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

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.

About this role and what is the opportunity within the role

To join an experienced fun team to support the delivery of Centre Without Walls activities and inclusive sporting opportunities. This will be done under guidance from the Vision Community & Sports Lead. Actively engage volunteers and community partners to expand participation and ensure vision groups are accessible, safe, and welcoming.

What does a day in this role look like

To plan, deliver, and coordinate social, confidence-building, and peer-led activities for people with visual impairment, creating safe and inclusive environments that promote wellbeing and social connection.

What development opportunities are available within the role?

Most people learn parts of the job once they are in post, you will have access to in person training and online training. So, if this role interests you and you believe you can help us grow our community-based services we would love to hear from you.

What is expected of you within this role?

Group Delivery and Facilitation

• Plan and deliver social, confidence-building, and peer-led activities (remotely and in person).
• Create and maintain inclusive, supportive group environments where all participants can engage fully.
• Manage light safeguarding and wellbeing checks within group settings and escalate concerns promptly.

Community Engagement

• Actively build community relationships, engage and nurture partner organisations, to recruit new clients and volunteers.
• Work with local community groups to help make activities accessible and welcoming for people with visual impairment.
• Provide volunteers with clear guidance, encouragement, and feedback during activities.

Data and Record Management

• Maintain accurate attendance and activity records for all groups.
• Capture feedback from participants and volunteers to inform service improvement.

Summary of requirements of the role Essential

• Experience in group facilitation (social, wellbeing, peer-led, or creative).
• Proven ability to create safe, inclusive, and engaging group environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with empathy, confidence, and clear communication.
• Experience of working with veterans or people with a visual impairment in a paid or voluntary capacity.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with local community partners and volunteers.
• Confidence in representing the organisation in local settings and promoting its services.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and willingness to act on concerns.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and balance multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Knowledge of visual impairment and accessibility best practice.
• Experience supporting volunteers or community-led activities.
• Familiarity with community asset-based approaches or outreach work.
• Awareness of veterans’ support services.
• Experience in monitoring participation, gathering feedback, and contributing to service evaluation.

You don’t need to meet every single requirement to be a great candidate. Most people learn parts of the job once they’re in post, so if a role interests you and you believe you could grow into it, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re committed to fair, accessible recruitment. If you need any adjustments, like extra time, a different format, or other support, at any stage of the process, just let us know. Please contact People and Culture on 0131 378 2793 or via people@sightscotland.org.uk who can arrange for any support you need.

About us

For more than 230 years we've been supporting and empowering people with sight loss to live fulfilling lives. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we want to do more. We will build on our rich history to create an organisation which is prepared for the future, and ready to respond to the needs of people impacted by vision loss.

Our vision is bold. We want to be at the leading edge of positive societal change by:

• Investing our funds in the support that makes the biggest difference
• Putting our community at the heart of what we do
• Campaigning for change
• Accelerating prevention and treatment of eye conditions
• Fostering a collaborative culture of innovation and learning

We're determined that no-one should face sight loss alone. We're committed to improving, diversifying and growing our services to make sure we can reach many more people with sight loss - when and where they need us.

Our organisational values - Transform, Unite and Thrive - underpin all the work we do at Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans.

• Benefits
• Generous employee pension scheme
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• Discounted cinema tickets
• Discounts for carers

About this role and what is the opportunity within the role

To join an experienced fun team to support the delivery of Centre Without Walls activities and inclusive sporting opportunities. This will be done under guidance from the Vision Community & Sports Lead. Actively engage volunteers and community partners to expand participation and ensure vision groups are accessible, safe, and welcoming.

What does a day in this role look like

To plan, deliver, and coordinate social, confidence-building, and peer-led activities for people with visual impairment, creating safe and inclusive environments that promote wellbeing and social connection.

What development opportunities are available within the role?

Most people learn parts of the job once they are in post, you will have access to in person training and online training. So, if this role interests you and you believe you can help us grow our community-based services we would love to hear from you.

What is expected of you within this role?

Group Delivery and Facilitation

• Plan and deliver social, confidence-building, and peer-led activities (remotely and in person).
• Create and maintain inclusive, supportive group environments where all participants can engage fully.
• Manage light safeguarding and wellbeing checks within group settings and escalate concerns promptly.

Community Engagement

• Actively build community relationships, engage and nurture partner organisations, to recruit new clients and volunteers.
• Work with local community groups to help make activities accessible and welcoming for people with visual impairment.
• Provide volunteers with clear guidance, encouragement, and feedback during activities.

Data and Record Management

• Maintain accurate attendance and activity records for all groups.
• Capture feedback from participants and volunteers to inform service improvement.

Summary of requirements of the role Essential

• Experience in group facilitation (social, wellbeing, peer-led, or creative).
• Proven ability to create safe, inclusive, and engaging group environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with empathy, confidence, and clear communication.
• Experience of working with veterans or people with a visual impairment in a paid or voluntary capacity.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with local community partners and volunteers.
• Confidence in representing the organisation in local settings and promoting its services.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and willingness to act on concerns.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and balance multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Knowledge of visual impairment and accessibility best practice.
• Experience supporting volunteers or community-led activities.
• Familiarity with community asset-based approaches or outreach work.
• Awareness of veterans’ support services.
• Experience in monitoring participation, gathering feedback, and contributing to service evaluation.

You don’t need to meet every single requirement to be a great candidate. Most people learn parts of the job once they’re in post, so if a role interests you and you believe you could grow into it, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re committed to fair, accessible recruitment. If you need any adjustments, like extra time, a different format, or other support, at any stage of the process, just let us know. Please contact People and Culture on 0131 378 2793 or via people@sightscotland.org.uk who can arrange for any support you need.

About us

For more than 230 years we've been supporting and empowering people with sight loss to live fulfilling lives. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we want to do more. We will build on our rich history to create an organisation which is prepared for the future, and ready to respond to the needs of people impacted by vision loss.

Our vision is bold. We want to be at the leading edge of positive societal change by:

• Investing our funds in the support that makes the biggest difference
• Putting our community at the heart of what we do
• Campaigning for change
• Accelerating prevention and treatment of eye conditions
• Fostering a collaborative culture of innovation and learning

We're determined that no-one should face sight loss alone. We're committed to improving, diversifying and growing our services to make sure we can reach many more people with sight loss - when and where they need us.

Our organisational values - Transform, Unite and Thrive - underpin all the work we do at Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans.

Benefits

• Generous employee pension scheme
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• Discounted cinema tickets
• Discounts for carers