate about disability equality, and their expertise and knowledge support our work across Scotland, and beyond.

The Access Panel Network Engagement Officer plays a key role in strengthening relationships across our Access Panel Network. Working as part of a dedicated team, the postholder will take lead responsibility for supporting the delivery of a new Scottish Government funded project to strengthen the accessibility and quality of welfare rights services for disabled people.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who excels at building positive, trusted relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. The postholder will be a proactive and effective team player, while also demonstrating the confidence and initiative to work independently.

The Access Panel Network Engagement team is led by the Team Lead and is committed to supporting and strengthening the Access Panel Network across Scotland.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to being disability confident and an employer of choice irrespective of race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, or pregnancy and maternity. The ethical and business case of ensuring that our workforce is representative of wider society is at the heart of what we do. When we are recruiting, disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment.

Shortlist

Operations Lead

  • Full time
  • £31,500
  • Hybrid: Primarily the DES Edinburgh office with some homeworking and occasional travel
  • Closing 14th September 2026

Disability Equality Scotland (DES) is a national charity and membership organisation for disabled people, Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs), Access Panels, and disability groups/organisations. It is our mission to work towards achieving inclusion and accessibility for all disabled people.

DES promotes access in its widest sense. We do this to promote a life of dignity, respect, choice, and independence. This includes access to our built and natural environment and access to the same opportunities as enjoyed by others in our communities. And it extends beyond physical access to include access to:

• information,

• inclusive communication, and

• decision-making in policy making and community activities.

DES staff are passionate about disability equality, and their expertise and knowledge support our work across Scotland, and beyond.

The Operations Lead works across the following key areas:

• Administration and Office Management

• Finance Management

• Human Resources

Through co-ordinating and providing comprehensive financial, operational, and administrative support, the post holder will understand how a small charity functions. They will ensure that DES adheres to sound financial practices, operates efficiently, and maintains our reputation as a responsible and financially prudent organisation.

This role will suit someone with finance, HR and administration experience who is naturally very well-organised, has strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and is committed to disabled people’s equality, inclusion and participation. The successful applicant will have an eye for detail and be able to quickly respond to new opportunities and challenges. They will be enthusiastic, proactive and willing to be flexible when things change.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will also contribute to organisational planning, performance, business development and continuous improvement.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to being disability confident and an employer of choice irrespective of race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, or pregnancy and maternity. The ethical and business case of ensuring that our workforce is representative of wider society is at the heart of what we do. When we are recruiting, disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment.

Shortlist