About the PKD Charity:
Founded in 2000, we’re the first and only UK charity solely dedicated to improving the lives of an estimated 70,000
individuals and their families affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in the UK.
PKD is a range of life-threatening inherited conditions that can cause kidney failure and affect other organs in the
body such as the liver, brain, heart and bowels. Most people with PKD live with an uncertain prognosis,
intermittent pain and infections, and then have to undergo life saving dialysis or transplant in their 50s.
A few babies have a rare form of PKD which results in death during pregnancy or shortly after birth; the surviving
children often have to have either a kidney or liver transplant before the age of 10.
- We provide reliable, accredited information, advice and personalised support.
- We raise awareness of the
burden of PKD, both clinical and psychosocial.
- We fund research aimed at understanding more about PKD
and the discovery of therapies that will improve quality and longevity of life.
- We are committed to
providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the
community.
About the Project
PKD Scotland: Outreach and Community Connections Project.
It is estimated that around 5,000 people in Scotland could be living with Polycystic Kidney Disease. It is however
often poorly understood and historically underfunded, meaning people can leave clinic after diagnosis with
little support beyond medical appointments.
Many tell us they don't know where to turn for emotional support or to meet others living with the same
condition. We want to change that and with support from a National lottery Awards for All grant that is exactly
what we are going to do.
The eighteen-month project will see us reach into hospitals across Scotland to try and ensure that no one with PKD in
Scotland has to manage their journey on their own. From diagnosis onwards we want all to be aware of the
charity, the array of services that we offer and foster engagement.
Two new volunteer led support groups will be established and a group of ambassadors recruited to support the ongoing
connections we make to ensure that PKD remains in the spotlight. As our Scotland PKD Engagement Officer you will
be central to the success of the project.
Many people only reach us years after diagnosis, often when symptoms worsen, but we know that early connection can
make a real difference. PKD is lifelong and people face new challenges at every stage. Having support around
them helps them stay confident, informed and connected.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As PKD’s Scotland Engagement Officer, you will play a central role in delivering this ambitious outreach
project.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will raise awareness of the PKD Charity and its services, ensuring that people
diagnosed with PKD are informed about available support from the earliest possible stage.
You will build and nurture relationships with NHS professionals and services across Scotland, helping embed PKD
Charity information and resources into patient pathways. Alongside this, you will work closely with volunteers
to establish two new PKD support groups and develop an ambassador programme to maintain long-term local
engagement and visibility.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident relationship-builder who enjoys working autonomously while
contributing to a small and dedicated team. Your work will help ensure that people living with PKD across
Scotland feel informed, connected and supported throughout every stage of their condition.